<p>So I finally took a look at some of the college programs (stanford, cornell, harvard, georgetown) available. I think it may be a good time to decide what I'm gonna do this summer. Anyways, my choices basically break down to two categories. 1) stay home, do the science internship (at a medical research center)I have now through summer (probably finish up on a project), bank up on a lot of volunteer hours at my volunteer place, and maybe take a class at local community college to clear up some credit. 2) apply to these college summer programs and basically spend the whole summer on that.</p>
<p>Which one would you guys recommend? I couldn't really decide. I'm a junior this year, will be senior after summer. I thought maybe if I do (1) I could really build up some depth with what I already have? But then these college summer programs do look very fun and interesting...</p>
<p>(1) seems like the better option, in terms of college applications. Real depth, if you can demonstrate it, would certainly be a good thing to show.</p>
<p>However, it would be much more fun to go off to one of those schools for the summer. In fact, it might be a tremendous amount of fun.</p>
<p>Hmm...., so as far as college apps stuff? (1) seems better? I may need to clarify, the internship i have is independent; I am not doing it through a program, but rather independently with a mentor, for free at that. Does that make a difference? would it be better to be in some sort of program (science or not) and get accepted? I heard those college programs aren't exactly considered as prestigious, is that true?</p>