I know it’s early to ask, but with the consideration of how early some deadlines are, I feel it’s time to decide. What are the options I have for spending my summer?
Depends on what you’re interested in and where you live. Especially as a rising senior, there are a myriad of options for you to consider.
I applied to be a summer sleepaway camp counselor last year to a camp i had gone to for over eight years, but they are very selective and I didn’t get a spot. i had to find something else to do for eight weeks, so I went to a Pre-College program at Brown. it was really a very good experience because 1) I decided that I definitely wanted to pursue the major I had taken the pre-college course in (engineering) and 2) it was truly a college-life experience.
Elaborating, I lived in a dorm at Brown with a roommate and RA. I bought my own meals and scheduled my free time. There was only a single class for my course (2-5 in the afternoon) and the rest was free. It let me see a sampling of what life at college could be like and what I needed to do to succeed in the course and not be bored for ~18 hours a day. Looking into these programs at any college is a great idea. (My .02)
Of course, its YOUR choice, so do something that interests you/makes you happy 
Work, volunteering, some kind of ~program~/camp, travel, learn something on your own time, take a course, etc. Make a list of all the things you want to do over the summer and try your best to do them all. Don’t stress if you don’t- you still have next summer.
Here’s some more depth: http://collegeapps.about.com/od/theartofgettingaccepted/tp/best-summer-plans-for-high-school-students.htm
- Volunteering
- Internship
- Classes
- Summer Program
I’m hoping to get a paid internship (I’m interning right now, too) as well as take Anatomy and Physiology online through a college that my high school has connections with. You can probably talk to a guidance counselor if there aren’t any great interning or dual enrollment programs at your school. Summer is a good time to get volunteer hours, so that’s always a great option. I have no experience with summer programs, but they sound rewarding.
The one thing I regret not doing during my high school summers was getting a job. Yes, some summer programs are prestigious and a genuinely awesome experience, but I personally wish I would’ve tried to get a job. Character building and you get money.
Party it up man. That’s what I plan on doing this summer, its the last one you have with high school friends completely.
Mine will consist of 6 hours a day as “lot crew” member (pretty much landscaping and maintenance) at a car dealership, at least 2-3 hours a day at the golf course, and a couple parties every week.
Live it up. I don’t buy too much into all of these summer programs unless you are extremely interested in them. If so, then go for it.
I got a job when junior year was finishing up. Now I’m SWIMMING in cash!