Summer opportunities for Rising senior-volunteer, job, research

<p>So I'm a junior this year at a pretty apathetic high school towards college (most go to small georgia schools unfortunately), so I have been deprived of the knowledge of a plethora of opportunities of selective summer programs for hs students until now--when deadlines have passed (LEAD is what i think would have been perfect for me) :(</p>

<p>But life is tough, and im still young. I WANT something to do this summer. Looking at my other options, I can try to get a normal job. How do top colleges view this?</p>

<p>More likely for me is a volunteer program I will do at Children's Healthcare in Atlanta. It is just basic hospital volunteering for 8 weeks. Normally this would sound good, but it has become so cliche recently. How will the most selective schools view this as my summer time spent?</p>

<p>Finally, my biggest question...I DESIRE to do some sort of research at any local school (metro-Atlanta/Atlanta). HOW can I go about doing this? What do I do? Do I just go on a university's webpage (such as Georgia Tech or Kennesaw State U), email a RANDOM faculty member, and ask for research opps for high school students? I don't understand how kids on CC are privileged with such opportunities, what is the process to get one?</p>

<p>Also is it possible for any econ/banking/finance/policy opportunities to exist for high school students? This is what i plan to major in...</p>

<p>Thank you so much CC for any help you can provide. Gaining admission into selective schools is just not the priority at my school...doing this stuff at my age is almost unheard of</p>