For most students, the plans they envisioned are not going to pan out this year due to Covid. In-person opportunities have mostly dried up, which has left students wondering how to best use their time this summer.

My college counseling community and I have compiled a list of online research and volunteer opportunities for students to consider. Check this site for other cool stuff to consider. These may spark some ideas, but you can come up with your own thing too!

While previous cohorts of students have tried to maximize their summers to gain some experience, in part to present their best selves in their college applications, families should know that colleges understand the extraordinary situation we are in. They do not expect students to jump through millions of hoops, or put themselves or families at risk right now.

However, students who are creative and enterprising may find engaging and interesting things to do this summer, and their activities will, of course, enhance their applications.

Think outside of the box. How can you volunteer right here in your community? If you plan to study business, have you created an online presence for yourself or others? What can you do to express your individuality and creativity from your computer? Most importantly, do what interests YOU.

Check out this list of options to see if something sparks your interest.