<p>I feel like I totally wasted my summer (again) this year. And now, I feel like I don't have the "I'll do something next year" excuse because I'm going to be a senior. So to plan ahead and try to squeeze something out of my life: are there any summer programs that accept graduated seniors? Since apps will be long over, I don't care about prestige. Just quality, level of intellectual stimulation, how much you learn or are prepared for a future career, etc.</p>
<p>Sorry; and also, if financial aid is available or the tuition is a sane amount, that’d be nice.</p>
<p>Why?..lol…why not look for an internship at this point?</p>
<p>I’m turned down at local internships because of my age in favor of older applicants. I’m 16 compared to most of my classmates’ 18. How selective are internships elsewhere?</p>
<p>there are lots of outdoor type of programs-is that something you’d be interested in?</p>
<p>Outdoor…? What do you mean?</p>
<p>I’m leaning towards summer courses like Stanford’s EPGY or Duke TIP, or internships like emmele mentioned, but I think I’m open to anything.</p>
<p>Summer@Brown: Brown has for-credit courses that you take with undergraduates, if you’re a rising or graduating senior. It lasts the entire summer, 2 and a half months, it costs 10K for everything, but if you apply now you could still get financial aid, which is supposed to be very generous, if you apply early. I went to a 3 week non-credit course through the same program this summer, before my junior year, and loved it.</p>
<p>A friend went to Summer@Brown this summer and he loved it, too. I wasn’t sure if they took seniors. Thanks!</p>
<p>I’m also 16 and a rising Senior, but I’m stuck with having to choose between five different things to do the summer after graduating. </p>
<ul>
<li><p>Leadership Camps
Most are quite costly, but some are dirt cheap, like Boys/Girls State. Since you’re an incoming Senior, that won’t work, but you might find alternatives. Also, you could be a camp counselor for a HS leadership, religious, or sports camp, or even one for elementary kids. Attending camp isn’t just for the resumes- if you attend a prestigious program, or even one not so great, you’ll definitely remember the experience for years.</p></li>
<li><p>Study Abroad
Something I’m quite interested in, summer study abroad programs generally last about 4-6 weeks, but can be costly (~$6-8,000). There are scholarships out there, but the cultural immersion and education you receive is priceless. Alternatively, volunteering abroad seems to cost more, even if you’re going to Ghana or Guatemala. If money is an issue, but you want to do this, wait till your Jr. year of college.</p></li>
<li><p>Intern (or get a job!)
As a HS kid, getting any position is going to be hard in this economy, especially when they have to deal with a teen. Ask hospitals, senior centers, and most of all, nonprofit organizations to help. Aquariums, zoos, and animal shelters are also viable options. If you look, you also will probably be able to find a law office, research institute, or college that accepts HS assistants. If you can’t find anything, ask! If there’s a company you’re dying to work at, just ask, and be firm, but be nice. Present any skills you have, and be willing to take a job in the copy room (where you’d likely be sent).</p></li>
<li><p>Volunteer
Signing up with United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and environmental organizations have summer camps where you go out and help out in teams. Some cost a few hundred, while others actually pay you! Its a great way to build a resume, and also get a contact if you’re looking for an internship.</p></li>
<li><p>Go to College
Lots of colleges offer summer programs exclusively for High School students. Summer is a great time for diving into a new language or just picking up cheap college credits. Look at community colleges, and even the biggest school in your area.</p></li>
<li><p>Scholarships
If all else fails, then get paid for your loathing. Put down the video games and cell phone for a few hours and type up some essays for scholarships. It’ll refine your essay skills for that college app, and heck, the more you apply, the more you could win. Now how many other kids out there are gonna apply to even one scholarship?</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Wow! All of these sound awesome. I didn’t even think of volunteering or studying abroad. And I thought I’d broken out of my bubble.</p>