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What can I do this summer (summer before senior year) to improve my college applications?

Hello! This summer will be my last summer in high school. This fall, I'll be applying to colleges. I was wondering what things I could do this summer to improve my applications. I'm signing up to volunteer at my local hospital however, I found out it's lottery-based, not skill-based, so I am not sure if I'll get the spot. I am also going to retake the SAT this August, I wanted to take the ACT, however, I am not too sure. I also plan to tutor young kids in my community. I feel like I am not doing enough and that my peers are way ahead of me. I plan for my major to be public/community health, so it would be better if I did things in relation to that. Please let me know of some other things I could do to improve my college apps!!! Thank you :)

career college medicine school high-school university medical sat bachelors-degree university-applications summer volunteering senioryear collegeapplications junior-year 11th-grade physcianassistant acttest publichealthmajor sattest
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Tasnin !

Your plans sound so exciting and you seem to be a wonderfully ambitious student which is always great to know !

As a prospective Public Health Major, there are many different volunteer experiences that you can obtain that will support your future college major and they do not need to be in a hospital setting. Your Volunteer Tutoring position is excellent (do not underestimate it) and you do not need to compare yourself with others. It's awesome that you are tutoring because it shows that you care about the community, have developed leadership skills and that is outstanding. It doesn't matter what other students are doing, you're doing something important and worthy of praise.

If the hospital chooses volunteers on a lottery basis, I would say to not waste time waiting around for that. Your major is going to be Public Health, so I would refer you directly to your local Department of Health to volunteer. Your Department of Health is called the Loudoun County Virginia Human Services Department. They have various departments to choose volunteer work in such as Disease Control, Environmental Health Services, Health Clinics, organizations, Community Health Data Dept., Online Services and the Medical Reserve Corps.

Another volunteer opportunity would be to contact mal-practice attorneys to see if you can volunteer in their law office. You might be able to do volunteer reception, data entry or screening interviews. Volunteering in this type of office will give you an idea of different issues and how law connects with health issues.

When you apply for Federal Student Financial Aid, choose the Work Study option. Work Study will provide you with an on campus (or off campus) job, focused on your Major, that you can work around your class schedule. Once you get Work Study granted to you, you go to the department or building for the work study job. Talk with your financial aid officer about this for details. Most colleges have clinics and departments for students that have disabilities and you can find out other departments that connect with Public Health to look for a work study job.

Always remember that volunteer work is a personal experience that benefits you as a student in many ways. Yes, it looks good on college applications, too, but the experience is what is more important. Taking in knowledge and learning skills is the benefit that counts the most.

So, you have a very exciting summer and Fall to look forward to ! I wish you all the best !
Thank you comment icon Your advice was so helpful! Tasnin
Thank you comment icon Love the advice, thank you! Tasnin
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome ! Michelle M.
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Lakshmi’s Answer

You’re already doing a lot, and your planning shows great initiative!

1. Healthcare & Community Service
- Hospital Volunteering: Apply, but also look for other clinics, nursing homes, or community health centers.
- Community Health Projects: Start a small project—organize a health awareness campaign, food drive, or mental health workshop (even virtually).
- Tutoring: Emphasize any health-related tutoring (e.g., science, biology).

2. Academic Enrichment
- Online Courses: Take a free or low-cost online course in public health, epidemiology, or health policy (Coursera, edX, Khan Academy).
- Shadowing: Ask local doctors, nurses, or public health workers if you can shadow them for a day or two.

3. Leadership & Initiative
- Start a Club or Initiative: Launch a health-related club, blog, or social media campaign in your school/community.
- Apply for Summer Programs: Look for public health or pre-college programs (even if virtual).

4. Personal Development
- Reflect & Journal: Keep a journal about your experiences—this helps later with application essays.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Tasnin
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Cheri’s Answer

Hi Tasnin,

You've already come up with some great ideas for building your college resume for this fall. It's normal to feel like you're not doing as much as others, but remember, it's not about how many activities you do, but the quality of those activities. Since you're looking for more ideas, here are a few suggestions:

1. You mentioned volunteering at a local hospital. Consider also volunteering at a nursing home or assisted living center. They often welcome volunteers to interact and socialize with the seniors.

