As you and your family review possibilities for the summer, consider these key questions to help define your search criteria:

1. Initiative: How much initiative does this activity or program require? For example, it takes more initiative to develop an independent project than it does to attend a summer program. Think about your student’s personality and previous experiences taking initiative. Are they comfortable being more self-directed, or would they rather take part in an established program? Note: college admissions officers highly value when students take the initiative in planning their summer activity.
2. Level of challenge: Is your student taking a risk or challenging themselves in this activity or program? Being willing to stretch and go outside one’s comfort zone is important to grow as a person. It’s okay if your student completes a challenging activity but ultimately fails. As a matter of fact, that might make a great college essay.
3. Impact: How will this program impact your student and their community? A great activity or program should be both engaging and impactful. But students shouldn't fill their summer with activities they don’t enjoy just because they think it will look good on a college application.
4. Financial fit: The costs of participating in summer programs vary widely, from free opportunities to all-inclusive experiences costing upwards of $5,000 or even $10,000. While some programs do offer scholarships or merit-based aid, the majority depend on students paying full tuition. College MatchPoint’s continually updated directory  of summer programs can help your family assess which ones are the best financial fit. Keep in mind that there are plenty of opportunities to have an enjoyable and enriching summer even without paying top dollar—from volunteering to free online courses, internships, and summer jobs. Your student may even discover that their own ways of making an impact are more impressive to admissions officers than a “pay-to-play” program would be.