How to use your “free time” to prepare for Ivy League admissions?

Free time? I’m sure you're questioning the existence of such with the extremely busy high school academic work, sports, clubs, and organizations. However, this may sound counterintuitive, but if you do not already, it is important to create some.

Why?

All colleges, especially the top and most challenging, care about a student’s ability to balance their work and schedules and know when and how to take personal free time for themselves, especially as awareness about the mental health among students continues to be a focus point on college campuses.

Additionally, colleges want to see the real you—when you're not being graded, evaluated, or observed. They want to see what you do for fun, your hobbies, and your interests outside of your academic and professional work. This is so important that many top colleges, like M.I.T., devote an entire essay to asking “what do you do for fun?”.

So what do you do for fun?

High school is a time for exploration and self-discovery. One of the best ways to do this is by exploring hobbies and interests. Hobbies and interests not only allow students to develop new skills and talents, but they can also help reduce stress, increase creativity, and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Here are some hobbies and interests recommended for high school students to explore:

1. Photography: Photography is a great hobby for high school students to explore. With the rise of social media, photography has become more accessible than ever. Students can take photos with their smartphones or invest in a camera to capture stunning images of the world around them. Photography can also help students develop their creativity, learn about composition, and tell stories through their images.

2. Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness: Any or all of these three are great hobbies to explore that promote physical and mental health, relaxation techniques, disconnect from life’s daily pressures, and opportunities to grow and develop your identity and self.

3. Writing: Writing is a fantastic hobby for students who love to express themselves. Students can start by keeping a journal, writing short stories, or even starting a blog. Writing can help students develop their critical thinking skills, improve their vocabulary, and express their thoughts and feelings in a creative way.

4. Music: Whether it's playing an instrument or singing, music is a great way for high school students to express themselves. Music can help reduce stress, improve focus, and boost self-confidence. Students can take music lessons, join a band or choir, or even start their own musical group with friends.

5. Sports and/or Exercise: Sports and exercise are a great way to stay active and healthy while also developing teamwork and leadership skills. High school students can join a sports team, whether it's basketball, soccer, football, or any other sport they enjoy, or engage in home or gym exercises. Sports and exercise can also help students develop discipline and perseverance, as they work to improve their skills and reach their goals.

6. Art: Art is a great hobby for students who love to create. Whether it's painting, drawing, or sculpting, art can help students express their emotions and develop their creativity. Students can take art classes or join an art club to explore different mediums and techniques.

7. Cooking: Cooking is a useful skill that can benefit students for years to come. Students can start by learning basic cooking techniques and recipes, and then gradually work their way up to more advanced dishes. Cooking can also help students develop their organizational skills and improve their time management.

8. Gardening: Gardening is a great hobby for students who enjoy spending time outdoors and connecting with nature. Students can start by growing their own vegetables or flowers, and learn about the importance of sustainability and environmentalism. Gardening can also help reduce stress and improve mental health.

9. Writing: Whether it's poetry, fiction, or nonfiction, writing can be a creative outlet that allows you to express yourself. You can start by writing in a journal or blog, and consider joining a writing group or submitting your work to a school publication.

10. Coding: If you enjoy technology, coding can be an exciting hobby to explore. It can help you develop problem-solving skills and can lead to a future career in tech. There are many online resources to help you learn how to code, and many schools offer computer science classes.

11. Travel: Exploring new places can be a great way to broaden your horizons and learn about different cultures. You can plan trips with your family or join a school-sponsored travel program.

In conclusion, high school is an excellent time to explore new hobbies and interests. Trying out new activities can help you develop new skills, make new friends, and discover what you enjoy. So, go ahead and give one or more of these hobbies a try, and see where it takes you!