<p>I've been interested in Princeton for a few years now (specifically for physics or math, if that's important), and the summer before my senior year is quickly approaching. I've already been rejected from RSI and TASP, and I'm starting to have some contradictory feelings as to what I'd like to do instead.</p>
<p>I believe that I could make it into a second-rate math or science camp, but I'm starting to wonder if I would just be doing that to please the university. Although I would like to learn something over the summer, emotionally I'm leaning toward eschewing some lengthy program in favor of staying at home, getting a summer job, and spending my spare time hanging out with friends, studying piano, doing activities with my church, and reading as many books as I can from Randomhouse's top 100 novels list.</p>
<p>(I know that the last sounds a little self-indulgent, but something recently clicked in my brain and I suddenly became interested in novels.)</p>
<p>If I weren't applying to top-tier colleges, I would choose the latter option with hardly a second thought, maybe with a two- or three-week local program on the side; however, if this could have a significant impact on whether I'm admitted, that's first for me.</p>
<p>Feel free to look at my stats profile or ask me if you want more information about me.</p>
<p>I think what you should do is what you want to do. It shouldn’t be about “what will Princeton think?” It should be about, what will benefit ME most - how can I have fun? how can I be productive? how can I learn? If your idea of a wonderful, productive summer is sitting at home reading novels and volunteering at church (I know MINE is!), then that’s what you need to do. I’m not the smartest or most knowledgable (as evidenced by my inability to spell the word knowledgeable) guy when it comes to college admissions, but one thing I think I’ve gathered along the road is that colleges want to see what you are passionate about. And it’s okay for a math-science nerd (which I assume you are to an extent) to spend your summer reading Orwell and Steinbeck. That’s what learning is about. That’s what it means to be well rounded. That’s what my essays were about - how even though I’m a math-science nerd, nothing pleasures me more than sitting down with a good book, or settling into a political debate. So don’t go do research at what you describe as a “second-tier” institution if you don’t think it’s good for you. Working at a job, chilling and reading can be more impressive if you can show passion for those things, and if you can express what you learned from them. Trust me, experiences count for as much as anything when it comes to application to college.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply, t-san. I think I’ll probably choose the latter path but keep my eyes open for a program that sounds exciting. (Unless, of course, someone else would like to share his/her opinion on the matter.)</p>
<p>Also, you do realize that you’ve been accepted to Princeton, right? I wouldn’t discredit your admissions knowledge too quickly.</p>