<p>I’m glad that it inspired you, and it is good to know that this student is achieving her goals. Your task is to find the best fit college for your success. Obviously students seek a good college by reputation, but beyond that are opportunities like mentors, and internships. Cost is part of the picture-excess debt and financial strain aren’t condusive to success.
Doing an art summer activity will enrich you even if you don’t major in it. You may still take it in college as an interest. When colleges seek a diverse student body, they are also looking for diversity in interests and backgrounds. It’s also OK to have a summer job and save for college. IMHO, doing what interests you will show a college who you are, and it’s best to do things that reflect genuine interest.
“Fit” is individual. If you apply to several colleges that are a good fit for you- and this includes financial fit- you will hopefully have choices by next spring. It’s hard not to listen to peers- who is going/applying where, who is partying somewhere, but if you focus on what is good for you, investigate the schools you think you would like, you will hopefully find colleges where you will succeed.
There is a lot of information on this site, but also look at the info on the college websites and visit them. Talk to faculty there in your area of interests, other students in groups and clubs that interest you, and go to open house events for prospective students.
Also, get some good SAT/ACT study guide books and work on them this summer and take both tests again early in the fall- because many schools have early deadlines for scholarships.</p>