I’m a rising high school senior and this summer, I’ve been offered a 2-month internship at a prestigious high-tech company, which would be like a full-time job and would involve a serious amount of work and committment.
However, most other seniors I know are spending their summer doing something to “stand out” in admissions - through travelling to the Middle East, taking cooking classes, teaching at Greek camps, going scuba-diving, making black-and-white movies, taking medicine courses in Italy, etc.
I can’t decide what I should do! Should I take up the high-tech company’s internship offer? Would 2 months of work and commitment (on top of the college applications and school summer homework) be taken very seriously?
Please help! I really don’t know what to do.
Also - please, no negative comments about how “standing out” isn’t important! Thank you.
Let’s see now. Working an internship at a high tech company versus taking cooking classes. Seems like the Harvard adcoms would consider that a toss up!
By contrast, the internship will demonstrate to colleges that your application doesn’t stink of privilege, that you are mature, responsible, can get along with adults, and are able to handle the pressures of a full time job. The internship might also provide you with essay material that few high school students can match. In addition you might actually pick up some life-skills along the way. And if you work hard enough you might impress your boss that s/he will write you an additional letter of recommendation to colleges.
As @T2624 said, “Use some of that Harvard wannabe analytical skills” and DO THE INTERNSHIP!
