Crafting a Standout Summer for Selective College Admissions

The summer between junior and senior year is a critical time for college-bound students to align their experiences with their future goals. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores why this summer is more than a break—it’s a chance for students to create meaningful opportunities that stand out in the competitive college admissions process. From passion projects to internships, camps, and research opportunities, we discuss how students can use this time to build points of distinction that reflect their authentic interests and make a lasting impression.

For additional thoughts from Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.com.

You can also follow Alderdice on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

Learn more about ASMSA at asmsa.org/thrive.

Transcript

We may just be a few weeks into the winter months, but today I want to forecast ahead to warmer days.  So with that in mind, we’re diving into something that can have a huge impact on a student’s college journey—the summer between junior and senior year of high school. If you’re a student or a parent, this is an important conversation about why this coming summer isn’t just about recharging or having fun—though those are important, too. It’s about making intentional choices that can really help a student stand out when it comes to selective college admissions.

So let’s set the stage. You’re a junior in high school. College applications may feel like a distant mountain, but trust me, that climb is closer than it seems. By this time next year, students will be wrapping up their applications, hitting “submit,” and waiting to hear back. The time between now and then is critical, and the summer before senior year is a golden opportunity to set yourself apart.

Here’s why. College admissions—especially at highly selective (or rejective) universities—has become more competitive than ever. Admissions officers are looking for students who not only meet the academic bar but also bring something unique to the table. They want to know: Who are you? What drives you? What kind of impact do you want to have? The experiences you pursue this summer can help answer those questions in a way that makes your application unforgettable.

Now, let’s talk about how to approach this summer strategically. First, think about alignment. This is a term admissions folks love, and it’s all about how your interests, goals, and actions fit together. If you’re passionate about environmental science, for example, spending your summer at a marine biology camp or working on a local conservation project doesn’t just look good on paper—it shows commitment. It tells a story about who you are and what matters to you. It’s far more compelling than just listing an interest on your application.

The same goes for students interested in, say, engineering or creative writing or business. When your summer experiences align with your intended college major or career path, they send a powerful message: This isn’t just a passing interest. It’s a focus. It’s a passion. And you’re already doing the work to pursue it.

Another reason this summer matters so much is that it’s really the last big opportunity to build points of distinction. By the time senior year rolls around, your coursework, extracurriculars, and other commitments will be in full swing. You’ll be busy with college essays, standardized tests, and maybe even leadership roles in your school or community. That means the window for diving deep into a new project, job, or research opportunity is pretty narrow. The summer gives you the time and space to do something significant.

And let’s not forget about the admissions essays. Think about this: When it’s time to write your personal statement or supplemental essays, what stories will you tell? Will you write about how you spent your summer working on a startup idea with your best friend? Or how you volunteered at a local hospital and realized you want to pursue nursing? These are the kinds of experiences that bring your essays to life. They’re memorable because they’re personal, and they show that you’re not just thinking about college—you’re thinking beyond it.

Now, you might be wondering: Does it have to be a formal program or a fancy internship? Not at all. While structured programs and camps are great, there are plenty of other ways to create meaningful experiences. Maybe you design a passion project from scratch, like starting a podcast, writing a book, or launching a community initiative. Maybe you find a mentor in a field you’re curious about and spend the summer shadowing them. The key is that whatever you choose, it should feel authentic to you. Admissions officers can tell when something is just for show, so make sure your summer reflects your true interests.

And that brings to mind a common pitfall: doing something just because you think it will “look good.” Yes, admissions officers want to see initiative and dedication, but they also value authenticity. If you’re doing something solely because it seems impressive, it won’t have the same impact as something you genuinely care about. Passion and purpose are hard to fake, and they’re what set apart the most compelling applications.

For students still trying to figure out their interests, that’s okay, too. The summer can be a time to explore and experiment. Take a class, join a program, or try something you’ve never done before. Even if it doesn’t perfectly align with a future major, the effort to stretch yourself and learn something new is valuable in itself. Colleges love curious learners, and a summer spent exploring is never wasted.

So, what should you do now? Start planning. Talk to your school counselor, teachers, or mentors about opportunities that fit your goals. Research summer programs, internships, or volunteer projects that catch your interest. And most importantly, don’t wait until the last minute. Many summer programs have application deadlines as early as January or February, so the time to act is now.

As we wrap up, I want to leave you with this thought: The summer before senior year isn’t just about checking a box or padding your résumé. It’s about discovering who you are and sharing that with the world. When you approach it with intention, the experiences you create will do more than help you stand out in college admissions—they’ll help you grow into the person you’re meant to be.