Summer Questions

Hey guys,

I dont post much but i do read plenty since all the info is very helpful. I just want to ask some questions. Um, im a junior now in Houston, i excel in school, and i have a strong will to want to experience different things. I have been thinking about college and what i need to do now to get there. Things that came up were GPA, Course load, SAT, College Choices, and how i spend my "free time"- my summer. Well, i am kind of stuck on the last one since i have been looking for free summer programs (im poor) but all of them seem to require a SS because it is "funded by the state". Programs like MITES and RSI which i thought would be amazing.

These past summers i have gone to a local summer program and have gone volunteering at the medical center and parks. So i want to ask what else i can do when the summer comes, something BIG and FUN. I know its a bit (okay, way too) early but i dont want to miss any deadlines. How about it then, whats the best thing to do this summer so that i can enjoy myself, learn plenty, and make a statement to colleges?

there's JSA and CTY, i did them when i was in high school but they're expensive. if you have the money, i suggest you go there this summer and believe me its a plus plus on college applications. try volunteering at a local hospital. i know some law firms usually hire interns who are still in high school. well good luck

i also did JSA...and it was an incredible experience (this was when i didn't even know i was undocumented)...i would also suggest JSA. It is expensive, I asked for donations from my high school teachers and since i excelled in school they were more than willing to help me raise money....so that's something that you can look into....do anything that will stimulate your mind and keep you involved!!

I'm not going to advise you to lie about what you did during summer, but keep in mind you need to sell yourself very well. "Babysitting", "Picking fruit in the fields", "Helping my uncle with his Car Repair shop", etc. are all examples of mundane activities that sound pretty labor intensive and show your character...you don't need money for that.


I have friends that go to really expensive camps and church missions to Tijuana, but at the end of the day it's how it sounds like. You don't need money or an SS for that...Hope you get what I'm saying and that I am nudging you in the right direction

omg thats great. wasn't it so much fun? i was surrounded by amazing students. i felt like i was in heaven lol. i went to the one in Princeton and in Yale. what about you?? i didn't ask my parents for the money. i went around my neighborhood and asked for donations and they were happy to help me.