Summer Planning

While Stanford may not technically be part of the Ivy League, the school’s academic caliber—not to mention its competitive admissions process—rivals that of Harvard and Yale. Many students are eager to enroll in the top-tier university, which has a wide array of renowned programs including engineering and environmental science.

Although earning admission at Stanford University is challenging, there are a few steps applicants can take to set themselves up for success. Keep reading to learn more about how you can set your application apart.

How to Get Into Stanford University: Table of Contents

If you’re looking to gain admission to Stanford University, it’s important to understand the application timeline. Most applicants apply to Stanford during their senior year of high school, but those that are offered admission begin preparing to apply years earlier. Some students may choose to

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Stay Academically Sharp By Tuning into These Fun Podcasts

Once school is out for the summer it can be all too easy to go on autopilot. Even if you’ve planned a jam-packed summer break filled with internships, test preparation, or maybe working a part-time job, it is important to explore new learning opportunities, including podcasts.

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As the caps come off and the graduation celebrations begin, many high school graduates look forward to the unbridled freedom of the summer before college. After twelve plus years of non-stop academic and extracurricular responsibilities, this summer provides a much-needed chance for students to unwind after a hectic year of college applications and before an exciting freshman year. Rather than sleep through the hot summer days, use your time to prepare for the year ahead.

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Summer is in full swing, and while rising high school seniors are turning their focus toward the college application process, those who have already graduated are preparing for their first year in college. There’s a lot that rising college freshmen can do this summer to prepare for their first year on campus.

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Summer break is here for many students, but that doesn’t mean all learning has to stop! It’s important for college-bound students to spend their summers wisely, but they don’t have to participate in a fancy college summer program to do it.

Colleges want to know what students are doing in their spare time, and that includes the few months that students have off during the summer. A productive summer can help you better explore your interests and ultimately strengthen your applicant profile when it comes time to apply to college. Spending your summer wisely is an important college prep strategy and can go a long way toward helping you achieve your college admission goals.

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Summer break is a great time for students to relax, but summer shouldn’t be spent just lounging around! Students should use this break in their academic schedule to pursue their interests and one way to do that is through reading and research.

A productive summer keeps students engaged, fights summer brain drain, and gives them the opportunity to pursue activities that relate to their interests in order to better prepare for the college admissions process senior year. We can’t stress enough the importance of outside reading, especially as part of a productive summer. Reading not only allows students to explore topics of interest, but it also helps expand their vocabulary and can help them become better writers.

Research is also a great way to learn more about your interests and finish the summer with a project or paper that is a finished product of all your hard work. Here’s how to use reading and research to advance your knowledge using your summer college prep.

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For many students across the country, studying abroad is an exciting part of their college, or even high school, experience. Whether it’s an entire semester stay in London or a two-month immersion program in China during the summer, students are eager to explore another country and culture while continuing their studies.

While studying abroad can be a one-of-a-kind learning experience, it is important for students to prioritize the academic component of their journey and avoid treating the trip like an extended vacation. Keep reading for some of our top tips to help you make the most of your study abroad experience.

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to expand your horizons, immerse yourself in a foreign culture, and make new friends. While some students may be tempted to treat a study abroad program as a fun trip, it’s important to view the experience as a learning opportunity, instead of just a time to recharge.

Rather than picking a study abroad program based on where your friends are going, strive to research learning experiences that align with your academic and future professional goals. If you’re wondering

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How Can You Balance Athletic and Academic Work During the Summer?

Many student-athletes are well aware of the importance of balancing classes and practices throughout the school year, but what about during the summer? While some athletes may be tempted to focus solely on their sport, it’s important to stay academically engaged during your break. 

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Making the Most of the Summer Before Your First Year of College

Many high school students understand the importance of a meaningful summer break while they’re getting ready to apply to college, but what happens after you’re accepted? The summer between high school and your first year of college is an important transition period that should be planned with care. 

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Learn How to Make This Upcoming Summer Break Your Most Productive One Yet

With many traditional summer activities temporarily on hold due to the ongoing pandemic, some students might be wondering what they should do this year to make the most of their vacation. Although it may be tempting, it’s not a good idea to enter full relaxation mode for the entire two to three months that you’re off from school.

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Great Books for Students Looking to Expand Their Outside Reading Lists

Whether it’s bringing your books to the beach or curling up with your Kindle at home, every student should include independent reading on their agenda this summer. In addition to getting lost in a good story, reading can help students stay academically engaged and better prepared for coursework in the fall. 

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Remote Internships are a Valuable Opportunity for Students Looking to Get Ahead

Internships are a valuable opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience during the summer months. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these positions have shifted to virtual experiences in order to adhere to social distancing and safer at home orders.

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Keep Motivation Levels High All Summer Long 

It can always be a challenge to maintain motivation during the summer months, some students may find it particularly difficult to stay engaged and on top of their to-do lists as they continue to socially distance.

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Whether you’re working towards a target score for the ACT or SAT or putting the finishing touches on your list of best-fit schools, every student needs concrete goals to work towards throughout the college admissions process. Nailing down objectives is particularly important during the summer months while students have time away from schools and activities that might make it difficult to get ahead.

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Learn the Status of 2020 Summer Programs

Many high school students opt to attend summer programs hosted by various colleges to expand their horizons and deepen their knowledge while getting a taste of campus life. However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, a multitude of universities are either cancelling their courses or shifting them online.

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Join Our Facebook Live Webinars April 15 & 17 to Learn More About How To Prep for College Admissions Process This Fall

Tune in to IvyWise Live on our Facebook page next week, where College Admissions Experts Christine, Scott, Nat, Zach, and Rachel will discuss how students can prepare for the college admissions process this fall and answer your most pressing college prep questions.

