Top ways for students to spend their summer breaks

Does summer feel like a giant question mark? You’re not alone. Many students wonder how to balance relaxation and productivity. But summer is a golden opportunity to explore passions, build skills, and prepare for future success—whether you’re in Grade 8 or heading to college after Grade 12, there’s something meaningful you can do to have a productive summer.

This guide will help you unlock the potential of your summer with activities tailored to your grade level. Let’s explore how to make your summer productive!

Grade 8: Lay the Foundation

Your first high school summer is a great time to start discovering yourself. Use it to explore new experiences and build a strong foundation. Whether joining a leadership workshop or painting your first masterpiece, every experience adds color to your journey.

1. Explore Summer Programme

Joining summer programmes right after Grade 8 is an excellent way to step outside your comfort zone. These programmes provide a supportive environment to explore topics like entrepreneurship, science, creative writing, or leadership. Imagine yourself designing your first robot in a STEM camp or crafting a short story in a creative writing workshop. These programmes not only teach skills but also ignite curiosity.

Examples:

• Ashoka Horizons Achievers Programme: Engage with multidisciplinary learning.
• Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC): Develop leadership and decision-making skills.

2. Take Online Courses

Expand your horizons with online platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, or edX. Picture yourself mastering Python programming or learning the basics of psychology from world-class instructors, all from the comfort of your home. Online courses for high school students not only build valuable skills but also spark new academic interests.

3. Pick Up a Hobby or Learn a New Skill

This is a great time to start something new. Imagine strumming your first chords on a guitar or creating a watercolour masterpiece. Hobbies like music, painting, or even gardening are not only enjoyable but teach patience, discipline, and creativity.

4. Travel and Explore

Think of travel as a classroom without walls. Whether it’s a cultural exchange programme in another country or a road trip exploring historical landmarks, travel broadens your perspective and enhances independence. Each new place you visit becomes a story you can tell. You can enrich your vacations by connecting with local communities and journaling your experiences which will serve as sweet memories a few years down the line.

Grade 9: Dive Into Your Passions

By now, you’ve had a taste of high school and might have started identifying your interests. Use this summer to dive deeper into what excites you. Think of it as peeling back layers to uncover your true passions.

1. Volunteer and Give Back:

‍Envision yourself painting a community mural or organizing a neighbourhood clean-up drive. Volunteer work allows you to directly impact your community while learning teamwork and problem-solving skills. Organisations like Connect For provides many volunteering opportunities for high-school students.

2 . Take Specialised Online Courses:

This is your chance to explore subjects that fascinate you. Imagine delving into the world of computer science with Harvard CS50 or understanding how the human mind works through an Introduction to Psychology course on Coursera. These courses offer a glimpse into academic fields you might pursue in the future.

3. Let’s dive into Reading:

‍Reading is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools for intellectual growth. Picture yourself curled up with a classic like The Great Gatsby or taking notes from Atomic Habits. Whether it’s the thrill of a mystery, the wisdom of a memoir, or the practicality of self-help books, every book offers a new perspective and a chance to grow. Pick up a book today and let it take you on a journey of discovery and transformation.

4. Join a Leadership Programme:

‍Leadership programme for high school students, like the Global Youth Leadership Academy, can help you grow into a confident, capable leader. Picture yourself brainstorming innovative solutions in a team setting or pitching a community project to mentors—experiences that push you to think and act like a leader.

Grade 10: Build Your Toolkit

With two years of high school behind you, this summer is all about turning your skills into a cohesive toolkit that sets you apart. Here’s how:

1. Competitive Summer Schools:

‍Summer schools offer an immersive academic experience, allowing you to explore subjects deeply while connecting with like-minded peers. Programs like Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies cover topics from artificial intelligence to creative writing, while LaunchX focuses on entrepreneurship, guiding students through launching a business prototype. MIT Summer Programs also offer opportunities in STEM and humanities. These experiences not only enhance your knowledge but also provide valuable networking opportunities.

