Rest - Then Begin a Quality Summer Activity

School's out! Time to breathe, recuperate, and get involved in something fun and meaningful. What this means is very individual, so follow your own path and maximize your summer.

Definitely take some time to chill out - critical for your mental health - but jump into something of value for the majority of your summer. The most competitive schools ask how you spend your summers, so make them count. No matter what your activity, make the most of it:

• Serving fries? Do your best to make yourself the perfect employee - that reference from the boss could come in handy.

• Got an internship? Volunteer for any and every task, and NEVER say no - you'll be surprised how you can turn "filing" into "filed over 5,000 documents" on your résumé.

• Got a big trip planned? Start a travel blog which you can share with admissions officers.

• Taking classes? Make sure you build in some unwinding time, too.

• Visit colleges! You know you want to...

I WORKED AT A LOCAL RADIO STATION as a newscaster and DJ most of my summers during high school. Given that my academic and professional interest is in journalism and broadcasting, I think this experience looked good to admissions people. Also, it's unique: Working retail or being a camp counselor is all well and good, but lots of people are putting that stuff on their application and it probably won't make you stand out from the others.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA

DURING HIGH SCHOOL SUMMERS, I volunteered in a library and a hospital. Volunteering is a huge part of boosting your résumé for college. I think schools really like people who are ambitious and involved and do things. It shows you have character and that you'll bring that to the school.

LOYOLA COLLEGE