We have so many options when it comes to how we spend our time in the summer. Why should we read when there are TV shows, video games, podcasts, and more? Because reading (both fiction and non-fiction) can be beneficial in ways that other forms of entertainment just cannot.
Research shows that reading for pleasure leads to greater success in high school, college, and life, and that it improves concentration, comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, world knowledge, focus, energy, grammar, and understanding. A study conducted by Yale University has even proven that reading books is directly tied to living a longer life.
Extra benefits for high school students!
Testing. With college on the horizon, it’s worth noting that students who read for enjoyment tend to score higher on standardized tests like the ACT and SAT. Both exams contain passages from literature, history and science that require solid reading comprehension skills. Regular reading can make these questions less intimidating and improve scores.
Interviews & Applications. Admission interviewers often even ask about a student’s favorite books, and some college applications include a section for students to list or describe books they’ve read outside of their required reading curriculum. Reading is a good indicator of motivation, intellectual interest, and a curiosity for learning – characteristics highly valued by admissions committees.
So… What should you read?
What you read doesn’t matter; the material just needs to be something that was not assigned for/by your school. Reading frequently, reading about what interests you, reading to learn new things, and reading different styles and genres of writing are what’s important. And If you’re having difficulty finding a book that interests you, email us at hello@avaloncollegeadvising.com and we’ll drop you a list of some of our favorite reads.
But rather than reach for the remote this summer, pick up a good book! With the free time summer affords you, try out a variety of genres, or read something related to your potential career or academic interests. Keep track of what you have read, noting your favorite books and authors, and even jotting down your thoughts on each.