2. Do you have a summer job? Working can be a great addition to your resume. A recommendation from your boss can boost your college application. The job could align with your future goals or just be something you enjoy. Jobs teach skills that are useful in many careers. For example, if you're interested in public health, communication skills are important. A job in a restaurant might help you develop these skills.

3. Spend time studying for the SAT and take practice exams. If you're not applying to schools that require the ACT, focus on the SAT. The exams are different, and you might benefit from concentrating on one.

4. Start working on your Common App essay. Getting a head start over the summer can help with time management in the fall. Check if the prompts are out or will be soon. Also, look at the universities you're applying to for any additional essay requirements. Starting early can ease the pressure during your busy senior year.

5. You mentioned tutoring. How about volunteering at your local library? They might need help with children's story time or assisting seniors with technology.

Use this summer to explore your interests and focus on what you choose to do. Don't worry about doing a lot; think quality over quantity. Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help! And yes, I do have a job! I've started working since last summer :)) Tasnin
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Hwal’s Answer

Tasnin,

You seem to be engaged in interesting activities already, and it looks like other mentors have mentioned several other activities and tips in terms of boosting your college application.

From my perspective, I would encourage you to take a step back and think mindfully about what you have achieved and what you are currently doing. Are these activities something you would start again because you genuinely enjoy them, even if they didn't boost your college application? I hope the answer is yes. I would also encourage you to consider taking time out to enjoy yourself, such as appreciating nature and hiking in a park, or spending time with family and/or friends you trust. College can be hectic and a big change, so I hope you prioritise good mental health before starting college. Actually, at all times.

Good luck!

Hwal
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Tasnin
Thank you comment icon Thank you!! Tasnin
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Audrey’s Answer

Hi! First of all, I just want to say—you’re already doing a lot more than you think. The fact that you’re actively planning your summer, volunteering, retaking the SAT, and tutoring shows a ton of initiative and maturity. Try not to compare yourself to others too much—college admissions is about telling your story, not checking someone else’s boxes.

That said, since you’re interested in public or community health, here are a few summer ideas that could help strengthen your application and align with your goals:

Community Health Projects: See if there are any local nonprofits, food banks, health fairs, or vaccination drives you can volunteer at. Even helping with outreach or organizing materials counts as real-world public health experience.

Create Your Own Initiative: If you don’t get into the hospital program, don’t stress. You could start something simple like a health blog for teens, run a hygiene product drive, or make health education flyers in multiple languages for underserved communities. Colleges love self-starters.

Online Courses or Certifications: Look into free courses on Coursera or edX in topics like epidemiology, nutrition, or health policy. Even something small shows intellectual curiosity.

Informational Interviews: Reach out to someone in public health (a professor, social worker, health educator) and ask if you can chat with them for 20 minutes about their career path. It shows initiative and could give you clarity on your future major.

Reflect & Journal: Colleges love reflection. Take time to jot down what you’re learning from each experience this summer—what surprised you, challenged you, or changed your perspective. That kind of depth makes essays powerful later.

And honestly? Tutoring kids is a beautiful example of service, leadership, and communication—don’t underestimate how valuable that is.

You’re doing great. Keep following what genuinely interests you, and your application will reflect who you are—not just what you did.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Audrey! Tasnin
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Annie’s Answer

Hi friend!

It sounds like you are doing well to prioritize your future and maximize your opportunities! It's easy to feel like you're behind in the life stage that you're at, but speaking with high school aged students you sound very well prepared! Many of my peers preferred and scored higher on the ACT compared to the SAT, so if you have time to try the exam I would recommend it.
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Katherine’s Answer

Hello!

In addition to the wonderful advice already given, I have a few suggestions for you:

1. Use what spare time you have to start strategizing how you will approach the application process (i.e., common app or direct applications) and what schools/programs you are applying to.

If you already have specific programs in mind, reach out to your school counselor and ask to be put in contact with opportunities that cater to them.

