<p>Ex: working part time instead of attending debate camp.</p>
<p>The problem is I can't pay 2k...</p>
<p>Plenty of people get into college who haven’t participated in organized activities during the summer. Holding a job during the summer shows reliability and work ethic, and also if you are a financial aid candidate when applying to college they should make the connection. Working part time is much different from sitting on your butt all summer. If you want to participate in a summer program, some of them offer scholarships for students with financial need. But if the money you get from working during the summer is essential then stick with that. Colleges like to admit students from diverse backgrounds, including financially. They know that not all families can afford to plunk down 2K every summer for fancy programs.</p>
<p>Not at all! But I would say if you’re working part-time, try to do at least 1 other thing you can have on your resume. Maybe you can volunteer locally or do some tutoring. Even a couple hours a week will mean that you can show you’ve been doing it for an extended period of time, which is great. Try to align it with something you might be interested in studying!</p>