<p>I'm really lost when it comes to summer programs and internships. I didn't do anything this summer, and I'm a rising sophomore. Next summer I want to do something that will help me stand out.</p>
<p>I'm interested in the humanities such as international relations or political science. I also am interested in biology, and also considering going into biomedical engineering. I'll take chemistry this year, so I think I will have a good foundation for AP Bio and AP Chem my last two years of high school. I'm also an excellent German student. Foreign language comes easy to me.</p>
<p>College-wise, I really like University of Chicago, Georgetown University, and John Hopkins. Can someone recommend something I could start looking into for next summer? I know it's a tad early, but I hear that programs are expensive and I could start saving up now.</p>
<p>However, I do cross country summer training and high level soccer. I cannot go something that lasts a month. Sorry for making this so long, but I'd like to see what is right for me.</p>
<p>You have come to a very good place for information, and you are starting at the right time! I would suggest that you set aside a couple of hours to read the threads out here (the ones pinned on top, and go back through the history as well). Start a spreadsheet of possible programs that look interesting. Some programs are super selective or you would need some financial aid to make it work… it is okay to have a couple of those on your list, but also put a few on that you know you could afford and probably get into. Figure out when the apps are due, and review the list with your parents to make sure they are okay with you applying. </p>
<p>You are good at a lot of stuff. If I were you, I would try to find a program focused on what you think you may want to study in college. It will make your app stronger for college.</p>
<p>If you really can’t take much away from home time for a program, consider looking for a local part time internship/lab research position at a nearby college for the summer so you can still meet your sports commitments, but do something productive.</p>
<p>Personally I think it is good to explore different things over the summer, it lets you grow and learn and at the same time become aware of things that you might not usually focus on. Here is how I have spent my summers (maybe it will give you inspiration).</p>
<p>Summer after freshman year:
- Part time job as an office assistant/doing graphics for my synagogue
- Glass intensive
- Volunteer at two organizations
- Random other things from observing open-heart surgery to helping at my moms office</p>
<p>Summer after sophomore year:
- Three weeks in Israel through the Diller Teen Fellow program
- Glass intensive
- Coach at my local golf-course</p>
<p>Current plans for summer after junior year:
- A science program (I know which one I want to go to, but I have to get in, so I might end up at a different one)
- Two weeks in Poland learning about the Holocaust
- Part-time job</p>
<p>Wow, those are awesome. I wish I could study overseas. That’s so cool.</p>
<p>Are there any summer programs that are prestigious, but perhaps not so long? I can’t afford to go somewhere for weeks. Maybe I could go for a few days somewhere, but going for 2-3 weeks is an issue. Thanks for the motivation! :)</p>
<p>Personally I have paid very little. Diller (the program I went to Israel with) has very generous financial aid and I only paid $500 (including the flight), the Poland program will probably cost about the same and the science program I am applying to is free. If you associate with a religion it is easier to find a program (both international travel programs I discussed are affiliated with Judaism), though other things like being a minority will also give you access to inexpensive programs. Can you give more information about your background?</p>