<p>Hello! I’m a junior right now and I don’t really know what I am interested in studying in college, except I really like psychology.
My problem is that I don’t know what to do about my summer this coming year. I’m planning to apply to Clark Scholars, but I haven’t found any other research internships or programs that aren’t as selective to have as backups.
I’m wondering…people always say it’s not worth it to pay money to take courses at a college like EPGY and such, but is that true? Can I still have an amazing summer and make it pay off if I do do that?</p>
<p>bump ^^^^^^</p>
<p>As a previous Clarkie, I definitely understand your position.</p>
<p>Last summer, I applied to five different research programs. I’m a biology girl, so I think my other programs were probably too slanted in that direction to have options for psychology (however, you may want to look into Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program…they have neurobiology researchers, which you may find interesting). As for the competitiveness, don’t let the numbers get to you. I was rejected from programs more competitive than Clark, but I was also rejected from programs significantly LESS competitive than Clark. In fact, I was ONLY accepted to Clark (and it was an absolutely amazing experience!!). </p>
<p>As for true back-ups, I disagree with the people who say it’s not worth paying money to take college courses. Unless you end up with a full ride somewhere, you are going to be paying money to take college courses for four years…why not start early! Personally, I attended the Harvard Secondary School Program the summer before I was a Clarkie and had an amazing experience. My courses were challenging, but very, VERY worthwhile. If you can afford to take courses, it is a great way to learn more about subjects you are passionate about. Your summer is really just about what you make of it; you could sit at home and read textbooks all summer and have a far more worthwhile experience than somebody slacking off at a prestigious research program.</p>
<p>But that’s just my two cents :)</p>