<p>Yes, you are doing exactly the right thing. Volunteering at the Planetary Society and looking for an internship at JPL is exactly the right idea. The best way to get involved in research is just to email lots of professors at various places, asking if they have a way for you to help. You might also look at the Research Science Institute (RSI), and the Summer Science Program (SSP). Ben J’s great new website at MIT has a pretty comprehensive list of summer programs for after your junior year – <a href=“http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/before/science_fairs_olympiads_etc/index.shtml[/url]”>http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/before/science_fairs_olympiads_etc/index.shtml</a>.</p>
<p>Sooo… yeah. You seem to have the right spirit. Just keep poking and looking and you will find a way to show your passion. DON’T give up and do something boring/silly/unexciting with your spare time. Keep looking for something you could pour yourself into as a creative scientist and do that.</p>
<p>As for Boy Scouts, a decent number of admits have it, so that’s a good sign. It’s not a silver bullet, but it shows a lot of commitment to something big and long-term. You probably shouldn’t make it the centerpiece of your application, but it certainly adds.</p>