Summer: What to do before freshman year?

Colleges & Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>Hey,
could you guys give some thoughts/advice on which path I should take?</p>

<p>I've been working with a mentor @ a local U for 1 summer and originally planned on working with him this summer to wrap up my old work; but I then found out about the pre-frosh programs available @ Cornell (a 4.5-5 hour drive away for me). I'm sortof unsure of what to do now.</p>

<p>1) The original plan: finish up old research, end high school with a more laid-back summer, maybe advance research to a very good level...possibly get publication, tho the way the latest data has come out im a lil unsure about that last part..lol. Cost: $0.</p>

<p>2) Do pre-freshman summer program, take a few courses early to get a head start, orient myself with the college, maybe even make early research connections, but likely not have much free time and little to no gap between HS and college. Cost: Somethin like $6-8000.</p>

<p>What would you do?</p>

2

<p>1.................</p>

3

<p>You've worked hard for high school. Now relax. You have 4 years of college before you, so do something else.</p>

4

<p>What am i planning on doing for my summer before Cornell? Lifeguarding. 10 bucks an hour to play ping-pong in good weather, soccer and football in bad, and hang out at the beach. Plus no night shifts, get off at 4:30 every day. Basically the single best job I can think of. Damned if I'm going to do anything but enjoy myself and "mentally prepare" for college.</p>

5

<p>I interned at Dept. of Homeland Security, no biggie. </p>

<p>:)</p>

6

<p>Definitely 1! You don't want to start the year burnt out from summer courses. Although you would be able to acquaint yourself with fellow freshman and familiarize yourself with the campus, the vast majority will be arriving later, and so you will not be alone during orientation week. If anything, you'd probably miss out on the fun of meeting new people during orientation because you'd have friends from the summer and would hang out with them (although this depends on what type of person you are). </p>

<p>I think the main argument is the cost difference. A cost of $0 is very appealing!</p>

7

<p>enjoy yourself and hang out with friends. this is the last summer where you don't have to do ****</p>

8

<p>I'd definitely do 1, if I were you. </p>

<p>Personally, I'm going to build up my endurance for the swim test, get my driver's license, and review a little bit of math/physics before orientation. Thought I'd share.</p>

9

<p>1</p>

<p>master I just got really jealous for a second and I want to go swimming...right now. lol</p>

10

<p>I have to go to the Pre-freshman Summer Program because I got in HEOP. SO, I don't really have a choice in the matter. However, I am kind of excited.</p>