Q: What are some fun activities (solo or with a group) to do over the summer?
X Responds:
- Go to the beach/pool – The summer is undoubtedly hot and while it’s tempting to stay indoors with your AC or fan on, try to go outside! Going to your local pool or beach to cool off is something many people enjoy. It’s important to remember that there is still a pandemic happening and you should be careful when going into public spades like this. If you chose to go, please wear sunscreen.
- Start a hobby or perfect one – Over the lockdown, most of us probably started hobbies to pass time, but the summer is the perfect time to perfect that hobby. And if you don’t have one, start one! Hobbies include baking, coloring, painting, sewing, learning languages, etc. With the free time available to us during the summer, it would be unwise to not start something new.
- Travel – Now by travel, I don’t mean you need to hop into a plane. Traveling around the city and exploring Manhattan or your own borough might be fun! You can discover new places and see cool things. Just make sure to stay safe!
- Amusement park – This is a great activity to do with friends! Six Flags in New Jersey or Coney Island in Brooklyn are great choices. Amusement parks are a great way of spending some quality time with your friends and to have adventures.
- Have a picnic – With the heat summer coming up you need to be wise as to when you chose to have a picnic. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have a good time. Getting your friends together to chat over food that each of you could bring will be enjoyable. Just make sure the day you schedule a picnic the temperature is not over 95 degrees or else you might be sweating the entire time.
- Get active. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go to the gym and work out … although if you want to, go for it ! This just means that we shouldn’t become lazy couch potatoes all summer. Going to the park to walk around, bike, or even go jogging are good ways of staying active. Some non-traditional ways of staying active include yoga and dancing.
Q: How can I make myself a better candidate for colleges over the summer without any programs?
Y says:
- If you are trying to make yourself a better candidate for colleges without any programs then make sure that the other parts of your applications are strong. Keep your grades high (preferably over a 90) and take the hardest classes possible (AP courses.) Over the summer you can even take extra classes that offer high school credits. For example, STEM Instittute is a program that gives you high school credits if you take their classes. They offer a variety of courses from math, science, english, history, robotics and game development. You can take these class to show colleges that your are a hard working individual and you are always challenging yourself, and willing to learn (even during summer break.)
- You can also do fun summer activities that you like and put that in your college application. Your activities can be anything from cooking, hiking, playing a sport, volunteering, learning new skills etc.
- Read books and write about them in your application.
- You can also get started on your college essay. You can start brainstorming and writing out a few drafts.
Q: Any good places to visit in NYC during the summer break? (Such as museums, cafes, cool places, stores?)
Z Replies: Sure! My favorite suggestions are listed below.
Museums:
- Transit Museum- This is one of the oldest museums here in NYC, it tells the story about the development of transportation.
- Museum of Modern Art – Here you can admire the collection of art showcased here. It ranges from paintings to sculptures and happens to be one of the most popular in NYC.
- SPYSCAPE- Not only do you learn about the world of spies and real life stories but you’ll also be able to participate in activities and step into the shoes of a spy!
Food places:
- Xing Fu Tea – If you’re a bubble tea addict (like me) you’ll absolutely love this place. A wide variety of bubble teas with fresh tapioca made right in front of you!
- Elite Williamsburg – Enjoy some delicious food from Latin America inside a beautiful glowing rooftop pod.
- Time Out Market – Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served here! There’s a beautiful view from the rooftop seating and you’ll get some cute pictures here too.
Activities:
- Color Me Mine- Whether you’d like to come with a friend or your family, here you can choose any pottery and make it your own! You’re allowed to paint them at the store with an unlimited selection of colors!
- Miniso- Unfortunately, there’s only one of these stores in NYC but it’s so worth it. This store contains some of the cutest plushies and accessories ever.
- Elevated Acre- This park is a bit more small and hidden. However, it’s still beautiful and will definitely make you feel like the main character once you take pictures here.