What should your high school student be doing with their precious summer?

Shelly Humbach • April 16, 2025

Wait for it……they should be having fun.

That’s the answer, the whole answer. As a College Admissions Consultant, I am often asked this exact question. It is not my intention to come off as flippant but rather honest. What was true for my generation (I grew up in the 70s and 80s), is true for Gen Z.

I know, I know, did we really drink water from a hose and ride horses and bicycles from sunrise to sunset? Yes. And we didn’t have cell phones or much in the way of money, plans, or supervision. And God, it was great. I also siphoned gas from my neighbor’s car more than once. But that’s a story for another time. I will argue that an unencumbered, slightly unscheduled, and fun summer will contribute to your student’s mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health more than just about anything else.

Honestly, anything that combines a flexible agenda with a vast reduction in device use will produce a magic potion of goodness and delight. Sprinkle in a job, and we’ve got a home run! Most jobs available to high school students are in a service-related industry. Again, reflecting on my formative years (are those over yet?) I worked as a server and bartender for 11 years, essentially all throughout high school and college (I was on the 6-year undergrad track). I was deeply and thoroughly schooled in humanity, patience, kindness, rudeness, pressure, teamwork, decision-making, conflict resolution and money. And these lessons are my greatest life lessons, serving me in a million ways.

For college admissions, summer activities are often the differentiator between students with similar academic achievements. Admissions offices at competitive colleges value extracurriculars for their ability to reveal who a student is beyond grades and test scores. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), nearly 44% of colleges consider extracurricular activities moderately important in admissions decisions, and for top-tier institutions, these experiences are considered "important" or "very important" by 88% of admissions officers.

Below, you’ll find just a few ideas on how to “constructively” spend your summer before college that prioritizes fun and exploration for your high schooler.

1. Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer work fosters social responsibility and boosts employability, as teens who volunteer are 50% more likely to find jobs. This can be an AMAZING way to spend those free summer hours, exploring new hobbies, passions, and organizations while learning time management and responsibilities! These, inherently, can be added to your student’s applications as college admissions committees always look for well-rounded individuals who spend time in their community.

2. College Visits

Make a fun summer road trip out of a few college visits - this is a fantastic way to see new places and get your student excited for the long-term goal of attending college. A lot of college towns have students who stick around and work local jobs during the summertime, so it’s a great way to see the town or city your student could potentially be living in during the “downtime” less busy months. It’s essential to ensure your child can picture living in the area and not just life on campus.

3. Personal Growth and Hobbies

Encourage your student to pursue personal interests and hobbies during the summer, as these can contribute to their personal development and enrich their college applications - oh, and have some summer fun. Pitch some out-of-the-box ideas for activities like joining summer clubs, starting a blog, building a summer business, and hiking a long trail (you know your kids best; what are they into?).

4. Developing Time Management and Organization Skills

Grab a summer job! The biggest hurdle most new-to-college students face is adjusting to being in charge of their own schedule and utilizing their free time effectively. Not only will they get a taste of the financial freedom that comes from having a job, but they will also get to practice the basics of organization and time management. Summer jobs offer an entire pool of new friends to make and a great way to practice those impending socialization skills that will be put to the test when starting college.

5. Shadowing or Internships

Have a student who is convinced they want to work in medicine or has never considered another major other than the one they have imagined forever? Try to find a summer internship or job shadowing opportunity in that field and let your student explore the reality of that profession in the real world - they might be surprised by what they learn and it could offset a change in major down the road. Conversely, they could just be the 1% of us who know exactly what we want to be, and it just solidifies their choice! Both are a win-win.

Here are four popular websites that are commonly used to find summer internships:

College MatchPoint, Summer Programs for High School Students: Summer MatchPoint Activity Directory. Discover a wide range of summer opportunities, including courses, research programs, and service projects. The directory covers in-person, online, and hybrid options to fit every preference. This year, we've 2x the number of free options.

LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform with a robust job and internship search section. Many companies and organizations post internship opportunities on LinkedIn, and you can filter your search based on location, industry, and internship type.

Indeed: Indeed is a popular job search engine that includes a wide range of internship listings. It aggregates internship postings from various sources, including company websites, job boards, and recruitment agencies. You can refine your search by location, industry, and internship duration.

Glassdoor: Glassdoor not only provides insights into company reviews and salaries but also has a dedicated section for internships. You can search for internships based on location, industry, and keywords. Glassdoor also provides company-specific information to help you make informed decisions about potential internships.

While these websites are popular and offer a wide range of internship listings, exploring multiple resources and directly checking company websites or utilizing industry-specific job boards for specific internship opportunities is always beneficial. Additionally, leveraging personal connections and networking can often lead to hidden internship openings that may not be advertised on these platforms.

