<p>I know this is getting off the topic of internships, but having done picker, one thing to consider is what happens if you get a paid summer job. i did, and it had never happened before. they ended up lowering the aid i got from the college (but it was still worth it to have a paid job). I also know a few people who worked while in DC–one Picker worked a couple evenings a week at an ice cream store, and I found a great babysitting job on hillzoo.com (other places to look for DC babysitting jobs: alumnae club, and through houses of worship if you attend them regularly)</p>
<p>also, it’s important to talk with Fin Aid ASAP if you decide to do picker, as they may be able to adjust your budget for the extra costs of housing, food, transportation, lost work-study opportunities, etc. while in DC. It may end up just being extra loans, but who knows–some people might end up with extra grants.</p>
<p>also, i’m really glad that they DON’T have dedicated housing for Pickers. It was stressful to find a place to live, but it was great practice for life after graduation. Plus, people were able to get living situations that suited their needs–closer to their jobs, in neighborhoods they liked, at prices they could deal with, with family or significant others, etc. I ended up sharing a studio with another picker–a situation that could have been a nightmare but ended up amazing. she’s one of my best friends even today, and I don’t think that would have happened if we hadn’t lived together as just the two of us.</p>