<p>K so im a junior right now. I realized that i kinda wasted last summer by going to Taiwan for over a month, where i could have been doing some college-oriente d stuff. Next summer, I would like to do something good to better my chances for Stanford. What i have in mind is going to a charity place and volunteering every day; I know i can crank out at least 300 hours if i do this. Of course, people say this kind of stuff is overrated, does not demonstrate your passion, is "fake", but still, it does have an impact. I have looked into the Stanford summer program but theres no way I can afford it. Any suggestions or things people have done in the past please?</p>
<p>Hmm... do something that shows dedication in something that you're passionate about. Last summer I marched drum and bugle corps, which is like a much harder version of marching band. It was a serious time commitment as well as an example of me seeking challenges outside of school.</p>
<p>I've also heard that working a summer job looks good as well.</p>
<p>Yup... Just keep busy. Whether that means working on at a summer job, or attending a football camp, or pursuing some kind of community service that relates to your interests. These things DO help... but the usually are most useful when they correspond to your passions.</p>
<p>Don't just do community service for your application. It won't make you stand out at all, because almost everyone has a considerable amount of community service.</p>
<p>Do something more productive, pursuing something that you want to do and that compliments your academic/extracurricular interests.</p>
<p>If you truly enjoy working with charity programs and such, then go for it and have a good time, but it seems to me that you just thought of it for your application. Don't waste your summer doing something you don't want to do, if you have the choice.</p>
<p>You could apply to the Stanford summer program and ask for financial aid, which I'm sure is available, if only on a first come first serve basis.</p>
<p>get a job, volunteer, or do both. But do it because YOU want to do it, NOT because you think a college will want to see it. If they suspect you're only doing these things to get yourself into college, they'll see through it and not want to admit you.</p>