<p>So the other day, my parents told me that they wouldn't be able to finance anything for me over the summer. I can't do a $600 local summer program, can't go to summer school, can't take summer college courses, and can't do those free, really competitive programs because I'm apparently not good enough to get accepted.</p>
<p>What should I do? I've spent my past 3 summers volunteering, and want to do something different, something academically and intellectually enriching. I've been volunteering during the school year as well anyway. I haven't been able to find any jobs either because I am either too young for many of them or they'd rather hire a qualified adult rather than a 15 year old high schooler in this economy. </p>
<p>Should I inquire about research opportunities with professors? Many on this forum have said it would be a bad idea for a 15 year old rising high school junior to ask about that.</p>
<p>How much will this affect me in college admissions?</p>
<p>its only your sophomore summer.</p>
<p>perhaps find a job at a local museum.
most museums have programs and employment opportunities for youth. (if you live in minnesota i can help you out)
then save your money and do something amazing next summer!</p>
<p>its not all about what you can write on your college application
its what you can TALK about 
so whatever you end up doing make sure you love it!</p>
<p>hopefully this helps a little?</p>
<p>Could you maybe apply for scholarships/grants to the things you mentioned at the beginning? Also, how do you know you’re “apparently” not good enough for the other stuff? Other things to think about:</p>
<ul>
<li>summer camp counselor at elementary/middle schools near you</li>
<li>attend lecture series/seminars at a local college. these should be free and they could give you a good experience to talk about in essays</li>
<li>take a free course through MIT OpenCourseWare</li>
<li>work on a local political/social change campaign</li>
</ul>
<p>You’re a bit too young to do research with professors (most spots are for undergrads and rising seniors in HS). The fact that you’ve spent 3 summers volunteering already puts you in an excellent position. Branch out from what you’ve been doing and ask around for any high-level volunteering (not just a candy striper) and do meaningful volunteering at campaigns or organizations.</p>
<p>Ok thanks!</p>
<p>if I took a free course through MIT OpenCourseWare, how would I get a grade for it or a college credit? Would I just do it “informally” in my free time?</p>
<p>Oh, and I am not good enough because I didn’t get accepted. =[ Yep, true story.</p>
<p>^^</p>
<p>Yes, MIT OCW is taken informally. No teacher, no grades, etc.</p>
<p>I woke up at 10 everyday, played games, watched TV, read some books, went places with friends, slept late… and that was the summer between Junior and Senior year…</p>
<p>Don’t worry too much about it. :)</p>
<p>So I laid around and did nothing most of my summers in high school. I never understood the culture of summer enrichment programs. My parents could never afford it, and most of my peers’ parents could never afford it. Many of us got into many solid universities/colleges (a few scattered Ivies, mostly top 100 liberal arts colleges and national universities).</p>
<p>If your parents can’t afford it…your parents can’t afford it. The economy is terrible and even without it, many of these summer programs are thousands of dollars. Relax and do something else. If you spent your past 3 summers volunteering, you could likely get away with volunteering part-time and spending the rest of the time, I don’t know, being a teenager and enjoying your time off school? You don’t have to shoehorn college prep into every second of every minute of your entire four years of high school to be competitive.</p>
<p>If you see positions that you like, apply for them. Otherwise, relax.</p>
<p>If you are tired of volunteering, keep looking for a summer job. Does your local park and rec. department have a summer camp? They may still be looking for summer help. You may need to be a volunteer one more year as a CIT, but next year you would get paid.</p>
<p>If you want summer programs, but your parents can’t afford them, find a way to earn some money yourself. You may not be able to get a formal job, but you probably could find work by letting people know you’d be willing to pet sit, babysit, do yard work, chores, etc.</p>
<p>And, of course, you always can volunteer with organizations that interest you, and you can do reading and research on your own on subjects that interest you. You also can pursue interests on your own in other ways. For instance, if you like to write, you could start a regular writing group. </p>
<p>No one needs to have a formal job or go to a summer program in order to have a fulfilling summer.</p>
<p>Over my junior summer I participated in MEGA programs but honestly before that I did nothing. I got into some great schools so I don’t really think it will affect you. Just save up over the coming year and maybe next summer you can do more.</p>
<p>My D’s most enriching summer activity was volunteering at a camp for kids with muscular dystrophy. Didn’t cost a thing, and she learned more than she expected to.</p>
<p>If you leave near any sort of city (no matter how small), see if you can get an internship with the mayor, state senator, or other local government positions. This summer I’ll have an internship with my lieutenant governor. It gives you good experience in politics, looks good on apps, and can provide a nice, unique recommendation.</p>
<p>All of the above ideas are excellent. Volunteering is learning and shows iniative. Many of those summer programs for high school students are nothing more than expensive field trips. Not all but many. If your parents can’t afford it, then they can’t. If you can’t get a job then find a volunteer assignment. After 8th grade I volunteered at our town library - it wasn’t an advertised thing, I just went in and asked. They were happy to have a volunteer. Helped that I love to read and was a frequent flyer there! Look around. Animal shelters love volunteers. I am sure you can find something worthwhile.</p>
<p>My D spent Sophomore summer working as a camp counselor and mucking out goat stalls–true story! Fun, rewarding, and disgusting all in one. But the big part was she earned the money to pay for half of the tuition for the dream summer program the next year, and was granted a scholarship for the rest (we’re like your parents–can’t afford to pay for it). Not only did she have an AMAZING time both summers, she was able to write about it all in those ever-present college essays. So look around–there are lots of ways to make things happen! And good luck!</p>
<p>Okay so I got rejected from TASP and NSJP. I got into boys state but its only 5 days. However, last summer i attended TASS and i cannot stand to sit at home and do nothing this summer. I do not feel like volunteering again my entire summer. However, now that it is May 14, the deadlines for practically everything have ended. Is there something somebody knows that is FREE where i can apply around the New Jersey area or something? Or does anyone have any ideas about what i can do? Are there any free boarding programs at Rutgers even if theyre just a week long?</p>