<p>Its two weeks into summer, and I've applied to ten different places, and followed up on two of them since most of the places are full. I have no idea what to do with myself. I'm afraid that even though my grades and test scores are very good, colleges won't like a kid who didn't do much over the summer.
All i have planned are 1) swimming 2) family vacation 3) leadership retreat for church. </p>
<p>Advice?</p>
<p>What do you enjoy doing? Spend time doing those things whether those are hanging out with friends or reading the Great Books.</p>
<p>All except the very top colleges -- those ranked top 25 or so by US News -- make their admissions decisions based overwhelmingly on grades, scores, and whether you've taken the required courses. Public universities also weigh heavily in-state residency.</p>
<p>It's only places like HPY and top LACs that have such an overabundance of high stat applicants that admissions gives ECs strong consideration. </p>
<p>At best, most other colleges consider ECs, work, etc, only for merit aid consideration. </p>
<p>The obvious exception is recruited athletes, particularly for sports like football that need lots of participants. Such students get strong consideration.</p>
<p>If you like politics, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities to do things like voter registration or helping out with local candidates' campaigns. High school students are welcome at such things.</p>
<p>You think you have it bad, I'm going to Harvard but I can't get a job in the small mountain town in which I live. All the good jobs were snatched up by kids when my friends and I were doing IB/AP tests. So I've applied 7 places and haven't gotten a job. My friend who is going to Berkeley is in the same situation.</p>
<p>white_rabbit, that is exactly how I feel. I was too busy worrying about my AP tests and SAT subject tests in may and June, (plus my parents dont do anything for me: I wouldn't know what an internship was if I didn't have friends who had them.) I know this just means other people are spoiled, but sometimes I envy how their parents do everything for them.</p>
<p>Good news?: perfect scores on 3 subject tests
Bad news?: late the the job search -.-</p>
<p>This summer has been good in terms of hanging out with friends, and just straight chillin, its nice. But soon college apps will be coming and balsdlkasjdl, kill everything.</p>
<p>Jobs are good, but they aren't necessary to get into top colleges. I spent my summers running 45 miles a week, reading, and swimming and diving (and volunteering as a diving judge) for summer league teams.</p>
<p>Not that I am discouraging you from getting a job! Or doing volunteer work! These are great things to do! :) I am just saying that if your sole motive is to impress top colleges, it might not be necessary.</p>
<p>Jobs really don't have a huge influence on admission, even at top colleges, so don't worry. Most of ivys simply say that having a job is "considered." It'll be more impressive if you can do something unique in the summer.. like a project on something you really like.</p>
<p>Pick up a new hobby/teach yourself how to do something: like DJ'ing, skateboarding, guitar, piano, etc.</p>
<p>Also, having job experience when applying to an Ivy League school is significant because it sets you a part from most applicants--most applicants to top colleges do not have work experience.</p>
<p>well, my interest is in biology and chemistry, looking at CAL, LA, and UCSD. </p>
<p>In terms of unique stuff, I am trying to start an online business with my t shirt designs (because I've been doing graphic design, photograph, and other art stuff for the past five years). So far I've got good designs, but I suck at marketing. </p>
<p>I dont know if thats any good, since my academic side is science related, but my hobbies are artsy, and athletics stuff like that.</p>
<p>maybe jobs are hard to come by, but most volunteer positions are always open! why don't you try looking into those first? I'm sure colleges look at volunteer experience just as well as they would look at a job</p>
<p>Don't even worry. Everyone is having the same problem right now. California sucks :(</p>
<p>"I dont know if thats any good, since my academic side is science related, but my hobbies are artsy, and athletics stuff like that."</p>
<p>It's perfectly fine to have hobbies that differ from your academic interests. Think about it: many adults do things for fun that are very different than are jobs that they have and enjoy. For instance, I know a biologist and former college prof who is an avid actress in community theater.</p>