Best Things to Do in the Summer for University Applications

Summer Activities that Impress Colleges

Summer is an excellent time to strengthen your university application. Without the pressure of schoolwork, you can focus on activities that improve your academic profile, develop key skills, and make your application stand out. Whether you’re aiming for Oxbridge, the Ivy League, or other competitive universities, a well-planned summer can give you a strong advantage.

This guide covers a range of meaningful activities, from test preparation to internships, extracurriculars, and personal projects, ensuring that every student – regardless of background or interests – can make the most of their summer.

1. Prepare for Standardized Tests

If your university application requires standardized tests, summer is the best time to prepare. Yes I probably sound like your mother now, but ‘let the main thing be the main thing’. Without daily school commitments, you should be able to create a structured study plan and take practice tests without distractions.

Which Tests Matter?

• UK Applicants may need to take entrance exams such as the BMAT or UCAT (for medicine), LNAT (for law), or MAT/TMUA (for maths).
• US Applicants often take the SAT or ACT, which play a major role in admissions decisions. Some universities also require SAT Subject Tests or Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
• International Students applying to English-speaking universities may need to sit the TOEFL or IELTS.

How to Study Effectively

• Set a structured plan: decide how many hours per week you will dedicate to test prep.
• Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to simulate exam day.
• Use official resources from test providers like College Board, UCAT Consortium, or Khan Academy.
• Consider test prep courses if you need expert guidance. Online platforms like Udemy, The Princeton Review, or Oxbridge Applications offer structured courses.

A strong test score can set your application apart, particularly for competitive courses.

2. Gain Work Experience or Internships

Relevant work experience is highly valued by universities, especially in vocational fields like medicine, law, and business. Work experience helps demonstrate commitment to your chosen subject, provides real-world insights, and enhances your personal statement or application essays. Application aside, it builds character, it builds a better version of you. So, win-win!

Where to Get Experience?

• Medicine: Try to secure a placement in a hospital or GP practice. Many hospitals offer structured work experience programs, but if this isn’t possible, volunteering at a care home or shadowing a healthcare professional can also provide useful insights.
• Law: Internships at law firms can be competitive, but even working in an administrative role at a legal office or attending court hearings can provide valuable exposure. Consider virtual work experience from organisations like Forage.
• Business/Finance: Interning at a startup, bank, or even running your own small business (like reselling items online) demonstrates entrepreneurial skills.
• STEM Fields: Research internships or lab assistant roles provide hands-on experience in scientific fields. Many universities and companies offer short research placements for students.

If formal work experience is hard to secure, consider virtual internships, which have become more popular post-pandemic. Programs like Springpod and Bright Network offer work experience opportunities in various industries.

3. Attend a Summer School or Academic Program

Summer schools allow you to explore subjects in depth, develop independent thinking, and gain insight into university-style learning. Prioritize programs that are highly competitive as they can enhance your application significantly.

Examples of Top Summer Programs

• UK-based: Oxford and Cambridge Summer Schools, Sutton Trust, UNIQ (Oxford), LSE Summer School.
• US-based: Harvard Pre-College Program, Yale Young Global Scholars, MIT LaunchX.
• STEM-focused: PROMYS (for maths), Nuffield Research Placements, Research Science Institute (RSI).

These programs provide not only academic knowledge but also networking opportunities. You’ll meet like-minded students and may even receive recommendation letters from university professors.

If attending a prestigious summer school isn’t an option, look for local university-led programs or MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) that allow you to learn at your own pace.

4. Work on Your Personal Statement or Application Essays

A compelling personal statement (for UK universities) or college essays (for US universities) can make or break an application. Summer is the perfect time to brainstorm, draft, and refine these essays without school-related stress.

UK Personal Statement Strategy

• Focus on why you want to study your chosen subject – universities want to see passion and commitment.
• Provide evidence of your academic interest, such as books you’ve read, projects you’ve worked on, or competitions you’ve entered.
• Discuss work experience, extracurriculars, and skills relevant to your subject.

US College Essay Strategy

• The Common App personal statement should reflect your unique perspective, values, and personality.
• Use storytelling rather than just listing achievements – show admissions officers how your experiences have shaped you.
• Prepare for supplemental essays that ask about your interest in specific universities.

Writing several drafts and getting feedback from teachers, mentors, or counsellors can make a huge difference.

5. Engage in Meaningful Extracurricular Activities

Universities prefer students who demonstrate commitment and leadership in their extracurriculars. Rather than joining numerous clubs, focus on activities where you can make an impact.

How to Strengthen Your Extracurricular Profile?

• Debating and Public Speaking: Join Model UN or participate in national debate competitions.
• Community Service: Volunteer in meaningful projects, such as tutoring underprivileged students or working in environmental initiatives.
• Creative Projects: Write a book, start a blog, launch a YouTube channel, or create an app.
• Leadership Roles: Organize a fundraising event, start a student initiative, or take on a leadership position in an existing club.

Competitive universities like Oxbridge and Ivy League schools value students who drive change and create impact through their activities.

6. Take Online Courses or Independent Study

Self-directed learning shows intellectual curiosity, which is highly valued in university applications.

Best Platforms for Online Learning:

• Coursera, EdX, FutureLearn: University-led courses in various subjects.
• Harvard/MIT OpenCourseWare: Free university-level courses.
• Udemy, LinkedIn Learning: Skill-based courses (coding, business, design).

Select courses relevant to your intended major and mention them in your application to show your commitment to learning beyond the classroom.

7. Read Widely and Stay Informed

For students applying to competitive universities, especially Oxbridge, reading beyond the curriculum is crucial. Admissions interviews often test your ability to discuss and analyse subject-related topics.

How to Build Academic Knowledge?

• Read books related to your subject (e.g., Sapiens for history, Thinking, Fast and Slow for psychology).
• Follow academic journals, podcasts, and news related to your field.
• Write summaries or critiques of what you’ve read to develop analytical skills.

Keeping up with developments in your field ensures you’ll be well-prepared for university interviews and discussions.

8. Travel with a Purpose

Travelling can be more than just leisure – it can contribute to personal growth and your application.

• Language Immersion: Learning a new language through immersion can be beneficial, especially for students applying to international relations or linguistics programs.
• Cultural Exchange: Visiting historical sites, attending cultural events, or participating in exchange programs can provide unique insights.
• Volunteering Abroad: Engaging in international service projects can show initiative and social responsibility.

If travelling isn’t an option, explore virtual cultural experiences, such as international pen-pal programs or online exchange initiatives.

What should you do in the summer?

A well-planned summer can significantly enhance your university application. Balancing academic preparation, work experience, extracurricular activities, and personal projects will help you stand out to admissions officers. Whatever activities you choose, focus on depth rather than breadth – demonstrate genuine passion and commitment rather than simply ticking boxes.

Start planning now, set clear goals, and make this summer count.

From Ivy League aspirations to building future-ready skills, we’re here to guide your journey.