Summer Plans and the effect they will have...

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm a current sophomore and I am working on finishing up the plans for my summer. </p>

<p>I was planning on interning for a political campaign</p>

<p>Perhaps working at a bookstore</p>

<p>Doing the usual community service</p>

<p>Competing in a National Mock Trial Competition</p>

<p>And taking some classes at a nearby university</p>

<p>The last one is what I'm a wee bit worried about. With all of the talk of summer programs at colleges and how they don't do anything for an application/are detrimental to the application, I worry about how that will look. I was planning on taking another foreign language and maybe an introductory political science course. My high school offers limited foreign language options and I wouldn't otherwise be able to take a lot of difficult courses. There were literally no honors courses available to me freshman year, and only two sophomore year, so I was hoping that they would realize I was challenging myself and not just being another "spoiled, entitled rich kid" that spent her summer doing a college program. What do you guys think about this? My guidance counselor is no help, so I was hoping you guys had some suggestions.</p>

<p>Also, is there anything that you would say I ought to add? I want to do things I'll enjoy while also gearing my activities toward what will look good for a college application...</p>

2

<p>NOTE: the classes are actual classes, not a residential summer program</p>

3

<p>I would say you have enough things to consider about. </p>

<p>As said, quality is better than quantitiy. So I suggest focus on all these things you plan to do and do your best to achieve excellent job.</p>

4

<p>bump…</p>

5

<p>I’d advise you not to overload yourself–seriously, it’s summer! Run around, go to the pool, do things your parents wouln’t approve of. </p>

<p>Can you do dual enrollment at your local CC during the school year? Or online courses?</p>

6

<p>Is “summer programs are detrimental to an application” a fact?</p>

7

<p>Not a fact per se, but it’s just something I’ve picked up on around here–it seems like there’s so much criticism of college summer programs in general…</p>

8

<p>Whatever happened to doing the normal teenage stuff during the summers?</p>

<p>–work a summer job
–play on a town baseball or soccer team
–go to the beach
–hang out with friends
–read a couple of books for enjoyment</p>

<p>Enjoy your youth. It goes by quickly. </p>

<p>I recommend a balance between working a summer job (or doing community service if you can’t find a paying job) and enjoying the summer with friends and fun.</p>

9

<p>You are doing a lot. Don’t stress yourself out. Do things that interest you.</p>