Resume Padding Out, Summer Thriving In

Can you believe it’s almost winter break? While summer might still seem far away, now is the perfect time to start planning a summer focused on thriving, not just padding a resume. Summer isn’t just a break from school—it’s an opportunity to step back, reflect, and intentionally pursue growth. These months provide the freedom to explore your passions, test new skills, and gain clarity about what truly excites you.

Students who engage in meaningful activities are 2.4 times more likely to report they are thriving in life, according to the Walton-Gallup 2024 Voices of Gen Z Study. Thriving is not only linked to feeling optimistic about the future but also significantly impacts mental health. Among students with excellent mental health, 76% report thriving, compared to just 16% of students with poor mental health. Thriving students are also better equipped to handle future challenges and build a foundation for long-term success.

Too often, students fall into the trap of overloading their schedules with activities that seem impressive but lack personal meaning. The reality is, colleges value authentic engagement over a long list of activities. Choosing experiences that foster personal growth and align with your interests not only helps you recharge but also positions you for success academically, socially, and emotionally.

Busting the Myths About Summer Thriving

According to the Walton-Gallup study, thriving means feeling optimistic about your future and confident in your ability to reach your goals. Summer activities play a crucial role in fostering this sense of thriving by providing opportunities to explore passions and develop meaningful skills. Students who engage in purposeful activities are more prepared for the future and benefit from improved mental health and resilience.

However, many students fall into the trap of choosing activities that seem impressive rather than ones that genuinely excite them and support personal growth. A thriving summer isn’t about overloading your schedule—it’s about selecting experiences that align with your interests, allow for growth, and recharge your energy. Here are some of the biggest myths about summer planning—and the truths behind them:

1. Picking activities to pad your resume is smart.
   Reality: Colleges see right through this. Focus on activities you genuinely enjoy and that reflect your authentic interests.
2. Fancy programs guarantee college admission.
   Reality: Initiative and impact matter more than prestige. Whether it’s starting a local project or tackling an independent study, authentic engagement has a greater impact on admissions.
3. Summer jobs are boring.
   Reality: Jobs teach invaluable skills like teamwork, responsibility, and time management.
4. Volunteer hours only matter for quantity.
   Reality: It’s the quality of your contribution that stands out. Colleges want to see meaningful engagement that reflects your values and makes a tangible difference.
5. Stick to what you already excel at.
   Reality: Summer is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone. Trying something new builds resilience and fosters growth and curiosity.
6. Your summer must be fully scheduled.
   Reality: Balance is key. Over-scheduling can lead to burnout, while unstructured time fosters creativity and reflection.

The Role of Summer Activities in College Admissions

For college admissions, summer activities can be a critical differentiator between students with similar academic profiles. Competitive colleges value extracurriculars because they provide insight into who a student is beyond grades and test scores. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), nearly 44% of colleges consider extracurricular activities moderately important in admissions decisions, while for top-tier institutions, these experiences are rated as "important" or "very important" by 88% of admissions officers.

Admissions offices evaluate summer activities based on three key factors: leadership, initiative, and impact. A student’s ability to pursue a passion, launch a project, or tackle a community challenge demonstrates qualities like resilience, creativity, and social responsibility. These traits are highly valued in the holistic admissions process, offering colleges a glimpse of how a student will contribute to their campus community.

When planning your summer, remember that meaningful engagement carries far more weight than simply building a list of activities. Choose experiences that align with your interests and showcase your ability to grow, lead, and make an impact.\

How to Make a Meaningful Summer Plan

Use these steps to design a summer filled with growth, exploration, and balance:

1. Reflect on Your Interests

Begin by asking yourself what truly excites you. Are you passionate about art, science, or social justice? Perhaps you’re curious about trying something completely new, like coding or community organizing. Summer is the perfect time to explore interests without the constraints of school. Take time to reflect on your hobbies, values, and areas of curiosity to set the foundation for a summer that energizes you.

2. Set Inspiring Goals

Identify 2–3 goals that motivate you. These could include mastering a new skill, contributing to a community project, or launching a creative endeavor. Make your goals specific and measurable. For instance, aim to “volunteer 30 hours with a local animal rescue” or “create a portfolio of three digital art projects.” Having clear goals not only keeps you focused but also gives you a sense of accomplishment as you progress.

3. Explore Opportunities

Research summer opportunities that align with your interests and goals. Start by checking out this resource with over 1000 options for summer 2025. Consider internships, volunteer roles, pre-college programs, and personal projects. Remember, impactful experiences don’t have to be expensive. Many free or low-cost activities, such as local community service or online skill-building courses, can be just as meaningful as pricey programs. This is a chance to dig deep into what excites you while exploring new challenges.

4. Create a Flexible Schedule

Design a weekly plan that balances productivity with downtime. Map out when you’ll work on your goals but leave room for rest and spontaneity. Building flexibility into your schedule ensures that you don’t feel overwhelmed and can adapt to unexpected opportunities.

5. Take on a Leadership Role

Look for ways to lead. Whether it’s spearheading a local project, mentoring peers, or taking ownership of an independent initiative, leadership opportunities help build confidence and demonstrate initiative. For example, organizing a neighborhood cleanup or coaching a youth sports team shows responsibility and commitment. Leadership doesn’t have to be formal—any role where you take charge and make an impact counts.

By following these steps, you can craft a summer that is both enjoyable and transformative, helping you grow as a student and a person.

Identifying Activities That Are a Good Match

When evaluating summer activities, focus on these four key criteria to ensure you’re choosing opportunities that foster growth:

• Initiative: Does the activity allow you to take ownership? Independent projects often demonstrate more initiative than pre-designed programs.
• Challenge: Will the activity stretch your skills or push you outside your comfort zone? Trying something difficult—and even failing—shows resilience.
• Impact: How will the activity affect you and your community? Look for experiences that leave a meaningful mark and align with your values.
• Support and Balance: Does the activity offer guidance and emotional support? Thriving teens often work alongside mentors or peers who inspire and uplift them.

Thriving Beyond the Summer

Summer activities set the stage for success, not just in college applications but in life. Students who focus on purpose, curiosity, and growth emerge more confident, resilient, and ready to take on future challenges.

So, let go of the resume-padding mindset. Use this summer to explore, grow, and thrive—your future self will thank you.

Start Brainstorming Now!

Don't let winter break pass you by without thinking ahead to next summer. Use this time to reflect on what really engages and motivates you. Jot down new activities or experiences you'd love to try next summer. Dream big! You don't need to finalize plans now, just explore possibilities and get your creative juices flowing.

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