Updated: Friday, May 16, 2025
Summer break is a great time to relax, but it shouldn’t be spent just lounging around! In fact, summer is a perfect time to pursue your interests, and one way to do that is through reading and research. A productive summer keeps you engaged, fights summer brain drain, and gives you the opportunity to pursue activities that relate to your interests to better prepare for the college admissions process.
We can’t stress enough the importance of outside reading, especially as part of a productive summer. Reading books, periodicals, blogs, and other materials provides many benefits beyond just college admissions.
Summer reading acts as a powerful shield against the dreaded “summer slide,” or summer brain drain. During the extended break from school, students can experience a natural dip in their academic skills, particularly in reading and math. Engaging with books over the summer keeps your mind actively working, reinforcing previously learned concepts and continuously building vocabulary and comprehension skills. It also ensures you return to school refreshed and ready to learn.
Colleges want to build well-rounded classes made up of specialists. Becoming a specialist means finding and exploring your passion, and one of the best ways to do this is through reading. For example, a student interested in economics or finance can read books, blogs, and niche publications to better understand the field and its core concepts. This knowledge can then be used in extracurricular activities, such as functioning as the treasurer for the entrepreneur club or organizing a fundraiser for another student organization.
Students who read a variety of well-written works are more likely to become excellent writers — and we all know how important writing is when it comes to college admissions essays! When you are exposed to rich vocabulary and diverse writing styles, such as varied cadence, word choice, and sentence structure, these elements can naturally influence and improve your writing. You also improve your vocabulary by encountering new words in context, which helps you infer meaning.
It’s also important not just to read, but to analyze the selection itself including its meaning, themes, and ultimate message. Critical thinking skills are vital for college and beyond — engaging with diverse perspectives helps you explore your area of interest in a deeper, more impactful way.
Depending on what you’re reading, considering these questions can help you practice your critical thinking and analytical skills:
| Question | Purpose |
| What is the main idea of this paragraph/section/chapter? | Helps you identify key information |
| What does this word/phrase mean in this context? | Builds vocabulary and understanding of nuance |
| Why did the author choose to include this detail? | Encourages analysis of authorial intent |
| What is happening in this part of the story/text? | Checks for comprehension of plot or sequence |
| How are these two characters/ideas similar or different? | Promotes comparison and contrast |
| What is the author trying to tell me? | Encourages identification of the message or theme |
| What evidence supports this claim? | Develops the ability to identify supporting details |
| Is this information fact or opinion? | Cultivates discernment and evaluation of sources |
| Are there any biases present in this text? | Encourages awareness of perspective and potential slant |
| Is this argument logical? Why or why not? | Promotes evaluation of reasoning |
| What are the potential consequences of this event/action? | Encourages thinking about cause and effect |
| Is this source reliable? How do I know? | Develops information literacy skills |
| How does this relate to something I already know? | Encourages making connections to prior knowledge |
| Have I ever experienced something similar? | Promotes personal connection and empathy |
| How might this information be used in the real world? | Encourages application of learning |
| What would happen if… (a key element was changed)? | Sparks hypothetical thinking and analysis of impact |
| What questions does this raise for me? | Encourages further inquiry and independent learning |
| Why did the author choose these specific words? | Encourages analysis of language and tone |
| How does the author create suspense/humor/sadness? | Develops understanding of literary techniques |
| What is the author’s point of view, and how does it affect the story/information? | Promotes awareness of perspective |
| Who is the intended audience for this text? | Encourages consideration of the reader |
Colleges want to get to know students and their interests, and looking at their outside reading is one way to do it. In recent years, Columbia, Stanford, and Wake Forest are among the schools that have asked students about their outside reading as part of their application. Not only does outside reading provide insight into your personality, but it can also give you material for a compelling college essay.
Reading is the easiest way to become a specialist in your fields of interest. Start out by reading articles, blogs, and other online resources about a topic you’re passionate about. Interested in STEM? Dive into the numerous STEM books and periodicals that are available. Love fashion? Check out some popular fashion blogs to learn about new trends.
Then, branch out. Research relevant books and other publications that can give you a more in-depth dive into the topic. Maybe you want to learn about the history of fashion, or you want to get more granular and read about French fashion houses in the early 20th century. Find books that can give you in-depth information that you can’t find from skimming online articles. Reading doesn’t have to just include physical books. It can also include audiobooks or podcasts that cover the topics you’re interested in.
