College Advisor Says Make Summer Count

High school students who want to shine on their college applications should consider the summer an ideal time to add some resume gold.

Contrary to popular belief, a student doesn't need to build wells in Costa Rica, said college counselors at International College Counselors. There are many choices of summer activities that raise the APA (application point average).

“While there’s nothing wrong with a little down time, high school students with college aspirations should use the break to enhance their college applications,” said Mandee Heller Adler, founder of International College Counselors. Summer is coming up fast so here are some ideas for high schools students to make the most of the summer.


Enrichment Camp

There are hundreds of different summer enrichment programs, from the local to the international and, between them all, they offer thousands of opportunities. There are recreational camps, athletic camps, academic programs, volunteer programs, internships programs, and more. Some come with the opportunity to earn college credit. A number of programs give high school students the taste of life on a college campus.

Great summer job or internship

"Summer jobs and internships are great ways to gain valuable real-world experience," said expert college advisor Adler. "In a tight job market like the one we're experiencing now, your best bet may be the internship."

An internship is unpaid (or token payment) work experience that provides students with an opportunity to gain experience in a field of interest. What isn't gained in cash, is gained in experience, friends, and networking connections. Think of it as a summer course. With persistence and luck, you can even land an internship in a dream career.

Volunteering

It can be profitable to work for nothing. You can make a difference, gain experience make networking connections, and explore interests. For example, if you’re interested in a career in medicine, you can volunteer at a hospital or nursing home. The choices are endless and the hard work and time can pay off. Colleges and scholarship funds truly adore students who can demonstrate that they make the effort to help others. Then there's always the fact that doing good is a wonderful reason to volunteer in itself.

Virtual Class or Dual Enrollment

Virtual classes and dual enrollment programs offer students a chance to explore something new. Both can help save time and money if you take classes that count both for high school credit and college credit. Depending on your school, the credit may reduce your course load per term or even allow you to graduate early.

For help from an experienced college advisor, please contact the expert college counselors at the Miami based International College Counselors of http://www.internationalcollegecounselors.com

International College Counselors
(954) 414-9986

About International College Counselors
International College Counselors is a Miami-based company that provides expert college counseling on undergraduate and graduate college admissions, financial aid, tuition, essays, and college applications. The college admissions counselors at International College Counselors work with domestic and international students. International College Counselors, founded by Mandee Heller Adler, tailors college counseling and college coaching services to address the goals, needs, and dreams of each student.

International College Counselors has seven offices in three countries.

Expert College Advisor at International College Counselors Encourages Students to Enter the 2012 Miami Herald Business Plan Challenge

by Mandee Heller Adler
CEO of International College Counselors

High School students who have a great idea for a business, should enter the 13th Annual Miami Herald Business Plan Challenge, said college experts at International College Counselors.

Last year three students from International College Counselors won the challenge!

More information can be found on the Miami Herald website here and I've pasted some relevant parts of the rules below.

Expert college advisors at International College Counselors say winning this Challenge will look good to colleges and, even if a student doesn't win, it's a great learning opportunity and/or a launchpad for some budding entrepreneurs.

A panel of judges will select the three best business plans submitted by high school students, grades 9-12, based on both the quality of the idea and the submitted plan.

According to The Miami Herald, general rules for high school students wanting to enter the Business Plan Challenge include:

* Students must live in South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe and Palm Beach counties).

* The entry must be no more than three pages, type no smaller than 10 point. Students may include one additional page of supporting material, such as a product picture or diagram, a financial spreadsheet or marketing materials.

* The contest is open to students in grades 9-12 in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties. A one- or two-page entry is fine in the student category. Put "High School Entry" at the top. A video of the top student winner with be filmed and it will be featured on MiamiHerald.com.

* Entries must be for proposed for-profit businesses or firms in the start-up phase. Companies launched before Jan. 1, 2010 are not eligible. If the submission is an original franchise idea, it will be allowed. Multiple entries from one person are allowed if they are different business ideas.

Entries must be e-mailed by 11:59 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 2012.

The top three competitors will be the subjects of a Miami Herald Business Monday cover story and section. Winners will also be invited to a luncheon in their honor.

If you are a client of International College Counselors and want us to review your business plan, please contact your advisor and they will be more than happy to do so.

May the best business plan win!

International College Counselors
(954) 414-9986
www.internationalcollegecounselors.com