Being high school students, we often feel that the holidays are a well deserved break - and rightly so! However, some advance planning and time spent productively over the summer can actually help you go a long way as far as your university applications are concerned.

Besides helping you develop as a Well rounded individual, Taking on a passion project or pursuing an interesting extracurricular activity will provide you with interesting ideas and insight for your university application essays. It also depicts to universities that you have many more facets to your personality than just academics! Examples of such activities include - an internship, independent research, summer school and community service.

Especially in the case of universities in the US - it is important that you offer more than just a strong transcript, showing them your personality, creativity, dedication and drive beyond the classroom.

In the case of the UK, a focused activity in the field that you hope to pursue could take you a long way, forming interesting material for your personal statement. It reiterates to universities your interest in the academic area you are applying for.

The summer break is an excellent opportunity to achieve goals that you feel you do not have enough free time for during working school days - so please make the most of it! Be sure to also catch up on academic work so that you get a head start when school reopense.

Use your holidays wisely, and give yourself an opportunity to produce the best application you can!

Good Luck!