Depressing Song List

Why Summer Is About College—Not the Beach—for Teens These Days

Today, the idea that kids that age could spend the summer hanging out with friends at the beach, or anywhere else for that matter, is laughable. Summer, especially for high school upperclassmen, is a time to build the ever-important pre-college resume.

And that makes this mom a bit sad.

I find the fact that my daughter, a newly minted senior, needs to do something “ meaningful ” part of the equation that makes my stomach churn.

I do not like the idea of ​​my children participate in activities, be it community service or extracurricular, for any other reason than the desire true. I found, however, that the end of school approaches, and ramps college admissions process in place, stick to this principle is difficult.

Colleges and universities that use the holistic approach to admission (and they are the ones that my daughter is planning on the implementation of) want proof that the applicant has demonstrated a passion for, and commitment extended a small number of activities and interests. In theory, this is a good thing. It’s nicer after all to be viewed as a person who has interests and passions rather than only being recognized for a cumulative GPA or SAT score.