1. Study for upcoming SAT or ACT exams.

Summer is the perfect time to review and practice for tests that will be offered in the fall. Let’s face it, the regular school year is hectic and it’s not always easy to focus. Why not spend a little time this summer preparing. At the very least, it will take some of the pressure off of you come fall.

2. Volunteer.
You may not have the time and flexibility to volunteer during the school year. Summer is a great time to seek out volunteer opportunities when your schedule is probably wide open. You can volunteer to do just about anything. Just find something that matches your interests and get out there!

3. Get a part-time job.
Not only will you have extra money to buy those concert tickets – Mom can’t say no to the concert if you pay for the tickets yourself, right? - but you also don’t want the kid selling lemonade on the corner to have a more productive summer than you, do you? You might even be able to match a summer job with your career interests. Even an unpaid internship could give you experience that could lead to a good job later.

4. Read a book.
Just because you’re not in school doesn’t mean you have to stop learning. Besides, you can read anywhere, even while lounging at the pool or the beach. Studies have shown that reading over the summer prevents backsliding – you know, that thing that happens when you show up in the fall and can’t remember what you learned the previous year. Most students lose reading skills over the summer, but if you read, you’ll actually gain skills. Trust me, I read it somewhere.