6. Summer WorkAway Program

Do you have a student who’s itching to travel? Who hasn’t spent much time away from home? Workaway programs can range from days, weeks, or months, allowing participants to help work on a vineyard in Italy, harvest agave on a farm in Oaxaca, tend to horses on an equestrian ranch in Spain - you name it, workaway hosts it. These programs offer a place to stay in exchange for hard work and learning new skills and responsibilities. Most of these programs are hosted by caring individuals who will teach you their native language and who genuinely care about giving back to those who come to help them on their travels.

Summers are a sacred time

Contrary to popular belief, I will always argue that a “productive summer” equates to a “fun summer”. Drawing from my experience as a college admissions advisor and reflecting on my upbringing, I emphasize the importance of an unencumbered and slightly unscheduled summer for your student’s mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.

Reducing device usage and incorporating flexible agendas can create a magical concoction of freedom and self-exploration. Part-time jobs, particularly in the service industry, can provide invaluable life lessons in humanity, patience, teamwork, and decision-making. Peppering in constructive summer activities, including volunteer opportunities, college visits, personal growth and hobbies, contribute to developing time management skills. A job and exploring shadowing or internship opportunities related to potential career paths can all be amazing ways to spend those summer hours. The aim is to prioritize fun, exploration, and personal development authentically, which contributes to a stronger college application and a successful transition to college life.

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From Paralegal to College Admissions Expert: The Story of Shelly Humbach

By Shelly Humbach • March 4, 2026

For many students and families, navigating the ever-changing college admissions landscape can feel overwhelming. That’s where Shelly Humbach, founder of Humbach Education Consulting, LLC, comes in — blending experience, strategy, and compassion to help students find their best academic fit. A Career Pivot Rooted in Purpose Shelly began her professional journey as a litigation paralegal — a demanding role she excelled in for over two decades. But a volunteer role in a high school Post-Grad Department ignited a new passion: college admissions counseling. What started as service turned into a calling. With a clear vision, she pursued formal training through UCLA’s College Admissions Counseling Program, graduating with distinction, and became deeply involved in her profession through memberships in every relevant organization she could join. Nearly two decades on, she continues to refine her craft, guiding students with expertise, humor, and no nonsense. What Makes Her Approach Different? Shelly’s philosophy centers on customized strategy. Every student receives a personalized plan tailored to their goals, priorities, and return on investment — rather than generic, one-size-fits-all advice. She stays current by visiting campuses across the country, attending educational conferences, and leading workshops, ensuring her guidance reflects the realities of today’s admissions world. Moreover, Shelly is a Certified Educational Planner (CEP) — a credential that signifies advanced training and professional rigor. This designation gives families confidence that they’re working with someone committed to the highest standards of service. Facing Challenges With Heart The road hasn’t been without its challenges. The college admissions process itself is more complex and opaque than ever, creating anxiety for students and parents alike. On top of that, Shelly acknowledges the escalating mental health pressures faced by today’s Gen Z and Gen Alpha students, making her role as both guide and supporter all the more essential. How to Work With Shelly Shelly keeps her client roster intentionally limited to ensure deep, strategic engagement. She begins with an initial consultation that focuses on understanding the student’s goals and family priorities within the context of today’s admissions landscape. From there, she crafts a road map that encompasses coursework, testing plans, college selection, application strategies, and more. She also collaborates with trusted partners in test prep, tutoring, learning differences, and mental health, recognizing that successful college planning doesn’t happen in isolation. Shelly’s journey from legal professional to college planning expert exemplifies how following a passion — backed by skill, strategy, and empathy — can make a real impact on students’ lives. If you’re navigating the college admissions maze, her approach might be just what you need to feel prepared, confident, and supported.

