<p>How detrimental is the passing of high school summers without a major occupation (internship, job, camp, research, etc.) to the chances of an applicant to top schools? Honestly, I've applied to about 50 different places for work (with no response yet) and I'm worried that colleges will think I am lazy because all I did in my high school summers was take a few math classes and volunteer for a few dozen hours. Also, is there any other way I can occupy my summer meaningfully that I may currently not know of? Thanks.</p>
<p>If you took some classes then that’s good. Also, be patient, my job didn’t get back to me for roughly a month. Lastly, don’t forget you can start your own business. ( like selling on ebay with your parents help)</p>
<p>Volunteering and classes is good. It is more important that you are doing something then what you are doing. Volunteer a bit more this summer though. As OP said some places get back to you really late, so don’t give up all hope (I heard back from my internship this past week and my summer science program the week before that).</p>