Complete summer assignments

Overview

Many colleges assign summer reading or other pre-matriculation assignments. Complete these on time - they set academic tone and may be part of your first-year seminar.

Types of Summer Assignments

Summer Reading Book

• Typically 1 book assigned
• Discussed at orientation
• Part of first-year seminar
• Sometimes required reading

Reflection Essay

• Based on summer reading
• 500-1,500 words typical
• Upload to portal
• Basis for first-year discussions

Math Placement

• Online assessment
• Review before taking
• Determines initial math course

Writing Sample

• Required at some schools
• Determines English placement
• Similar to previous writing

Survey

• Personal preferences
• Learning style
• Career interests
• Campus life preferences

Pre-Calc Review

• If math is your weak area
• Online module
• Self-paced
• Not typically required

When to Complete

Timing

• Start in June after commitment
• Read gradually
• Complete assignments by mid-July
• Submit by July 31 typically

Deadlines

• Hard deadlines on portal
• Late submissions sometimes accepted
• May affect course registration
• Delay can delay orientation

Strategy for Completion

Plan Reading

• Set daily or weekly goals
• Read in morning if possible
• Take notes as you go
• Reflect on themes

Writing Essays

• Draft early
• Revise thoughtfully
• Proofread carefully
• Submit on time

Math Review

• 1-2 hours daily for 2 weeks
• Use online resources
• Take practice tests
• Understand concepts

Common Summer Reading Books

• Identity and perspective (novels)
• Social issues (nonfiction)
• History (contemporary)
• Philosophy (accessible)
• Memoir (personal story)

Engagement Level

Surface Reading

• Read to completion
• Understand main points
• Not engaged thoughtfully

Deep Reading

• Underline passages
• Note themes
• Connect to own life
• Discuss with others

Scholarly Reading

• Analyze author's argument
• Evaluate evidence
• Consider counter-arguments
• Place in broader context

Aim for deep engagement.

Connecting with Classmates

Pre-Read Together

• Form reading groups
• Discuss via Zoom
• Share insights
• Build community early

In Group Chats

• Share reactions to book
• Discuss themes
• Prepare for orientation discussions

On Social Media

• Post thoughts (appropriately)
• Comment on others' thoughts
• Engage in discussion

Pre-Orientation Prep

Health Forms

• Ongoing if not complete
• Immunizations
• Physical exam documents

Technology

• Activate college email
• Install required apps
• Set up multi-factor auth
• Test connectivity

Courses

• Review course catalog
• Plan potential schedule
• Prepare questions
• Connect with advisor

Mental Prep

• Process graduation emotions
• Prepare for transition
• Build confidence
• Set goals

Reading Themes to Consider

Common Themes

• Identity and belonging
• Justice and equity
• Power and its abuse
• Human connection
• Growth and change

Your Perspective

• How does this relate to you?
• What does it teach you?
• What questions does it raise?
• What would you discuss?

Writing Tips for Summer Assignments

Clarity

• Clear thesis or argument
• Organized structure
• Transitions between ideas
• Conclusion that synthesizes

Evidence

• Quote or paraphrase from book
• Specific examples
• Personal connections (if asked)
• Not just summary

Voice

• Authentic to you
• Academic but not stuffy
• Confident but humble
• Curious and engaged

Proofreading

• Grammar and spelling
• Formatting
• Length requirements
• Submission format

Final Check

Before Submitting

• Review requirements
• Check word count
• Verify format
• Submit to correct location

Keep Copies

• Save final version
• Portfolio for future
• Reference for discussions

If You're Behind

Catch Up Plan

• Prioritize required items
• Delegate non-essentials
• Ask for extension if needed
• Seek help from advisor

Communication

• Email advisor if struggling
• Don't hide problems
• Ask for extension professionally
• Show effort to complete

For International Students

• Language considerations
• Reading in English for fluency
• Cultural context learning
• Preparation for discussions

For Transfer Students

• Review college-specific orientation
• May be shorter prep
• Focus on bridging from prior college

Post-Orientation

• Discussions at orientation
• First-year seminar begins
• Academic tone set
• Community building

The Academic Mindset

Serious Engagement

• Treat assignments like college
• Not high school homework
• Critical thinking required
• Discussion expected

Opinions Valued

• Your perspective matters
• Share thoughtfully
• Listen to others
• Engage with difference

Growth Mindset

• Learning from reading
• Expanding perspective
• Challenging assumptions
• Embracing uncertainty