How Will You Spend Your Time This Summer?

Put Your Calendar to Work!

Summer is often a time of rest, which is absolutely necessary! However, we also want you to use your time wisely. Be sure to add purposeful activities to your summer that will help prepare you for Senior year and college applications.

Include these items on your calendar:

• Attend Senior Academies
• Visit Colleges
• Prepare for College Applications
• Complete Community Service

Senior Academies begin in the summer. Registration is open now! The following Senior Academies are all virtual and will be hosted via Zoom Webinar.

Visit the Crosby Scholars Student Portal for registrations and more information.

Reminders!

The Senior Program Community Service requirement is to complete five (5) total hours of community service between your Junior and Senior years.

Class of 2024 Community Service is due January 31st, 2024.

We encourage you to use your rising Senior summer to complete the Community Service requirement. Doing so means you can include that service on your college applications and takes one more thing off your plate for Senior year!

Ideas + Resources for Service

Not sure where to begin? Start by thinking of some things you are passionate about. Then, look for something related to that. Connecting your passions with the community's needs can help you find and create meaningful experiences in service. Here are some resources to help you get started!

Community Service Opportunities Webpage

Need ideas for local community service? We keep a list of open community service opportunities on our website. You can find projects to complete from home or opportunities to serve in the community. Click here for more info.

ZSL Instant Wild

Love animals? Want to be able to help from home? With ZSL Instant Wild, you can help review digital images and videos of animals in the wild to assist with conservation efforts!

Smithsonian Institution Transcription Center

Enjoy history, science, and artifacts? The Smithsonian Transcription Center relies on digital volunteers to help transcribe items. You can help others engage in immersive learning experiences through the Smithsonian!

Love Out Loud Volunteer Database

Check out the Love Out Loud volunteer database to find local opportunities related to your passions and skills. You can search by 'Skill and Interest' to find service opportunities you will love!

Points of Light Engage

Points of Light Engage database pulls together volunteer opportunities listed online. You can search for in-person and remote opportunities relevant to you.

Thinking About Your Activities...

On college applications, you will be asked about your activities. With the Common App, you can list up to 10 activities. It's time to start thinking about those you will list. Is it easy to think of what to list? Great! Do you feel like you need to add some more? That's okay- now's the time to act!

As you plan your applications, think beyond sports, student council, and honor societies. While these are all great things to list on your college applications, you also want to list unique activities that showcase your skills, leadership, and individual accomplishments.

Why is leadership experience important? College Raptor shares, "Colleges aim to not only educate their students and hand them a diploma but guide them to become leaders in their various fields. Those who have already displayed leadership qualities are showcasing exactly what colleges are looking for in the next generation." Read more here.

Want to learn more?

Join us for Senior Academy | Common App 101 on July 18th, 2:00-3:00 p.m. on Zoom. We'll go over the Common App and how to best approach sections like the Activities List.

Registration is open now in the Crosby Scholars Student Portal.

Start the Conversation Now!

Now is a great time to start thinking about and asking for letters of recommendation. If you haven't asked any teachers for a letter of recommendation yet, consider asking one of your Junior year teachers this week, before summer break. Even though applications are not yet open and your teacher won't be writing the recommendation just yet, this will help both you and your teacher plan.

College Essay Guy has a guide about How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation and shares three points for choosing which teacher(s) to ask:

1. Someone who knows you well and actually likes you.
2. Someone who recently taught you.
3. Someone who teaches a core subject.

Read more about this and how to ask your teacher(s) for a letter of recommendation in College Essay Guy's guide.

Reminder! This spring, you should have met with your Crosby Scholars Advisor at least twice. If you have not met with your Advisor twice, please contact them ASAP to schedule a meeting.

Remember to stay connected with your Advisor throughout the summer. Your Advisor is one of your greatest resources as a Crosby Scholar!

If you have questions about the Advising Program, email advising@crosbyscholars.org.