Summer, though still a few months away, is a time that students typically use to unwind. However, if they want to boost their chances of attending a competitive university in India or globally, they should use this time productively. Besides working on university applications, students can spend their summer vacation learning a new language or subject that is not offered as a part of the school curriculum, such as psychology/philosophy, trying a different skill such as coding, exploring nature by going camping, mountaineering or diving, preparing for competitive academic examinations or working on a personal passion project. Even if they are not aiming to study abroad, students can develop crucial skills through both formal and informal programmes that will benefit them in the future.
 
When it comes to university admissions, most international institutions and liberal arts colleges in India go beyond test scores and academic transcripts and evaluate extracurricular and community engagement as well. However, it is important to remember that this doesn’t mean that students have to pursue multiple extracurricular activities. Admissions committees are looking for students who have demonstrated meaningful involvement in two or three activities rather than those who have dabbled in several activities.  
 
With the uncertainty around the availability and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, many programmes might run online or offer a hybrid model, depending on the local situation at the time. Even if face-to-face attendance is not possible, there are many unique virtual opportunities to explore.
 
Students in grades 8 to 12 can engage in six broadly defined activities during the summer:

1)  Summer Programmes: