Essential Skills Your Teen Should Learn This Summer for College Admissions
Mar 28, 2025
As summer break approaches, it's the perfect time for your teen to develop valuable skills that will set them apart during the college admissions process. While relaxing and unwinding is important, utilizing the summer months to gain experience, knowledge, and skills can make a world of difference when college application season arrives. This blog will explore key skills your teen should learn this summer to boost their college application and ensure they're ready for the next academic chapter.
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1. Time Management and Organizational Skills
Effective time management is one of the most important skills that colleges look for in applicants. It demonstrates responsibility, discipline, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks – all qualities that are highly valued in a college setting.
How to Develop This Skill:
Encourage your teen to use planners or digital tools like Google Calendar or Trello.
Help them set goals and deadlines for personal projects, such as studying for SATs/ACTs or working on a summer internship.
Start small with daily tasks and gradually increase the complexity of time management.
Why It Matters:
Being able to manage their time effectively will prepare your teen for the demands of college life, where balancing coursework, extracurriculars, and social activities can become overwhelming.
2. Leadership and Teamwork
Colleges want to admit students who have demonstrated leadership qualities and the ability to work well in teams. Whether it's being the captain of a sports team or taking charge of a community service project, leadership can significantly enhance a college application.
How to Develop This Skill:
Encourage your teen to volunteer for leadership roles in local clubs or community organizations.
Support them in organizing group activities, fundraisers, or events that require collaboration with peers.
Have them take initiative in their current extracurricular activities to showcase their leadership potential.
Why It Matters:
Having leadership experience can make your teen stand out from the pool of applicants. It shows colleges they can take on responsibilities, make decisions, and inspire others to work toward a common goal.
3. Public Speaking and Communication
Strong communication skills are crucial in college and beyond. Being able to clearly express ideas, whether in writing or orally, is essential for success in the classroom and for making connections with professors and peers.
How to Develop This Skill:
Encourage your teen to participate in debate clubs, drama classes, or public speaking workshops.
Have them practice speeches or presentations at home in front of friends or family members.
Suggest they create a YouTube channel or start a blog to improve their writing and verbal communication skills.
Why It Matters:
Colleges look for applicants who can effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas. The ability to speak confidently in public will not only improve college admissions chances but also be invaluable throughout your teen's college career.
4. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating information objectively, while problem-solving helps students navigate complex situations—both are essential skills in higher education.
How to Develop This Skill:
Have your teen engage in activities that require analysis, such as reading challenging books, puzzles, or games like chess.
Encourage them to participate in STEM camps, internships, or research projects that involve problem-solving.
Promote discussions at home on various topics where your teen can present their opinions and defend their reasoning.
Why It Matters:
Being able to think critically and solve problems effectively is a must for college success. It’s an important skill that will help your teen excel academically and in real-world situations.
Read: Why Every Teenager Should Learn Coding: Top Benefits for Teens and Parents
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5. Networking and Relationship Building
Building a network of peers, mentors, and professionals is important, not just for college admissions but for your teen’s future career. Strong relationships can lead to internship opportunities, recommendation letters, and valuable career guidance.
How to Develop This Skill:
Have your teen attend networking events, career fairs, or workshops related to their field of interest.
Encourage them to stay in touch with teachers, counselors, and others who can offer guidance and recommendations.
Suggest they take part in summer programs or internships where they can connect with professionals and like-minded individuals.
Why It Matters:
Developing relationships early on can create opportunities that might not only benefit your teen’s college application but also their professional journey after college.
6. Self-Advocacy and Independence
Colleges want students who can navigate the academic and social challenges of campus life with confidence. Learning how to be self-sufficient and advocate for one’s needs is crucial for success.
How to Develop This Skill:
Encourage your teen to handle their own tasks such as scheduling doctor’s appointments or managing their own finances.
Have them practice asking for help when needed and advocating for themselves in school or extracurricular settings.
Let them take responsibility for their own academic progress, whether it’s by reaching out to teachers for help or researching ways to improve their grades.
Why It Matters:
Colleges want students who can handle the autonomy that comes with living away from home. Developing self-advocacy skills ensures that your teen will thrive when faced with challenges at college.
7. Digital Literacy and Technical Skills
In today's world, digital literacy is essential. Understanding technology and being proficient in various software programs can give your teen an edge in their college applications and future career prospects.
How to Develop This Skill:
Encourage your teen to learn basic coding or computer programming through online courses (e.g., Codecademy or Khan Academy).
Have them become familiar with data analysis, video editing, or graphic design using tools like Excel, Adobe Suite, or Canva.
Help them set up an online portfolio to showcase their skills and projects.
Why It Matters:
Digital literacy is no longer optional. Colleges value students who can integrate technology into their academic work, and these skills will make your teen more adaptable to future challenges.
8. Financial Literacy
Understanding how to manage money is a life skill that will help your teen thrive both in college and after graduation. Colleges value applicants who show maturity, and financial literacy reflects responsibility and independence.
How to Develop This Skill:
Teach your teen how to budget and manage their spending with apps like Mint or YNAB (You Need A Budget).
Discuss topics like credit scores, saving, and investing to give them a comprehensive understanding of personal finance.
Help them set up a savings account and encourage them to start saving for future educational expenses.
Why It Matters:
Financial literacy will help your teen make smart decisions about budgeting, managing student loans, and saving for future goals, all of which will contribute to a successful college experience.
Prepare for the Future with These Summer Skills
Summer break is the perfect opportunity for your teen to learn and develop new skills that will not only impress college admissions officers but also set them up for long-term success. Whether it's leadership, time management, or financial literacy, these skills will help your teen navigate the challenges of both college and life. By making the most of their summer, your teen will be one step closer to securing a spot at their dream school and ensuring a successful college experience.
Read: Why Seattle Parents Have the Advantage in After-School Coding Classes
Read: Kids Coding Summer Camps in Seattle 2025: A Fun Way to Learn Tech Skills
Read: Why Learning to Code is Key to Your Child's Future Career Success in Seattle
Pinecone Coding Academy's Kids Coding Program
At Pinecone Coding Academy, we are passionate about making coding accessible and enjoyable for kids aged 8-17. Our program is designed to inspire and equip young learners with the skills they need to thrive in the digital world.
Click here to discover a coding class that matches your teen's or child's interests.
What We Offer:
Engaging Curriculum: Our courses introduce students to popular programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS, laying a strong foundation for future learning.
Hands-On Projects: Students participate in project-based learning, creating real applications that they can showcase, from interactive games to personal websites.
Mentorship and Support: Our experienced instructors provide guidance, helping students navigate challenges and discover their coding potential.
Community Connection: By joining Pinecone, students become part of a vibrant community of peers, fostering collaboration and friendship as they learn.
Try a Free Session!
If your child is curious about coding, Pinecone Coding Academy offers a free introductory session for kids aged 8-17. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore programming in a fun and engaging way.
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