Summer is more than a break from homework, tests and the drama of high school relationships; it is an opportunity for students to delve a little deeper into their academic or extracurricular interests. I often describe the summer as the single best way for students to set themselves apart from the sea of college applicants.

Last week I introduced my top 10 summer activities. Here are my suggestions for ways to make an ordinary application extraordinary.

Trying out college

Get a taste of college — close to home: Private schools and community colleges generally offer a variety of remedial and advanced classes during the summer. Students can take a prerequisite for higher-level courses or find classes that are not offered at their high schools. Another new option is a great variety of online classes for credit. Virtual High School is a nonprofit organization dedicated to online education, www.govhs.org. Ask your guidance counselor for other suggestions.

Get a taste of college — far away: There are two options if you'd like to spend some time checking out a college by test-driving its academics, staying in the dormitories, eating in the cafeteria and hanging out on campus:

At pre-college academic programs, students can study and earn college credits on hundreds of campuses nationwide.

At pre-college enrichment courses, students can take special-interest courses that tap into an area that you couldn't find anywhere else.

PROS: Experiencing a real college campus during a summer program is a great way to have a better appreciation of whether the college represents a good fit. What is it really like to be 3,000 miles from home? Is the quaint college town manageable for the summer but definitely deadly as a year-round experience? Many of these programs offer hands-on experiences working in laboratories and guest lectures from experts. Spending time with other students who are equally passionate about their interests is also very inspiring.

CONS: Many of these programs can be expensive. Families are also often under the mistaken impression that if you attend a summer program at a prestigious college that you are more likely to be accepted when applying for freshmen admission. Unfortunately, that's not true.

Resources: Check out a college's programs by going to its home page and typing "summer programs" in the search box. Another great resource is www.petersons.com/summer.Find a jobEmployment: Colleges value the skills and commitment needed to be a successful paid employee. Additionally, colleges understand that many students need to assist their families with household expenses.

PROS: The paycheck and the real-world experience of having to show up on time and fulfill responsibilities.

CONS: Many entry-level jobs are tedious.

Resources: Contact local establishments, especially fast-food operations, supermarkets, landscapers, painting and construction contractors, restaurants, movie theaters and small retailers. www.teens4hire.org.Lee Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. For more information, visit www.collegeadmissionsstrategies.com.