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Learn How to Stay Academically Engaged Even When School is Out of Session

While many schools are switching to online learning this spring, it’s important to continue to stay academically engaged even after you’ve logged off.

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A Step-By-Step Guide to Help You Start Planning Your Summer Now

Although the summer season is months away, it’s important for students to get a head start on planning for the break. There are a multitude of different opportunities to consider and the sooner students get started, the more time they will have to pinpoint activities that are truly meaningful to them.

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For many students, the final weeks of summer break are either here or fast approaching. Although it’s important to shift gears and prepare for the back-to-school season, students should also focus on making the most of their summer opportunities.

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Make a Difference in Your Community By Volunteering This Summer

Volunteer work can be a valuable opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on skills, expand their horizons, and make an impact. Between test prep and summer activities, it may feel challenging to find time in your summer schedule for community service, but most students would agree that it’s well worth the effort.

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Although the phrase “FOMO” may be relatively new, the idea of comparing yourself and your plans to those around you and worrying about falling short definitely isn’t. It’s human nature to want to join in and follow the group, but when it comes to preparing for college, students can’t be afraid to follow their own paths.

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Don’t Let Summer Brain Drain Take Over Your Time Off

For students across the US, it’s summer break time! Many are using this time to take a break from the rigors of the school year, but the lack of classroom time can lead to “summer brain drain” or the “summer slide,” where students lose some of the academic progress they’ve made over the previous school year. Staying motivated to continue learning, have a productive summer, and prepare for the next school year can be hard, but we’re here to help!

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Put Your Best Foot Forward With These First Impression Musts

Whether it’s the first day of school or the start date at your internship or job, there’s no doubt that the beginning of something new can be intimidating. For students who are new to internships or just entering the workforce, the sense of anxiety can increase tenfold.

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Revamp Your Summer Reading List with These University-Approved Picks

Whether you’re graduating or simply transitioning to the next grade or class year, it’s essential for students to stay academically sharp throughout the summer break. Reading is one of the most impactful ways to fight summer brain drain and it can also be one of the most fun, as long as you choose the right books!

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Creative Ideas for Summer Learning Experiences 

For students preparing for the college application process, summer break is an exciting opportunity to pursue new ways to learn outside of the classroom. Whether you get a job, focus on test preparation, enroll in an academic program, or start an internship, there are plenty of ways to broaden your skill set when school is out of session.

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Planning In Advance Is Key To Using Vacation Time to Your Advantage

For many students, spring break is right around the corner. Instead of hitting snooze and Netflixing all week, make strategic decisions to ensure your vacation is simultaneously productive and relaxing.

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Find an Internship That Aligns With Your Interests and Goals

Summer internships are an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience, enhance their skill set, and fight off summer brain drain. Unfortunately, finding a best-fit internship opportunity that aligns with your needs and goals can be challenging. 

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Prepare for Summer Break By Researching and Planning Ahead

If you think it is too early to start planning summer break, it’s time to reconsider! Planning meaningful experiences for June, July, and August can help high school students discover new passions, fine-tune ongoing interests, and gain inspiration for college applications and essays.

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A Summer Job Can Help You Earn Some Extra Cash and Develop Skills That Will Take You Through the Admissions Process and College

Academic courses or summer programs and MOOCs aren’t the only options that students have in order stay productive or keep learning this summer. In addition to exploring your interests through summer activities, a summer job can help you develop a new skills that are sometimes difficult to develop inside the classroom. No matter the job, taking on a paid position with a defined set of responsibilities will challenge you in new and exciting ways.

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Now’s the Time for Students to Think About How to Spend Their Summer Breaks

It may only be March, but summer break will be here before you know it, and students need to have a solid plan for how to spend their time off from school.

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Use The 4th of July Holiday Break To Catch Up On Outside Reading

For students preparing for the college admissions process, the 4th of July holiday is a great time to relax, recharge, and catch up on some light outside reading.

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These Summer Programs for STEM Students Are Still Accepting Applications

For students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math fields (STEM), there are plenty of ways to gain valuable experience over the summer, whether it’s through an internship, a summer program, or an independent project.

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Summer is right around the corner, and, if they haven’t started already, high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors need to make plans for how to spend those free months. For many students, summer break is seen as a time to take a break from school and soak up the sun – and that’s okay – but that’s not all they need to do. 

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The “summer slump” is real, and as IvyWise Founder and CEO Dr. Katherine Cohen highlighted on the TODAY Show this morning, students can lose up to two months of math and reading achievement during summer break.

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After the last papers are handed in and finals week is over, many students look forward to a summer of work, internships, and vacation. Others, however, choose to stick around campus and take summer courses.

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Planning a Productive Summer

When it comes to the college admissions process, it is imperative to show how you have developed your interests throughout your time in high school. College admissions committees want to see how you have made an impact in clubs and activities during the school year, but also during the summer. While it may be tempting to sit around all summer working on your tan, boards of admissions specifically look to see that you have remained productive during your time away from school. Summer presents many opportunities for students to further develop their interests and goals —travel to a foreign country, continue training in your favorite sport, make up a class or gain extra credits in summer school, start a business, get an internship, or join a community service organization.

Though summer may seem far away, the applications for many popular programs are due soon. Some of these applications can be as complex as a college application, requiring essays, letters of recommendation, and even test scores, so you will need to get started soon! Dr. Kat and the team of counselors at IvyWise, have come up with the following

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