Parents of Sophomores: Your “Don’t Panic, But Don’t Snooze” Checklist

By Shelly Humbach • February 12, 2026

Sophomore year is the quiet workhorse of high school. It’s not flashy like junior year. It’s not celebratory like senior year. But it matters. A lot. Here’s your tight, no-nonsense checklist: Academic Rigor Check Is your student appropriately challenged? Honors? AP? IB? Dual enrollment? Colleges care about trajectory. Upward trends = good. Coasting = not so much. Grades This is a foundational transcript year. No “we’ll fix it later” energy. Strong sophomore grades make junior year pressure more manageable. Testing Plan (Light, Strategic) Consider a practice SAT/ACT in the Spring. No need to prep - you are looking for a baseline. Diagnostic only. Meaningful Activities Random clubs and sporadic community service? Hard pass. Encourage commitment, leadership, and genuine interest. Colleges want to see depth, not breadth. Summer Game Plan Catch up on sleep, hang out with your friends…….and one or two of: camps, jobs, volunteering, academic programs, internships, and job shadowing. Summer is for fun and also for showing curiosity or initiative. Relationship Building Teachers matter. Not for favors. For mentorship. Strong junior-year recommendations start with authentic sophomore engagement. Early College Exposure Casual visits. A local campus tour. Virtual info sessions. Start noticing size, setting, vibe. You’re gathering data, not making decisions. Financial Reality Check Run Net Price Calculators. Yes, now. Sticker shock is real. Know your numbers early to inform a great fit college list, and also so senior year isn’t a panic spiral. Executive Function Audit Time management. Organization. Study habits. If there are cracks, identify and work on them before junior year hits like a freight train. Mental Health Ambition is great. Burnout is not. Balance matters. Always. Sophomore year is about positioning. Quiet, strategic positioning. No drama. No frenzy. Just smart moves that compound over time. You’ve got this. And maybe put junior year on your vision board, cause it’s coming.

Parents of Juniors: The College Planning Reality Check

By Shelly Humbach • January 21, 2026

FINANCIAL FIT (a.k.a. Don’t Wreck Your Retirement) ☐ Have an honest family conversation about maximum annual college spend ☐ Run the college website Net Price Calculator for at least 5–8 schools ☐ Complete FAFSA prep (FSA IDs created for student + 1 parent) ☐ Separate dream schools from financially realistic schools ☐ Often sticker price ≠ net price COLLEGE LIST STRATEGY ☐ Confirm your student’s GPA/test scores in context of each school ☐ Build a balanced list: likely / target / reach / wildcard (no more than 10) ☐ Check which schools are test-optional vs test-preferred vs test-required ☐ Remove any school that makes zero financial sense (yes, even that one) CAMPUS VISITS (WORK SMART, NOT CUTE) ☐ Schedule official tours and ask about sitting in on a class ☐ Preview virtual tours before visiting ☐ Meet the regional admissions rep ☐ Visit or email the Financial Aid Office - Ask: “Based on our profile, what’s a realistic net cost?” TESTING (STRATEGY OVER PANIC) ☐ Decide SAT/ACT plan early (spring = ideal) ☐ Compare scores to each school’s middle 50% ☐ Submit scores only if they strengthen the application ☐ Support stress management - not score obsession TIMELINE & MOMENTUM ☐ Summer after junior year = essay drafting season (Godspeed) ☐ Create a senior-year application calendar ☐ Track deadlines: EA / ED / RD / Scholarships ☐ Keep senior-year grades strong (yes, colleges still care) PARENT REMINDERS (READ THIS TWICE) ☐ This is your student’s journey - guide, don’t micromanage ☐ Comparison is poison (especially with other parents). THIS. ☐ Prestige does not equal happiness, success, or ROI ☐ A financially sane college choice is a win

The Value of the College Visit — and How To Do It Right

By Shelly Humbach • December 1, 2025

Juniors (and parents), take a breath. The college search can feel like trying to pick a favorite show on Netflix with 4,000 options and no remote. It’s overwhelming, and without a plan, nothing happens except mild panic and procrastination. Here’s how to cut through the noise: 1. Start close to home. Visit a small, medium, and large college in your state — even if none of them are on your actual list. You’re gathering data, not declaring allegiance. Pay attention to the basics: campus vibe, feeling of safety, surrounding town. Not every school sits in a picture-perfect bubble. (Looking at you, USC area.) Understanding what size and setting feel right is the foundation for building a meaningful college list. 2. Turn travel into opportunity. Heading out of town for Spring Break or a long weekend? Add a campus or two to the itinerary. You may think you’d never go to college in that region, but campus visits have a way of changing minds, or reinforcing them. Also, test the travel logistics. If getting from home to campus feels like planning a Mars mission, that’s worth knowing. 3. Make each visit count. Sign up for the official tour. But if you can skip the info session, do it. They’re often more marketing than substance, and the biggest takeaway is usually a free pen. Instead, ask Admissions if you can sit in on a class, tour the department you’re actually interested in, or talk with a professor. That’s where you get the real story. A bachelor’s degree is a major investment both financially and personally. Treat the process for what it is: a thoughtful evaluation of your options. The campus visit remains one of the most valuable tools you have. Use it intentionally, and you’ll make smarter choices with far less stress and a fantastic outcome.

