What about summers?

I'd definitely encourage doing things other than school during your summers. Whether that's volunteering, working in a hospital/clinic, performing research, it doesn't really matter. Personally, I had an opportunity to do research after my freshman year I turned down that I'm kicking myself about to this day. Before you apply, you're only going to have 2 summers on your application really, because you should be applying in June after your junior year. Granted whatever you do that summer you can talk about in your interview or on your secondaries, but that's beside the point. Find something you enjoy and do it. Save school for the school year.

 

maybe look for a paid job/research position, to pay for rent/book for next year

 

I took 9 s.h. of summer school this past year.

Man did it suck

 

Sounds about right. You can take a class (or two) and still have ample time for research, volunteering, or both.

 

Summer is generally the time to really work on your EC's. So don't miss out

 

I worked in hospitality for two summers. Lots of free time, great pay, and I could do my secondaries in peace

 

get some clinical experience + part time job? + have some fun

 

My first summer I took a class and worked full time. Second summer I got a research grant, worked a second job part time and studied for MCAT. Third summer I got the same research grant, taught MCAT prep classes, and applied.
Summer before med school - I'm going to a place that is warm, has a pool/beach and where someone will bring me fruity drinks.