<p>What should I do over the summer to get exposed to new things / have better chances on college applications? I have narrowed down to a few things:</p>
<p>Volunteer - most likely at a hospital or other medical location
Intern - hopefully one relating to biology, medicine, or computers, there is also a risk factor if I don't find a good place / don't get hired
Classes- take classes at a local college, probably something like intro to calculus so I can get a jump on BC Calculus next year</p>
<p>I really want to spend my Summer productively. Which is the best option?
Any input will be appreciated, Thanks!</p>
<p>The reason I am doing this is to find out what I do enjoy. So which one would be the most helpful for the future? Volunteering could expose me to a new environment and I could possibly win the President’s Award with enough hours. An internship could get me involved in a work field with $$$, but I could be effed over if I don’t find anything or don’t get hired. Taking the intro to calculus class could really help me with BC calculus next year. (extremely hard and would be amazing if I got an A) But the summer class wouldn’t really expose me to anything beneficial in terms of college applications and future work.</p>
<p>Why don’t you try out volunteering? I initially wasn’t a huge fan of it at first, but as I worked as a volunteer I gained a deeper appreciation for what my library does for everyone. I shelve books, DVDs, and other materials, and I realize that the menial work has helped change how I view the library. However, I do not think you should go into volunteering with the attitude that you have to win the President’s Award. Do it because you think you will like what you do, not mainly because of extrinsic reasons for boosting your resume.</p>
<p>If you can get an internship, that would be fantastic but it’ll may be difficult to find one. If you can’t, take a class and volunteer. I wouldn’t take calculus for the class, though. Take something that you won’t have the opportunity to take at high school: a language, Russian history, economics, psychology, anthropology, programming. It’s up to you where you want to volunteer.</p>
<p>Or look up a list of banned books and read as many as you can! Learn to knit or crochet or do woodwork! Volunteer for a local politician!</p>
<p>Personally, I enjoy the way I spend my summers: working at the law firm that I have worked at for the past four years, taking as many classes as possible at the local college that is conveniently across the street from my job, and occasionally hanging out with friends. Perfect summer in my eyes. Good luck in whatever you do!</p>
<p>What is the Presidents award? I’m very interested in this because is it awarded for amount of hours volunteering because I have accumulated quite a few. Can someone please explain what it is?</p>
<p>Its called the Presidential Service Award, not to be confused with being a Presidential Scholar. The only thing is you have to find a volunteer organization that is registered and reports your hours to them. For example, even though I have 200 hours at my local library, they are not registered, so I can’t get it.
[The</a> President’s Volunteer Service Award](<a href=“http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/]The”>http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/)</p>
<p>another award you might like to look up is the Congressional Award. it really helps people figure out their passions because you have to try so many things before you complete it, such as volunteering for 400 hours, planning a trip, etc. etc. i think it could really make for a productive summer :)</p>
Perfect summer in my eyes. Good luck in whatever you do!</p>