Looking for a way to boost your college application?

Academic summer camp may not sound like the most fun way to spend the season when you could be soaking up the sun on the beach. But if you’re looking for a way to boost your chances of getting into your dream college while still enjoying the summer sun, academic camp just might be the way to go.

Read on to find out exactly how academic summer camp can put you in the spotlight of college admissions.

1. Coaching You Through College Admissions Process

Many academic summer camps focus specifically on preparing you for the whole college admissions process. Camp counselors at college-prep summer camps mentor you on how to apply to college, teaching you valuable skills, like how to write college application essays and interview with admissions.

You can also attend classes and get tutoring to focus on improving your SAT scores.

2. Earning College Credit

At some camps, you can earn college credits, which shows admissions that you can handle intensive college-level courses. After camp ends, you may even get a written evaluation you can attach to your college application.

3. A Glimpse at College Life

Some college-prep summer camps take place on the college campuses, where you can get a taste of dorm life, take tours of the campus, and meet admissions representatives who can give you tailored advice on your application. Even if you’re not sure which college you’d like to go to, many academic camps will help you narrow down your choices to a list of top schools for you to target.

4. Boosting Confidence and Learning New Skills

Academic summer camp has more intangible benefits that can indirectly affect your college admissions process. According to Psychology Today, going to summer camp helps you learn coping skills when under stress, increase self-efficiency and motivation, and improve social skills and self-esteem.

Mariah Gillespie, digital media manager at Quantum Learning Network, who runs SuperCamp, says that the main college-prep value of an academic summer camp is in the leadership and life skills that are taught, not just the academics. Campers at SuperCamp “work together with teams to overcome fears, building strong communication, and team-building skills." As a result, she reports, “Eighty-four percent of SuperCamp grads experience higher self-esteem, [and] 81 percent feel more confident in their daily lives." A majority of camp grads also reported improved relationships with their peers and families.

These are all essential life skills that have major benefits for college applicants, giving you the confidence to apply to top colleges and make the best impression on admissions officers.

While there are plenty of options for summer activities to boost your college application, there’s nothing that packs quite as much value, benefit, and fun as academic summer camp. If you're looking for tips on how to find the right summer camp for you, check out: 3 Top Tips for Finding the Best Summer Camp

If you want to have a blast this summer while still keeping your eyes on your college goals, consider investing in academic summer camp this year.

Sources:

About SuperCamp. (n.d.). Summer Camps for Teens and Youth Summer Camps- SuperCamp. Retrieved from SuperCamp

College Admission Programs. (n.d.). College Admission Programs. Retrieved from EducationUnlimited

Smith-Barrow, D. (2013, April 23). Prepare Teens for Summer College Prep Programs. US News. Retrieved from U.S. News & World Report

Ungar, M. (2012, February 5). Summer Camps Make Kids Resilient. Retrieved June 3, 2014, from Psychology Today