what interesting activities did you do over the summer?

Applying to College
1

<p>I don't know if this belongs in this thread, but I was wondering, what did any of you guys who got into a super selective schools (Ivies, stanford, MIT, etc.) do over the summer that made your application stand out? I'm currently a junior and have done nothing the past two summers due to family obligations, and I am seriously considering working over the summer just so that I have some work experience? However, I also need to do my SATs, study for IB, start college applications.. etc and was wondering, is it really necessary to work or go to a fancy summer program to get into the nation's top schools?</p>

<p>:)</p>

2

<p>There is no formula or right answer. Sometimes it is the applicant with a unique experience that gets noticed. Do what interests you, or what you need to do. Your summers certainly don’t need to be focused on academics or community service, although those are fine if that’s how you want to spend your time.</p>

<p>One of our friends bicycled from NY to CA with a small organized group. Another worked in a research lab with Phds. A third worked cutting lawns and power washing to help pay his mom’s medical bills.</p>