<p>I'm interested in whether you think there appeared to be any interest whatever at the admissions office in how you spent your summer vacations. Did you all save the rainforests or create successful start-up companies, or did you stay home and watch cartoons?</p>
<p>Dizzymom:</p>
<p>While I didn't stay home and watch cartoons, I also didn't do anything during the summer that was in any way extraordinary. I had a retail job for the past two summers, and I volunteered at local summer camps. I also just used the time to play sports, read, and relax. I often thought of taking a college course during the summer, but it never seemed to work out. It didn't appear to be necessary though.</p>
<p>In all, I would say to use the summer doing things that you really love. It is a perfect time to do some community service, but try to find things that you are interested in. For instance, one summer camp I volunteered at was a fun, laid-back one for young children and another one was a tennis camp. I enjoyed volunteering at both of them, so I was able to show a strong commitment. I believe it comes through on your application if you are doing something that you have an interest in.</p>
<p>I took college courses and attended at least one Governor's School program each summer. I recommend doing both, especially the college courses, which allowed me to earn credits (just check to make sure Dartmouth accepts the course) relatively stress-free (since I only took one or two at a time). I could relax while still feeling that I was doing something productive. I think Dartmouth just wants to know that you didn't sit around and do nothing. I agree with Viewer, though. If there is something you have an interest in, do it. Whether it's academic, physical, or creative, just make sure you do something that suits you. That way, your summer activities will be just one more piece of evidence that they have of your personality.</p>
<p>watched tv, ate junkfood, and had fun</p>
<p>My daughter went on family trips, band camp, and school sponsored trip to Spain. She also learned how to make jelly and tomato sauce with her Dad.</p>
<p>Dizzymom,</p>
<p>I spent the summers before my junior and senior year doing an internship at Umich's deptmt for Student's with Disabilities. I also volunteered at a camp for Student's with Disabilities. All throughout high school I have worked with student's with disabilities at my own High School (and I have also pursued a strong track in the sciences) and throughout my interviews I made it clear that i wanted to follow through with this in college by focusing on bioethics. </p>
<p>Unlike most of my friends, I did not do a summer program at a major university or college. I was president of the philosophy club at my HS and I have always had a strong passion for philosophy and ethics so I decided instead to do an independent study on Aristotle's Metaphysics. I wrote a paper on it and submitted it with my app as proof that I pursued my academic interests over the summer.</p>
<p>Missionary work in Duran, Ecuador</p>