Okay, this summer I’m planning on taking a Community College psychology course that my high school doesn’t offer, and to volunteer 10-15 hours a week at a local hospital. Will these things prove to colleges that I’m not a slacker who just lays around all summer? I know everyone here does a summer program at Harvard or an internship in a law firm or something, but will my plans suffice? Thanks
<p>That sounds great. Going to a summer program at a prestigious school doesn’t get you into the school. I would think that going to a community college would demonstrate real initiative. If you are getting a grade in the course, get a good grade. When you apply to the college, you will have to request that the community college send transcripts at the same time that your high school does. The volunteer work is especially good since it is an actual job and not just an activity.</p>
<p>In terms of the application, it also avoids the appearance of priviledge. Getting an internship at daddy’s law firm doesn’t impress admissions committees.</p>
<p>Coool thanks dufus (haha that sounded mean but I don’t know what to call you), is the fact that I’m only going to be taking one course at the CC make it seem like I don’t feel like committing much time? My parents are only willing to pay for one class, and seeing as I want to major in psych, I figured this arrangement made the most sense.</p>
<p>One class should be fine. I would try to relax in the summer. It isn’t so much that you are going in the summer that gets to you, it’s that you are going year round.</p>
<p>In order of importance, everyone says that the most important things are to do are: 1) take the most challenging curriculum in HS, 2) have a high gpa, and 3) have good standardized test scores. After that comes (in different orders), extracurriculars and summer activities, essays, and recommendations. In your extracurriculars, try to look like you have one or two major, long-term interests that you have “passion” in. In the essays, try to stand out from everyone else. When applying to the extremely selective schools, there is a tremendous lottery aspect to the process. Almost everyone who applys can do the work if accepted. For every applicant who is accepted, there are three/four nearly identical applicants who are denied. The extracurriculars and the essay(s) are where you can differentiate yourself from everyone else.</p>