<p>I'm 16, a sophomore in High School, and got nominated for something called "GHP" or "Governor's Honor Program". It's a 4 week residential summer camp in which the student studies his or her subject of interest/nomination (I was nominated for Literature and Biology, my two favorite subjects, but since you can only pick one, I'd do Biology). It is virtually free (paid by the state of Georgia); the only costs that I would need to pay are transportation and food.</p>
<p>On the contrary,</p>
<p>I live in a very affluent area where literally 90-95% of high school seniors own cars. Without a car, you basically have no social life. Besides that, I would like a car for practical reasons such as driving myself to school everyday instead having my Mommy or Daddy pick me up as if I was 6 again. I don't even have the bus as an option (not that I would ride that freshmen and sophomore infected vehicle) because a new high school is opening nearby next year, my junior year, and since its closer to my house than my old school, if I want to continue attending my old school, then I have to provide myself with my own transportation.</p>
<p>So, this summer, should I attend GHP or get a summer job working 8 hours a day? Does working a lot of hours show that I am mature and a hard worker? Or would college rather see my giving up my summer for academics?</p>
<p>I would do the Governor’s Honor Program if you get into it. It is an opportunity you are not likely to be offered again, whereas you can work a menial job any time. Moreover, it’s unrealistic to expect to make enough money, in four weeks of minimum-wage work, to afford a car + all its accompanying expenses such as gas and insurance. My kids’ friends who have cars (mine don’t!) either have to have a part-time job all year, or get their parents to subsidize the ownership costs.</p>
<p>My answer would be different if your family needed the money you would make from a job. But your “need” for a car is really only a “want.”</p>
<p>I’m a parent in a state where the Governor’s Schools were cut a few years back due to budget.</p>
<p>TAKE THE GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL! It is a tremendous gift. Not only is it a low cost for you, but you will be with other students who excel in the subject and care about the subject. This will give you a feel for college life. </p>
<p>A car is useful, but the prestige of the governor’s school may open up doors for you. Ask Kevin Bacon. </p>
<p>I agree with jingle - the loss of 4 weeks earnings won’t be enough for a car anyway.</p>
<p>If you feel that you’d enjoy the GHP, do that. Opportunities like these - especially low-cost ones - are extremely valuable. They’re far more valuable than a summer’s wages in most cases.</p>
<p>However, I do find it prudent to point out that the OP would not be losing only 4 weeks of earnings from this program. If the program is in the beginning or middle of the summer, it will likely prevent the OP from being able to get a job at all for the summer - as may a program at the end of the summer.</p>