<p>You don't need to study non-stop to get top grades. Even if you decided that it was for best, do you honestly think you would stick to it? I know I couldn't just tell myself "Study more; make better grades." Trust me, I've tried :p</p>
<p>I think it's lovely what you do to help out your family, and it would make a nice admissions essay. Maybe you could write about how your father's accident affected your life or something.</p>
<p>I don't really know anything about that stuff, but I'd say go with interning if it's what you like. Experience+fun > summer program</p>
<p>And I'm freaked out about admissions too ;) Class 2010 also...</p>