With summer approaching, many students are considering summer programs, jobs, and other commitments, often with the intent of impressing colleges. As you consider an activity, here’s an initial litmus test that can help you decide if you’re on the right path.

If you could never mention this activity to a college, would you still do it?

When I think back on Collegewise students who not only raved about their summers, but also enjoyed very successful college admissions processes, I remember the students who chose summer activities that they wanted to do. The college admissions merit fell somewhere between a secondary consideration and a non-factor.

A part-time job at a hamburger stand. Civil War history classes at a community college. Soccer camp. Sport fishing, making clay pots, and yes, even attending an expensive summer program (which is certainly not necessary)—those are all real examples of Collegewise kids’ summer activities that they chose because they actually wanted to do them. And all of those students got into colleges they were excited about.

The best summer advice? Enjoy yourself. See your friends. Do things that make you happy. Productive and motivated students don’t turn those traits off based on the season. Colleges would like to see you direct those traits someplace. But that place is up to you.

If you’d like some more summer guidance, stay tuned for our updated Collegewise Guide to Summer Planning, which will be available in the next few weeks.