7 Productive and Easy Summer Activities for High Schoolers

Summer break is the perfect time to explore productive summer activities for high school students that strengthen college applications and build real-world skills.

The criteria for college admissions get more and more strict every year. Grades and test scores alone won’t suffice to get you into top schools.

Why Productive Summer Activities Matter

Over 7 million students applied to college through the Common App in 2023, making it harder than ever to stand out. Top colleges want more than just good grades—they look for initiative, leadership, and unique experiences.

That’s where productive summer activities for high school students come in. According to NACAC (National Association for College Admissions Counseling), extracurriculars and personal qualities are key factors in admissions decisions.

These experiences let you explore interests, build skills, and show real commitment. Whether it’s an internship, volunteer work, or a passion project, your summer can be a launching pad for both personal growth and a standout college application.

Do a Summer Program

Summer programs are a great way to show colleges your passion for a specific subject. There are a ton of summer programs tailored specifically for high school students. Each program has a different purpose so make sure you read the description carefully.

Some may be marketed as “exploratory” or introductory programs. These are for students who would like to explore more about a field or subject. This is great if you are unsure about your future and want to spend some time browsing your options.

On the other hand, there are also programs that guide you through a project or mentorship. Such programs require a greater time commitment than the introductory programs, however, you will get a tangible product at the end. 

At the end of the day, make sure you actually like the program. Don’t apply just to keep yourself busy. Do it because you care, want to learn, and be part of that community. Many of my friends are from such summer programs and it’s a great way to bond with like-minded peers.

Complete an Internship

Among the most impactful productive summer activities for high school students are internships, which offer hands-on experience and networking opportunities.

Doing an internship is also a great way to build a compelling academic profile. It shows competence and initiative in your desired academic field. Internships expose you to higher-level coursework and allow you to demonstrate your knowledge in the workforce. 

Simultaneously, internships can also be used to explore your interests. It fosters curiosity and exploration while also honing in on your soft skills.

Internships also offer unparalleled networking opportunities. As high school students, it’s difficult to gain connections in the real world due to liability issues. Because students are minors, trust is a major problem and most don’t have the necessary experience for a particular position.

Being able to gain those connections before starting college can save you time in the long run. You will be ahead of the game as you already have experience before working toward your diploma. This will also help with getting internships as an undergraduate.

Take a Summer Class

Yet another way to show your competence in a specific subject is to take a course over the summer.

Most students will take a summer class to jump ahead in a certain subject. Whether that be math, science, or any progressive course, it’s a great way to show have a rigorous course load.

Summer classes don’t have to be core subjects though. Many organizations such as Silicon Valley High School (SVHS) offer elective courses. These “fun” courses help you learn specific trades or soft skills.

For example, a course like Photography or American Sign Language (ASL) could help in the future when applying for a job. These unique abilities help you stand out in the job market and are highly sought after in specific fields.

Study for the SAT or ACT

During the regular school year, it’s difficult to set aside time to study standardized tests. Especially if you’re taking multiple honors and AP courses, it only adds onto the unbearable workload.

However, with many school-related obligations gone during the summer, you can focus more time on studying for the SAT or ACT.

Don’t think it’s important? Many top schools such as Harvard, Brown, Yale, Darmouth, and MIT have already reinstated testing requirements for the Fall Class of 2025.

Though some schools are still test optional, many have shifted away from pandemic-era standards. In the face of confusion, it’s still better to take the SAT or ACT. 

That way, you’ll have a score to submit to certain colleges that may require them. 

Get Work or Volunteering Experience

This is another amazing way to show your passion and commitment to a field. It shows colleges a sense of maturity and responsibility that extends beyond your involvement in academics and school-related extracurriculars.

With employment, there is a certain level of responsibility that a student needs to possess. Showing up to a shift on time, and being to work independently are all essential skills. You need to be able to follow instructions, but don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

This is a great way to develop soft skills and give back—clearly one of the most fulfilling, productive summer activities for high school students.

Work that aligns with your intended major looks even better on a college application because it shows your applying your knowledge. Actively seeking out opportunities shows initiative and that’s one value that many admission officers like to see.

As an added bonus, you are probably getting paid. Though it is minimum wage, it can give you some spending money to use in your free time. In my opinion, it gives you a sense of financial freedom.

You won’t have to completely rely on your parents to buy certain things. As long as you responsibly use the money, I believe it’s a good way to learn independence. This pretty much mimics what it’s like in college too. 

So, you’ll be extra prepared when you get to that point.

Develop a Personal Project

Also called a “passion project.” These projects are a personal endeavor you undergo to showcase your values and unique identity. Obviously, it’s a very broad term.

Anything that can demonstrate your interest in a certain field, whether that be doing independent research, starting a blog, or creating an organization, can be considered a “passion project.”

The only criterion for these summer activities is that, well, it stems from your passion. Don’t start one just because others have started theirs. Truly dig deep and find something you can do that will align with your ideals.

Moreover, projects can be a community initiative. Things like organizing clean-ups and working with underserved communities, can all be grouped together. You just have to frame it in a way in which you make a quantifiable impact.

These projects show leadership and initiative, demonstrating your future potential at a certain college. 

Pro tip: A meaningful passion project can single handedly get you into a T20 college!

Tour College Campuses

What better summer activity than to check out the colleges themselves?

You’ll get exposure to the college campus and hear from current students. Additionally, many colleges additionally offer guided tours. Getting insight on the history of many building infrastructures is a great way to familiarize yourself with the college.

On the admissions side, knowing what the college offers can aid you in writing your essays. Referencing specific things that you would like to do at the college can show demonstrated interest.

This means officers look favorably upon students who have shown a clear reason why they want to attend a school. Colleges want to admit students who have the highest chance of matriculating.

Therefore, they are more likely to admit students who have a deep interest in attending a school and have taken steps to SHOW officers.

Conclusion

Summer break is more than just a time to relax—it’s a golden opportunity to level up your high school journey and build a standout college application. 

Whether you’re pursuing an internship, volunteering, or launching a personal project, the summer is a golden opportunity to stand out.

By choosing productive summer activities for high school students, you not only explore your interests but also create a standout college application. Start now—your future self will thank you. The truth is, college admissions are getting more competitive every year. 

But by intentionally spending your summer building skills, exploring interests, and showcasing initiative, you’ll not only stand out—you’ll grow into a more confident and capable version of yourself.

So don’t let the summer slip by. Take charge of your future today and craft a summer that sets the foundation for everything to come.