School Is Out But Summer Learning Is Just Beginning: How Students Can Keep Their Brains Sharp And Get A Head Start

NEW YORK, July 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- School may be out for summer, but that doesn't mean learning needs to end.  College admissions expert Dr. Katherine Cohen and the team of counselors and tutors at IvyWise, an internationally recognized educational consulting company, have pulled together some helpful tips for students to keep their brains sharp and prepare for the coming school year.

"While it's important for students to have some down time this summer to relax with friends and family, it's also important to take advantage of the learning opportunities they might not have time for during the academic year," says Dr. Katherine Cohen, CEO and founder, IvyWise.  "There are lots of activities students can engage in this summer, many of them free, which can keep their minds active and allow them to explore their interests."

Summer Learning Activities:

• Take a free online course.  Khan Academy and Academic Earth have extensive video libraries that allow students to freshen up on a wide range of K-12 academic subjects or audit full video courses from the world's leading scholars and universities.
  MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) offered by companies like edX, Coursera, and Udacity, allow students from all over the world to get a free higher education–even from an Ivy League or highly selective university.
• Do an independent study.  For example, if a student is interested in philosophy or marketing, he can create a summer reading list with some of the most noteworthy philosophers or marketers.
• Attend a guest lecture or series.  Often, local colleges or libraries will host free guest lectures on interesting topics.
• Volunteer at a local organization that matches your interests.  For example, a student interested in education may consider donating her time to tutor students at the local Boys & Girls Club. 
• Get a job or internship.  Students can gain some first-hand work experience in an industry they'd like to explore.  It's a good way to get a foot in the door.
• Start a business.  Students with website, design or other valuable skills can approach neighbors and local businesses with their services.
• Get a head start on the coming school year.  Students of all ages can ask their school to provide a list of the books they'll be required to read.

Cohen especially advises that rising high school seniors plan ahead, "Between the rigorous academic course load and the college application process, senior year of high school can be overwhelming for students.  The summer before senior year is a great time to get a head start on building your college list and working on those essays and supplements." 

The Common Application has announced its essay topics for 2013-2014 and the online application will be available beginning August 1, 2013.  Some colleges have released their supplements already.

Additional Tips for Rising High School Seniors:

• Make sure your resume is up-to-date.  Students should include community service and summer activities.
• Identify two teachers for letters of recommendation.  While students won't reach out for recommendations until the fall, it helps to know ahead of time who they would like to ask.
• Combine a family vacation with a college visit.  While it's not the same as visiting when school is in session, it's a great opportunity for a student to get more information and demonstrate his interest to the admissions office.
• Create a college application calendar.  Students should make note of all the different deadlines for each college on their list.
• Study for standardized tests.  Students taking the SAT or ACT again in the fall should practice, practice, practice.
• Manage your online identity.  Blogs, forums and social media channels provide an opportunity for students to show demonstrated interest in a school and showcase their talents.  Summer party photos, however, will make a student memorable for the wrong reasons.

About IvyWise
IvyWise (www.ivywise.com) is an independent educational consulting company recognized for its expertise, student success and collaborative counseling approach. Founder and CEO, Dr. Katherine Cohen and the IvyWise team of expert counselors work one-on-one with students worldwide to guide them through the admissions process. Students receive individualized guidance while also benefiting from the collective feedback of the entire IvyWise team. IvyWise offers families comprehensive counseling and tutoring services for college, pre-K, K-12 and graduate school admissions, with an emphasis on each student's unique personality, interests, values and learning styles. IvyWise counselors help students customize a plan of action, create a balanced list of "good fit" schools, and convey their unique talents and strengths in their applications.

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SOURCE IvyWise