<p>so I'm going to the Philippines for about three weeks, so most of my summer will be occupied. because of this, holding a steady job/internship is not possible for me (I was supposed to have a summer internship at a hospital but I had to give it up for this family vacation). thus, I won't be doing much EC activities because of this. will colleges look down on this? (I'm interested in schools such as UCLA, CAL, UCSD) some ECs I will be doing include volunteering weekly at a hospital and training for XC. any help would be appreciated!</p>
<p>I get back around July 20, and school resumes around august 18th. would getting a job in that timespan be possible?</p>
<p>You can still get a job if you have the paperwork to prove you can. If you plan on continuing with the job and can handle work and school you should go for it, otherwise I say don't bother with it (unless you really need the money). Your life shouldn't revolve around what colleges think about your activities, just enjoy your vacation time.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that you don't HAVE to have a passion in order to get into a top college! I mean, it's important to have interests, but everyone has interests at age 17, so there's nothing to worry about it. I mean, I got into Swarthmore, UChicago, and other great schools without any hooks or anything, but I don't think I really have intense passion--just hobbies, and if you have hobbies you'd naturally pursue them, so unless you're abnormal I think you're okay.</p>