Summer break is a great time to relax, but it shouldn’t be spent just lounging around! In fact, summer is a perfect time to pursue your interests, and one way to do that is through reading and research. A productive summer keeps you engaged, fights summer brain drain, and gives you the opportunity to pursue activities that relate to your interests to better prepare for the college admissions process.

If you have a passion for STEM, stepping outside the classroom curriculum and diving into STEM resources can deepen your understanding in ways traditional learning sometimes can’t — not to mention, it makes you a more competitive STEM applicant. This curated list of books, periodicals, podcasts, and documentaries is designed to introduce you to new ideas and perspectives, help you develop critical thinking skills, broaden your vocabulary, and perhaps even discover the specific area of STEM that truly captivates you.

If you’re a college-bound high school student, you are likely already aware that it’s important to build a strong profile for college admissions. Colleges wants you to demonstrate on your application how you developed and deepened your academic interests throughout high school. A good way to do this is through academic enrichment.