<p>SheenR-
The stress level you have related here is a possible indicator that a four year program may be the best route for you. Write down your proposed classes and goals on a four year schedule, understanding that these may change. We had no intentions of my S graduating early but did this in his freshman year to make sure he wouldn’t miss a requirement (his school is a bit fluky as it’s IT and had just changed the grad requirements). His schedule did change between his freshman year and senior year, but it was so much easier to do that sr. schedule knowing he had all the prereq’s for target classes.</p>
<p>Schools want to see you use your time usefully during the summer, but you don’t have to spend a month at Governer’s School to achieve this. You need to breath. If you are too young to get a work permit, look for volunteer work that interests you. The beauty of this is that it offers you flexibility that a job often doesn’t. Check with your local library for summer reading programs for young students. They always need help. Look into your local YMCA or community center and see if you can offer to work with students in day care on art projects each week. Often they are understaffed an the students don’t get the attention they would love. Look for an area YOU like and go from there. It is less likely to be stressful. If you are involved in a youth group often they participate in service trips in the summer months or offer camps for younger kids.</p>
<p>I would offer your best goal this summer is to reflect on a four year plan, and to de-charge while staying busy.</p>
<p>Peace.</p>