Now that you’ve done a lot of reading about your interests, put that knowledge to work by completing a research project that highlights what you’ve learned. Independent research not only demonstrates your specialty in a topic, but it also allows you to show off your knowledge. This can strengthen your application and give you a final product to add to a portfolio.
In fact, IvyWise offers a research mentorship program that pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work on a college-level research paper or project. Students in the program can submit their independent research to academic journals, conferences, and competitions to further promote their work.
Choosing your own reading materials to reflect what you’re truly interested in can make reading feel like a pleasure instead of a chore. Even so, it won’t do you any good unless you build a sustainable summer reading habit. These 10 tips can help you integrate reading into your summer in ways that benefit you academically, personally, and socially.
Unless you have an assigned summer reading list, feel free to explore authors and genres that pique your curiosity. Fantasy, sci-fi, thrillers, graphic novels, biographies, non-fiction — anything goes if it holds your attention. Need ideas? We curated a summer reading list for you.
Instead of aiming for a daunting number of books, start with smaller, more manageable reading goals. For example, set a goal to read one book every two weeks or to dedicate a specific amount of time each day to reading. Success with smaller goals builds momentum.
Where do you have downtime in your summer schedule? While you’re traveling? Relaxing by the pool? Before you go to bed? Keep a book or magazine handy for these times, whether you prefer a physical copy or a digital version. Audiobooks count, too.
Suggest to a friend that you read and discuss the same book. Joining or even starting a small summer book club can add a social element and keep you accountable. Online book communities and forums can also provide you with connection and recommendations for further reading.
Check out websites like Bookclubs or Goodreads to find existing book clubs and forums, or create your own!
E-readers and audiobook apps can be great tools. They offer portability, adjustable font sizes, and the ability to listen during activities where physical reading isn’t feasible (like walking or doing chores). However, be mindful not let digital devices become a distraction from reading.
Designating a cozy and inviting space for reading can make it more appealing. This could be a comfy chair, a hammock, or even a quiet corner in your room. Having a dedicated spot signals to your brain that it’s reading time.
Public libraries are treasure troves of free books and often host summer reading programs with incentives. Explore the different sections of your library, ask librarians for recommendations, and check out their summer programs. Don’t forget that most libraries also offer digital resources, such as e-books and audiobooks, so install that library app on your phone!
Keeping a reading log (such as list on your phone or book log apps such as Goodreads, The StoryGraph, or Bookly) can provide a sense of accomplishment. Celebrate finishing a book or reaching a reading goal by treating yourself.
Life’s too short to read bad books! If you’ve made a reasonable effort and you still can’t get into it, put the book down and move on to something else. Reading shouldn’t feel like a punishment, and there are so many more books out there to enjoy.
Love movies and TV shows? Read a book and then watch the film or TV adaptation to compare. Visit a museum or science center and read books and articles about what you see and experience. For example, if you visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., you might then want to read more about the Wright brothers and how they invented the airplane.
While summer is a great time to dive deeper into your interests, it’s important to continue this exploration during the school year as well. At IvyWise, we tailor our college admissions programs to each student’s passions and goals, helping them identify the resources and activities that will develop them into specialists in their field of interest. Learn more about our programs, including research mentorship, and how we can help you achieve college admissions success.
Summer internships are an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience, enhance their skill set, and fight off summer brain drain. Unfortunately, finding a best-fit internship opportunity that aligns with your needs and goals can be challenging.
Summer is almost here, and college-bound seniors will soon start preparing for their first year on campus. While it’s tempting to just enjoy the lazy days of summer — especially if you have been accepted to college — it’s still important to spend your summer productively. Fall term will be here before you know it, so it’s good to be prepared.
Remote Internships are a Valuable Opportunity for Students Looking to Get Ahead
Internships are a valuable opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience during the summer months. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these positions have shifted to virtual experiences in order to adhere to social distancing and safer at home orders.
The University of Southern California — or USC, as it’s best known — is a top research university and one of the most selective schools in the country. Located in sunny Los Angeles, California, it’s been a pioneer in academic and research initiatives since its beginnings in 1880.
