<p>I spend a month every summer traveling with my family to visit my parents' friends and family in Europe, plus a few extra weeks visiting other countries. That means I have done nothing noteworthy during the summers: no jobs, no internships, no programs, just a 6 weeks a year with nothing to do but read (we don't even have access to Internet for about 3 of those 6 weeks). I love those vacations despite that; there are friends and family that I only get to see once a year, and I realize how lucky I am that my family can afford to take us all over the world. But I feel like this is a disadvantage when it comes to college admissions, and there are a lot of summer programs available for this summer for me. If I choose to go to them, I can't go with my family. But some of them look very fun and they seem like great opportunities if I can just get accepted. My parents are divided: one of them thinks I should do this primarily for the sake of my resume, the other thinks that the family vacation is more important. I don't know what I want myself. I'm considering just applying and deciding what to do based on whether or not I get accepted. The question is, will it be penalize me if I don't get a chance to do anything again this summer? Or should I stay home and try to get an internship or a job instead?</p>
<p>Colleges want to see what you did during the summer to pursue the things that you are passionate about. Summer programs are one way to demonstrate that, but you could also work on a project of your own, or participate in local club activities, or get an internship in a related field. </p>
<p>Ask yourself what you will do in the summer that will contribute to an overall college application that is convincing to colleges and demonstrates that when you have an interest in something, you can achieve and be successful at a very high level in that area.</p>