<p>I pretty much have two main options for the summer. I'm a rising junior.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Go to a UMass Amherst "Research Intensives" program where I help out a graduate student in research in a lab. I'd be working in a topic I really find interesting. Downside is that it costs 6k (it's not a huge amount for us, but my parents just don't want to waste money on an unknown & relatively new program) and I'm not sure how great program it is because I haven't heard much about it & also because I'm only working with a graduate student (who could turn out good or bad).</p></li>
<li><p>Stay at home and volunteer at the hospital a lot (like ~400 hr.) and run/attend summer tennis practice (I'm varsity and if I go the whole summer I'll have a decent shot at the captaincy) and study for PSAT/SATs. I'll also try and find a teacher sponsor for a club I've been wanting to set up but haven't had the time for, and by volunteering at the hospital more it gives me a decent shot at getting a leadership role in this volunteer group associated with the hospital. Downside: Captaincy/leadership role is not guaranteed, and I'll then feel like I wasted my summer instead of getting research experience.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Basically, UMass is a toss up on if it's actually a good program & worth the cost, or I can save money and try to get leadership roles at home. I can see the value in both, and I'm sure my summer would be interesting either way. What would you guys choose/ any advice on what you think is better/more valuable?</p>