Here are seven great options to consider:

Even in summer, EasyBib.com is on the job! There are EasyBib automatic citing tools in the MLA and APA styles, as well as Chicago style format and thousands of others! There are also other bibliographic resources like an in-text citations guide and an MLA works cited example.  

Take a summer college course

One great way to boost your college applications? Take classes at a college. See what offerings are available at your local community college, and look into options at nearby universities. You can even get some college credits under your belt that can be transferred over when you decide where you’re going.

Get involved in research

If you’re hoping to study a STEM field in college, one great way to prepare is by working on a research project at a college or university. Reach out to professors at schools near you who are studying topics you’re interested in, and ask them if they’d be willing to take on a high school student in the lab. While you’re unlikely to be paid for this, it’s a great way to get preparation for college.

Find a summer job

There’s nothing wrong with getting some real-world work experience — and making some extra money — during your break. Find a job in retail, at a summer camp, or at a restaurant. Students who have work experience show colleges that they’re motivated, hardworking, and take initiative. You can learn a lot from having any job, even if it’s not something you see yourself doing past high school.

Volunteer in your community

Giving back to your community both feels good and gives your college apps a bump. Look for opportunities that feed into your interests. Like soccer? Volunteer as a coach for a kids’ team. Passionate about animals? Look for opportunities at shelters in your area. Interested in medicine? See if there’s a chance to work at a hospital or clinic.

Start a business

If you have an entrepreneurial idea, summer can be a great time to get going, since you don’t have to worry about schoolwork as well. Consider turning your business idea into a real concept, whether you want to start a dog-walking business or a company that sells cookies.

Get an internship

Internships are mostly limited to college students, but you can find some opportunities that are open to high schoolers, especially if you live in a major metropolitan area. Oftentimes, working connections can help you secure an internship opportunity. Reach out to family friends or owners of businesses you frequent to see if they have anything available — you can also ask about shadowing.

Begin a blog

If you’re a humanities or writing person, consider starting your own blog over the summer. It’s a great way to put your skills to work, and it’s really easy to start a free blog using WordPress. When it comes time to apply, you can send your pieces in with your college applications as a writing sample.

Whether you are a seasoned writer or starting your first blog, EasyBib.com can help! There are fun and free grammar guides that cover everything from conjunctive adverbs and prepositional phrases to a comprehensive grammar and plagiarism checker for any creative written endeavor!

The post 7 Summer Activities That Help Boost Your College Applications appeared first on EasyBib Blog.

Tip 1: Study outside

When the weather gets nice, you might find yourself staring out the library window, wishing you weren’t cooped up studying. Instead of wistfully looking outside, find a bench or a picnic table where you can study. Bonus tip: Scope out a spot in the shade (and near an outlet) if you’re planning to use a laptop or tablet.

Tip 2: Take small breaks

Staying focused for long chunks of time can be difficult, especially when you’re anticipating summer vacation. Build some small breaks into your study schedule: try studying for 45 minutes uninterrupted, followed by a 10-minute break. Set a timer to avoid constantly staring at your watch or phone.

Tip 3: Make a to-do list

Even if you’re not typically the to-do list type, having clear guidelines for what you need to accomplish can be helpful as winter turns to spring. Students often find themselves in pinches at the end of the year as big exams, papers (with APA style or MLA style citations), and projects approach. Although deadlines can sneak up on you, you can ensure your success by planning in advance. For longer term assignments, try creating mini-deadlines for yourself before the big due date approaches. That way, you won’t have to scramble at the last moment.

Tip 4: Have a refreshing drink

Staying hydrated is important throughout the year, but it becomes even more important as temperatures increase. If you don’t feel like sipping flat water, try flavored sparkling water to add a summery element to your study session. For a more filling alternative, swap out your usual drink for a fruity smoothie.

Tip 5: Work with friends

Studying can be better with company. Ask a friend to be your study buddy, and promise to hold each other accountable until semester’s end. If you prefer to work alone, you can still check in with each other periodically to make sure your studying is going according to plan.

Tip  6: Reward yourself

Building small breaks into your schedule is important, but what’s even more important is to reward yourself for a job well done. Keep the ultimate goal—good grades for the semester—in mind, but don’t neglect to have some fun, too. If you want to go out for ice cream or go shopping, do it! But tell yourself, “I can go get ice cream after I read Chapters 2 and 3 in my textbook.” The promise of a treat will lead to higher productivity—and ensure that your work plan stays on track.

Before turning in final papers, make sure to check your in text citations or works cited page to make sure your citations are accurate!  

The post Tips for Staying Focused as Temperatures Rise appeared first on EasyBib Blog.