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Tiana
Student
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
5
Questions
Asked
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What extra activities to do during my summer for a college application boost ?
Hi , I am an IBDP student who really needs to manage her time with academics and needs to boost her college applications and resume since I am an under average student in school :(. .
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1 answer
Srinivas Rao Routhu
Business Consultant
40
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Srinivas Rao’s Answer
For an IBDP student who needs to strengthen a college application, the best summer activities are ones that show focus, commitment, and growth—not just “filling up” your resume. Since you’re already managing a heavy workload, aim for 1–2 meaningful things that align with your interests.
1. Focus on quality, not quantity
Colleges care more about depth than a long list:
- 1 strong project or internship is better than 5 half‑done activities.
- Try to continue something over several weeks so you can show real progress.
2. Good summer options for you
Pick from 1–2 of these, depending on your interests and time:
- Mini project in your favorite subject
- Example: a small research or data project, a blog or YouTube channel explaining IB topics, or a creative/coding project.
- This shows curiosity and initiative beyond your school grades.
- Short internship or shadowing
- Even 2–4 weeks in a lab, NGO, tech startup, or small business counts if you can show what you learned and contributed.
- Structured learning
- An online course or certified program in a skill (coding, data, design, writing, etc.) that connects to your intended major.
- Volunteer or community work
- Regular, focused work (e.g., tutoring younger students, organizing a small event, or helping a local organization) shows responsibility and empathy.
3. How to make it “admissions‑friendly”
- Write short reflections: after each week, note what you learned and how it connects to your future goals.
- Document output: mention a portfolio link, certificate, or brief project description in your personal statement or extracurriculars section.
- Be honest but proud: your application doesn’t need perfect grades; it should show that you’re growing, trying, and staying curious.
1. Focus on quality, not quantity
Colleges care more about depth than a long list:
- 1 strong project or internship is better than 5 half‑done activities.
- Try to continue something over several weeks so you can show real progress.
2. Good summer options for you
Pick from 1–2 of these, depending on your interests and time:
- Mini project in your favorite subject
- Example: a small research or data project, a blog or YouTube channel explaining IB topics, or a creative/coding project.
- This shows curiosity and initiative beyond your school grades.
- Short internship or shadowing
- Even 2–4 weeks in a lab, NGO, tech startup, or small business counts if you can show what you learned and contributed.
- Structured learning
- An online course or certified program in a skill (coding, data, design, writing, etc.) that connects to your intended major.
- Volunteer or community work
- Regular, focused work (e.g., tutoring younger students, organizing a small event, or helping a local organization) shows responsibility and empathy.
3. How to make it “admissions‑friendly”
- Write short reflections: after each week, note what you learned and how it connects to your future goals.
- Document output: mention a portfolio link, certificate, or brief project description in your personal statement or extracurriculars section.
- Be honest but proud: your application doesn’t need perfect grades; it should show that you’re growing, trying, and staying curious.