College Application Season

By Shelly Humbach • October 18, 2025

College Application Season, a/k/a Application Hell, is upon us. Every year, my Colorado kids are pushed to meet the Colorado Free Application Days, which typically are in early October. This early deadline is both a blessing and a curse. Let me explain. The curse is that it’s early, and the pressure to complete applications and essays is intense. The blessing is that it’s early, which requires students to get their act together and finish their applications and essays. This dichotomy mirrors my experience working with teens. It is, you guessed it, both a blessing and a curse. Now, I realize I am being over-generalistic, but bear with me. The blessings are innumerable: they are bright, funny, kind, compassionate, and very, very aware. Of all kinds of stuff. Gen Z is fascinating in that they have the emotional intelligence of, say, a 45-year-old mother of three. They are informed and driven to act to impact injustices, locally and globally. And bonus! They can handle any of your persnickety tech issues without blinking an eye. Gen Z restores my faith in humanity, and for that, I am deeply grateful. And the curse? They cannot write. By the grace of God, each year, I have a handful of students who can write brilliantly, beautifully. But every year, that handful gets smaller, and along with that so does my faith in humanity. I firmly believe and bear witness to the fact that readers make writers. This is true for me. It is true for my children, and it’s just true. The rant? Devices and social media (I know, I am a broken record) are the culprit. Gen Z is growing up in a world of clickbait communication and constant distraction, fueled by addictive algorithms. The result - many have the attention span of a gnat. NO ONE IS READING ANYMORE. I don’t mean a headline. I mean a full article, let alone a book. Remember those? As a mother of three adults, functioning children, and a professional who has worked with hundreds of teens, please take heed. Read to your kids. Invite your kids to read to you. Their future depends on it.

No Phone, Ditch the Shoes, Let’s Connect

By Shelly Humbach • September 11, 2025

In June, I hosted my annual Senior Essay Writing Workshop. This was the first in-person workshop since 2019. I bet you can guess why. I was elated to meet my students face-to-face after months, even years, of connecting through the screen. Imagine my surprise at their height, super-smiles, and warm laughter. Dang, it was wonderful. So, essentially, all my in-state seniors gather at my house for a three-hour intensive workshop on crafting a killer college essay. As I was preparing for the event, it occurred to me that I might be in competition with their PHONE. Classic directness (this is probably a character flaw) led me to inform my students and their parents, in advance, that this would be a no-phone gathering. My messaging went something like this, Important: Phones are placed in a basket at the door and retrieved at noon. No exceptions. Parents: If you need to reach your student during the workshop, text me directly at **********. Now, I am fully on board with the phone-free movement. I support it, advocate for it, and live it (I brilliantly quit all personal media last November). And I thought: my event, my rules. I was a little concerned about how this announcement would land. Turns out my concern was mainly about the parents. The kids? Not so much. In fact, research indicates that students crave phone-free learning environments. Suffice to say, the workshop was a smashing success. Not a single student pushed back against the policy. One poor soul forgot to retrieve her phone and left it sitting all alone in the basket. Not to worry, though. She didn’t get far before turning back to grab it. Here’s the truth: We don’t have to bow down to every technological whim or societal pressure. As adults, we know the phone is a problem, and it’s our job to foster healthy, happy individuals. So let's keep this momentum going. As Maya Angelou wisely said, “When you know better, do better.”

Big J Educational Consulting College Admissions Charts

By Shelly Humbach • August 11, 2025

I work with incredible colleagues; collaborative, smart and supportive. They make me better and I am deeply grateful. Every year, Jennie Kent and Jeff Levy of Big J Educational Consulting share invaluable information regarding college admissions. Their research is impeccable and accurate and provides crucial data to help students and families make informed college decisions. Read on, share broadly and give a shout out to these generous professionals! Early Decision and Regular Decision Acceptance Rates Class of 2028 Domestic Undergraduate Need-Based and Merit Aid Class of 2028 In-State and Out-of-State Acceptance Rates Class of 2028 Financial Aid for International Noncitizens Class of 2028 International Noncitizens Acceptance Rate and Yield Class of 2028 Percentage of Students Submitting SAT and ACT Scores Class of 2028 Athletic Divisions and Conferences (partial list) Class of 2028 - NEW! These charts are visual, interactive, and easy to use. They make it possible to instantly sort using any column's metrics and to easily compare subsets of colleges. They are free and can be accessed at www.bigjeducationalconsulting.com/resources . From Jennie and Jeff: We hope you find these resources helpful in your work guiding students. Please feel free to share them broadly as long as they remain in their original unedited form. Permission is not granted to those charging a fee for their distribution. If you find an error after cross-referencing with an institution's Common Data Set, please contact us at info@bigjconsult.com . Thank you!