I applied to a few summer programs, but was not admitted into any of them - even my safety program. I was wondering what possible options I have to get something lined up for the summer. I’ve been sending out emails to professors at Stanford to see if I can work in a lab (I live nearby the school), but haven’t gotten anything yet. I’ve also sent out multiple emails to startups, but haven’t found anything either.
I have been thinking about college classes over the summer. Are there any other options? Something I haven’t taken a look at yet?
FYI, I am interested in chemical engineering and am a junior in high school. I really want to take advantage of this summer as I think it’s going to be the most important one of my high school years. I’m really interested in doing research, in some form or another.
**Another thing, does anyone know about the Pioneer Academics program? Is it known as a prestigious program? It seems interesting, but I’d rather do something more hands on personally.
Just get a summer job. Make money. Learn to get along with your co-workers and supervisor. Don’t think at all about the college application rat-race for awhile.
I agree with @happymomof1 as working teaches you lifelong skills. I know that I have learned a lot through working. And besides, it’s nice to have some pocket money. In a way, working separates you from other people as it shows that you aren’t pampered.
See if you can be a camp counselor at an engineering camp or something similar. Your ECs are a bit weak for the schools you’re looking at, especially Stanford, Princeton, Yale, UPenn, MIT, and Northwestern. To be frank, though I know this isn’t the solicited information, you need to narrow down your college list. 14 schools is a LOT, and the majority of the schools on your list are high reaches for even the most qualified. Your grades and test scores are something to be very proud of, and I wouldn’t worry about the A-s, but plenty of people applying to the schools you’re looking at have better grades. With extreme reaches, it’s better to have some lower grades and very good ECs, because they can afford to be picky. If you lower the number of schools you want to apply to, maybe imagine yourself there and try to find any key issues you would have, you’ll be able to send it better cultivated applications. My advice would be to cut 4-8 schools.
So, a couple things you can do over the summer:
Email some colleges other than Stanford and see about working in a lab. Stanford likely has it’s pick of college students, and unless you’re going through a program, that could be tough.
See if you can get anything published in scientific journals. Most of the students who are accepted to the schools you’re aiming for have already found a way to get ahead in their prospective fields.
See if there are teaching related programs for younger kids, like a summer camp, that you could volunteer or work with.
See if you could start a chemistry club or something similar at your local library, or maybe organize some kind of event?
Prestige isn’t really the point. Proving dedication, passion, and the ability to succeed is. You can do this! I’m a Junior too, and I know the pressure is building. Remember, you can always try to transfer after your first year at any college, and as an undergrad you’ll have access to plenty of opportunities that you don’t right now.