2. Complete a Professional Internship:

‍Internships allow you to step into professional environments and gain firsthand insights. Imagine working at a marketing agency to contribute to live campaigns or interning at a local startup to understand business dynamics. Such experiences shape your understanding of professional environments and help you apply theoretical concepts practically.

3. Standardised Test Prep:

‍If SAT or ACT exams are on your horizon, this is the perfect time to start preparing. Dedicate an hour daily to tackling tricky math problems, honing your essay-writing skills, or practicing with interactive platforms like Khan Academy. Building a steady routine now will reduce stress and set you up for success during the school year.

4. Pursue Research Opportunities:‍

Collaborate with professors or professionals to work on a research project that excites you. Imagine presenting your findings on renewable energy at a science fair or publishing a paper on machine learning’s applications in healthcare. Programmes such as Pioneer Academics and Lumeire are excellent to check out.

Grade 11: Prep Like a Pro

The summer after Grade 11 is critical as you prepare for college applications and refine your academic and extracurricular profile. Every decision you make can significantly impact your future.

1. College Visits:

‍There’s no better way to envision life at your dream school than visiting campuses. Picture walking through the ivy-covered buildings of Harvard or attending a student panel at Stanford. These visits help you understand a school’s culture, curriculum, and fit, making your application more informed and personalized.

2. Take Leadership Roles:

‍This summer, focus on showcasing initiative and leadership. Whether you organise a sustainability campaign in your neighbourhood or lead a mental health awareness club at school, taking charge demonstrates your ability to inspire and drive change. Many students even aim for formal positions like Head Girl or Boy or Cultural Secretary to strengthen their leadership credentials.

3. Begin Your College Essays:

‍Crafting compelling college essays is a process best started early. Use this summer to reflect on your journey, challenges, and passions. Essays often serve as the bridge between you and your dream university, so dedicating time now ensures a well-thought-out narrative. The College Essay Guy’s guides and prompts can be excellent resources for starting your drafts.

4. Build a Digital Portfolio:

‍Consider creating a personal website to showcase your achievements and projects. Admissions officers often appreciate visual representations of your work, such as a portfolio of your internships, research, leadership roles, and creative endeavors. Platforms like Wix or Squarespace can help you design a professional-looking site.

Grade 12: The Big Transition

As graduation approaches, your summer is about preparing for the exciting journey ahead while cherishing this milestone.

1. Part-Time Work or Internships:‍

Gaining professional experience or earning some money can be both rewarding and enriching. Imagine shadowing a financial analyst, interning at a startup, or mentoring younger students in academic subjects. These experiences build your resume and prepare you for workplace challenges.

2. Travel and Adventure:

‍Celebrate your graduation with meaningful travel experiences. Picture hiking through the Swiss Alps on a cultural exchange program or exploring art galleries in Paris. Programs like AFS Intercultural Exchange combine adventure with learning, offering an unforgettable blend of cultural immersion and personal growth.

3. Learn Life Skills:

‍Prepare for college life by mastering essential skills such as cooking, budgeting, and time management. Imagine being the go-to chef in your dorm or managing your finances effortlessly. These practical skills nurture independence and confidence as you embark on your college journey.

Success Stories at The Right Coll:

Shanaya (Grade 8): Explored her interest in international relations through an online college course. This exploration ultimately led to the study of International Relations at Ashoka University.

Tejaswini (Grade 9): Led a volunteer adoption drive, rehoming 60+ animals and raising $5,000, paving the way for her admission to the University of Edinburgh for Veterinary Sciences.

Arjun (Grade 10): Interned at a tech startup, developed an app prototype, and earned recognition at school competitions, eventually earning a seat at GTech.

Devansh (Grade 11): Completed an internship at a design firm, building a portfolio that secured her admission to Parsons School of Design.

Conclusion

Your summer doesn’t have to be a blur of binge-watching Netflix (though a little downtime is okay!). Whether you’re exploring academic passions, preparing for college, or gaining professional experience, each summer offers a unique opportunity for growth. 

Remember that this journey might feel daunting but with our expert guidance at The Right Coll: you will breeze through your summers. Contact us ( email address/ Whatsapp number/ calendly link) to plan your most productive summer yet!