2. Start applying for opportunities that will occur right before you start your applications. I highly suggest applying to be a Page with your state House of Representatives or Senate — they are typically 1-2 week rotations that are an invaluable opportunity to network.

3. Colleges like to see consistency. So, to the extent possible, keep up with your current volunteering/programs.

You are setting yourself up for success. You’ve got this!
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Kelly’s Answer

Hello Tasnin!

You already have an amazing plan to begin your college applications and, if you haven't already, start drafting your personal statement and supplemental essays now based on the interests and opportunities you've listed. Find opportunities that are fun, which will become great additions to your application, for your last summer before college:

--Volunteering &/or community service: food banks, nursing homes, veterinary clinics, dog walking, etc.
--Develop a passion project: write a blog, build an app, enter academic or artistic competitions

You are doing great!

Kelly recommends the following next steps:

Document Your Impact: Keep track of your contributions, hours, and any measurable outcomes.
Reflect: Think about what you learned and how the experience shaped your goals—this will help with essays and interviews.
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Georgette’s Answer

Hi Tasnin,

Sounds like you are doing a great job. Don't compare yourself to others, that will drive you nuts. Stay focused on your goals and everything will work out. Good Luck!
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Chase’s Answer

Hi Tasnin, this is a great question!

Given college applications will be due in the next few months, my best piece of advice would be to pick 1-2 extracurricular involvements ASAP (you mentioned volunteering at a hospital, tutoring younger students) and run with it. The summer will go by quickly, so it's important to pick even only 1 means of building up your college resume to a stronger point than it is today. I have personally found great joy and fulfillment in mentoring and tutoring students, and the summer time is a perfect opportunity to help students stay sharp on skills and concepts and help prepare for classes they plan to take next school year. If that is something you're interested in, start by tutoring one student and go from there! Even small progress will give you momentum to go for more even though you are feeling behind at the moment.

Additional ideas related to your desired field of study below as well:
-Volunteer at a community-based organization and help with health initiatives
-Shadow a Doctor, Nurse, or Community Health Worker
-Start a social media account providing health tips and advice and interact with your audience
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Julie’s Answer

Hi Tasnin,
You should not stress about whether you are doing as much as someone else, everyone has their own path, and you are already making some great decisions for the summer and your future!
Volunteering at any health facility, as suggested by others, is a good way to help you know what area suits you best.
The fact that you are also tutoring young students shows you have confidence in yourself and that you care for your community, both excellent traits that will always benefit you.
Also, it is not just about what you do and where you spend you time this summer; the people you meet, the experiences you have, and the lessons you learn, all add to your growth and maturity. Be open to opportunities and volunteering that may not be related to the health field, to help expand your experiences for additional personal growth.
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Lauren’s Answer

Hi Tasnin,

I want to encourage you that you are thinking about this in a great way! You are taking all the right steps. Don't be too hard on yourself!

Here's some ideas:
- A local library might have opportunities to volunteer
- You could work in a daycare to get experience caring for younger children

Also, I want to add that having any job experience is good! Any job you do will have transferrable skills that you can bring to a different environment. You get paid and expand your network.

I hope this helps!
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Pooja’s Answer

Hi! It sounds like you're on a great journey with your dedication! Here are some tips to keep you moving forward:

1. Community Health Activities
- Volunteer or Shadow: Try volunteering at a hospital, clinic, public health office, or local nonprofit. If you can't do it in person, look for online options.
- Start a Project: Plan a health-related drive, awareness campaign, or workshop in your community.

2. Academic Enrichment
- Take a Course: Sign up for an online or community college class in health, biology, or statistics.
- Do a Mini Research Project: Conduct a survey on a health topic in your community and share your findings.

3. Test Prep
- SAT/ACT: Focus on the test that fits you best. If unsure, take a practice ACT.
- Prep for Next Year’s Classes: Look ahead at AP/IB material if applicable.

