In the lead-up to college application season, Carmel School hosted an engaging seminar about How to Use Your Summers Wisely. Led by Mr. Kyle Ford, Grade 10 students and parents were encouraged to treat summer as an extension of the academic year and a chance to grow amid rising university competition. 

Mr. Ford emphasized intentional growth over relaxation, drawing from real student examples and practical advice tailored to IB Diploma Programme (DP) pathways. He reiterated that summers should be purposeful, and encouraged setting clear goals aligned with DP choices, such as preparing for specific courses or visiting target universities. 

To build a competitive edge, top universities expect personal, academic, or physical advancement from applicants. Mr. Ford outlined options with real benefits:

• Join an academic programme: Build skills, preview campus life (e.g., Harvard dorms), or forge professor connections which are all valuable if tied to genuine interests. Alternatively there are also free online courses and certifications such as through Coursera and MIT.
• Do an internship or summer jobs: Test careers, demonstrate leadership, or foster independence beyond Hong Kong's sheltered environment.
• Engage with accessible alternatives: Be proactive and investigate scholarships options, launch entrepreneurial endeavors or passion projects.

In a memorable analogy, Mr. Ford compared college readiness to challah baking: academics as the flour base, communication as sweetening honey, extracurriculars as rich olive oil, presentation as glossy egg yolk, uniqueness as sprinkled salt, and effort as rising yeast. Time allows it all to rise under pressure, culminating in a loaf shared at the Shabbat table—much like students nourishing their communities. 

With applications looming, early action ensures time works in your favor. Mrs. Friedmann reinforced this with a former student's journey where their proactive action, communication, organization, and storytelling wove their personal achievements into an Oxbridge-winning narrative. Students left energized to plan ahead, blending rest with reflection. 

For personalized guidance, connect with Mr. Ford via email.