7 Things to Do the Summer Before College

The article, 7 Things to Do the Summer Before College, from U.S. News & World Report outlines practical steps rising freshmen can take to balance leisure and preparation during their transitional summer. Among various expert recommendations, Meyer, emphasizes the development of interpersonal and emotional skills over strict academic or logistical planning.

Meyer highlights that the transition requires personal growth beyond what can be taught in a traditional classroom setting. Regarding the practical life skills necessary for navigating a college campus independently, she notes that some of the most vital attributes are “the ability to communicate, network and make friends, take calculated risks, engage in productive conflict through dialogue, manage setbacks and know when to ask for help.”

Furthermore, while the article touches upon seeking summer employment to ease financial burdens, Meyer points out that non-monetary experiences, such as volunteering, offer unique developmental advantages. She explains that essential career and life capabilities like “teamwork and communication, for instance, are ‘skills you can't always learn in an academic classroom but can in organizations and the field.’”

Finally, as students close the high school chapter and prepare emotionally for the future, Meyer advises them to focus on their unique paths rather than comparing themselves to peers. She emphasizes that “students should worry less about what others are doing, and focus more on their own goals, needs and personal pursuits.” Recognizing that everyone processes change differently, she adds that “closure is also not a one-size-fits-all, but creating intentional space for it to happen is a very powerful part of the transition to college.”

Read the full article here.