<p>I only applied to TASP. By the time I realized I wasn’t getting an interview, the deadlines for everything else free has passed and I sure wasn’t going to make my mom pay thousands to go somewhere for a week. Instead, a friend and I decided last night to take a cross country road-trip. </p>
<p>Ivy League schools can’t truly care about summer programs that much. If they do, they’re stupid. Sure, some are prestigious and definitely look good… but it’s possible to have a much more enlightening summer without them. I think the point is that they want you to be productive. Explore opportunities. Whether you learn about yourself from a program or barely leaving your house, the summer should mean something to you. </p>
<p>That’s the philosophy I’m taking, anyway. College applications are going to hit hard in fall, and this summer is the last chance to prepare myself for either having my dreams come true or my heart completely shattered. Your plans sound pretty cool. Just remember to relax. Watch a pretty sunset and don’t worry about anything. Do what you want, not what you feel you “have” to do. </p>
<p>And now I’m going to stop procrastinating and actually study for finals… :P</p>