When you think of summer break, you probably imagine sunshine, beaches, and sleeping in—not study sessions. But with the right balance, summer is also the perfect time to sharpen your skills, boost your grades, and prepare for upcoming tests. These 10 summer study tips will help you stay ahead without missing out on summer fun.
1. Start an informal book club
Reading is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your academic skills. It improves comprehension, vocabulary, test scores, and even communication.
- Choose books you enjoy—what you read matters less than the fact that you are reading.
- Start a reading competition with friends or form a small book club.
- Discussing stories with others helps boost critical thinking and retention.
2. Start a new exercise routine
Exercise doesn’t just benefit your body—it also helps your brain. Research from the University of British Columbia shows that aerobic exercise increases the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning.
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days.
- Combine fun activities like biking, swimming, or sports with structured exercise.
- Use exercise as a way to reset your brain after study sessions.
3. Use summer for test prep
Balancing school work and SAT or ACT prep is tough. You’re already crunched for time because of after-school clubs, team practices, and hours of homework. That makes it hard to make time for SAT prep. During summer, it’s easier to focus on test prep because all the school responsibilities are on the back burner. If you decide to prep for the SAT or ACT on your own, start with a diagnostic test to figure out where your strengths and weaknesses are. That lets you focus your efforts on the areas where you need the most improvement. This is why all C2 Education programs start with diagnostic tests that offer unique insights into student performance to help families build the most effective and efficient test prep programs.
4. Start a business
In the good old days of yore, student-owned businesses were generally limited to mowing lawns or organizing babysitting collectives. The rise of social media and other online resources means that students have tons of potential business opportunities. If you have coding skills, website building skills, or graphic design skills, launch an online business selling those services; if you have an awesome idea for a new creation, get a Kickstarter campaign going; if you love crafting, set up an Etsy store. You can make some extra money, exercise critical thinking skills, basic accounting skills, and communication skills. Not only that, entrepreneurship is a great addition to your resume.
5. Write every day
Strong writing skills are essential for school, college, and beyond.
- Keep a daily journal.
- Write short stories, essays, or even start a blog.
- The goal is consistent practice, not perfection.
6.Take summer classes
Summer classes offer flexibility and academic growth.
- Many school districts allow students to complete required courses early.
- Community colleges often welcome high school students for summer sessions.
- Taking classes during summer can free up time for electives and advanced courses later.
7. Schedule tech-free days
When those pesky school days don’t get in the way, it can be really easy to let yourself get sucked into the world of tech. Netflix binges, gaming days, constantly accessible social media, and an app store full of free games provide endless entertainment, but they don’t offer much in the way of intellectual development. On the contrary, studies show that too much screen time can quite literally rot your brain. Give your brain some much needed rest by scheduling a tech-free day (or even just a few hours) each week.
8. Volunteer
We could talk about how community service helps your college applications (it does) or meets National Honors Society or high school requirements (also important), but let’s take the higher road instead: Volunteering is just plain good for you. Studies have found that volunteer work is correlated with a longer lifespan, lower blood pressure, lower likelihood of suffering from depression, and greater life satisfaction. Not surprisingly, doing nice things for others feels good, which translates into improved overall well-being. (And it helps your college applications.)
9. Become bilingual
There are tons of resources to help you learn a foreign language, from Rosetta Stone to Babbel. Studies have suggested that consistent practice with a foreign language, even just a few minutes a day, can provide massive cognitive rewards: improved attention span, greater multitasking abilities, and a bigger brain. To get started, check out these tips from TED translators.
10. Take an online course
We’ve written before about the benefits of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): MOOCs don’t typically provide college credit, but they offer the opportunity to learn from some of the best professors in the world. Most of these classes are free, and you can find a MOOC on almost any topic you can dream of. Check out the offerings at Coursera and edX to see if something sparks your interest.
Make the Most of Your Summer Break
Summer doesn’t have to be a break from learning. By reading, exercising, preparing for tests, and exploring new opportunities, you’ll return to school sharper and more confident. With these summer study tips, you can enjoy your break while staying on track for academic success.