4. Leadership
- Start a Club or Initiative: Launch a health-focused club or organize a virtual event.

5. Personal Statement
- Start Your Essays: Begin brainstorming and drafting your college essays now.
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Phillip’s Answer

Hi! Here are some tips to help you as you decide next steps moving forward:

1. Be consistent: As you begin to apply to colleges and fill out your extracurriculars and hobbies, admission officers will look at not only what you have done but also for how long you have done said activity. This shows dedication, consistency and passion in something that interests you.

2. Continue to study: You mentioned that you were planning on taking the SAT, as well as potentially the ACT. Continue on that path to keep studying. A comparison between the two is that while the SAT is more critical thinking based the ACT is more content based and also has a science section. Depending on your learning style focusing on one of the exam rather than splitting time could be more beneficial.
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Phillip’s Answer

Hi! First off congrats and good luck graduating high school is no small feat. Here are some recommendations for you as you move forward:

1. Be consistent: As you begin to apply to colleges and fill out your extracurriculars and hobbies, admission officers will look at not only what you have done but also for how long you have done said activity. This shows dedication, consistency and passion in something that interests you.

2. Continue to study: You mentioned that you were planning on taking the SAT, as well as potentially the ACT. Continue on that path to keep studying. A comparison between the two is that while the SAT is more critical thinking based the ACT is more content based and also has a science section. Depending on your learning style focusing on one of the exam rather than splitting time could be more beneficial.
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Ryan’s Answer

As others have said, you are already off to a great start with your college app preparations. I would continue to look for volunteering opportunities that are available near you. Showing that you are actively giving back to the community can help to strengthen your applications by showing you are an individual that likes to get involved, which helps to argue that you have much to contribute to a university's student body/community.

Additionally, maybe try to look for a shadowing opportunity or some form of internship/work study program. Sometimes your school may have some sort of catalog of these types of opportunities, so I would start the search there.

Other ways to improve your college apps are to seek out educational opportunities over the summer. Maybe there is a summer college course or some other educational course/opportunity that you can participate in during the summer. This will help to show initiative and that you are active about learning.

Best of luck!
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Grace’s Answer

Kudos for being intentional and mindful at this stage. In addition to the great advise given already, I would recommend you visit the campuses. Take an official tour, visit their websites and build a profile, etc. Colleges nowadays actually track these metrics and do their own analysis on recruits. With so many great options out there, it's just as important that the campus meets YOUR needs, expectations, and environment that you'll feel comfortable and successful in.
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Maansi’s Answer

Hi Tasnin - It's great that you're thinking ahead, and it sounds like you already have a busy summer ahead. While this is something more academics-oriented, something that I found really helped me was taking a introductory public health course for free at my local community college during the summer before my senior year of high school. Many local community colleges (can speak to the ones in California) offer free/discounted class options for high school students under their dual enrollment option. My class was about infectious diseases and it really helped me figure out whether I enjoyed the subject, and if public health would be a good fit for me in college.
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Shreya’s Answer

Hello Tasnin,

You’re an ambitious student, and your volunteer tutoring is already a great experience—it shows leadership and community commitment. For public health, volunteering doesn’t have to be in a hospital. Consider your local Department of Health or related organizations for opportunities in areas like disease control or health clinics. You could also explore volunteering at a law office to see how health and law connect.

When applying for college, choose the Work Study option for jobs related to your major. Remember, volunteer work is valuable for your growth, not just your application. Focus on learning and gaining experience—you’re on the right track!

Best wishes for an exciting summer and fall!
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Steven’s Answer

Well done on recognizing that building a resume and career takes effort and time. You're off to a great start! Consider taking summer jobs in fields that interest you to gain valuable experience. Working with nonprofits and volunteering can also help you develop important skills for your future. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
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Andrey’s Answer

Hey Tasnin!
As previously mentioned volunteer hours are a must! Try to find volunteer hours that are within scope of your future degree. Get involved in community, this is a great way not to only meet new people but to get references and even job opportunities.

Career aptitude test is a must. I recommend this to any young individual who is not quite sure what they want to do. Answer the questions truthfully and see what careers match your personality and interests. You would be surprised how many people find careers they have not considered.
Additionally i would recommend shadowing, this is sometimes required for professional school applications. It is a great way to see the actual flow of things for the careers you are interested in.
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