<p>A part-time summer job would be great. It doesn’t have to be anything special (ice cream shop, retail store, counselor at a summer camp). You’ll learn valuable skills (responsibility, communication skills, learning to take direction from a boss, dealing with weird customers, etc.). If you can’t find a job, maybe you can volunteer a few hours a week. If med. school is your dream, consider volunteering at your local hospital or even at a nursing home. </p>
<p>Make sure to allow for free time to hang out with friends, swim, go to movies, read for enjoyment, follow a passion (for instance: start a band with friends, begin a photo journal if you’re into photography, train for a 5K run, etc.). Have fun.</p>
<p>Also, it’s important to remember that attending summer programs at colleges does not help in the admissions process. If you want to attend a program, do it because you really think you will enjoy the experience. In other words, do it for the personal experience, but don’t do it because you mistakingly believe that it will help in the admissions process.</p>