What do to over the summer before college?!

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BeastfromthEast

BeastfromthEast

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what are some good things i can do over the summer before college starts? volunteer work (if so, what kinds)? get a job? i want to do something productive. i registered for emt training but i just got an email saying that all spots are full 🙁.
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just work or relax...youll have better volunteer opportunities once college starts, so dont try to find any around you.
 
Yep just get a job, but don't work too much if you don't have to. Just relax and spend time with family and friends. Relish living with your parents and having minimal responsibilities, if this applies to you. I miss not having to worry about paying rent, bills, etc.

Another productive thing to do would be to look and apply for scholarships.
 
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Help yourself and buy a set of review books for the content on the MCAT (I wouldn't worry too much about edition as long as the publishing date is post 2007; you can buy another set of books when you really sit down to prep for the MCAT 2-3 years down the road). DO NOT spend any time during the summer reading any of it, but once your pre-med courses start, use the books to aid your studies.

People may label you as a gunner, but you would instead be the smart person we all wished we were before starting college.

Here's the insider scoop from someone who's been there and is about to start med school: Colleges do not teach MCAT, they teach science. More often than not, you end up learning more than you need to for the MCAT during your pre-med course work. Obviously, you'll have to cram/memorize (or even learn) to get the A in your science courses, but stay ahead of the game and supplement those classes with MCAT prep books to see what you must pay attention to during the course as far as the MCAT is concerned. That way, you'll have had the first iteration of learning some of the MCAT material through your coursework. In addition, the way most prep books explain the material is easier than the way college textbooks do.

This implies that the MCAT is a big deal, and if you're not aware of this fact yet, you will be soon. Try not to spend more than $100. I would recommend using craigslist. IMO, Princeton Review has the best materials.

Oh--as far as jobs go, do well in your college courses first semester. If you do, you may be able to find a job as a tutor on campus. It's easy, and it pays well (I started at $10-12/hr).

Other than that, find a hobby that you can develop for the rest of your life. If you already have one, stick to it through college. Devotion, dedication, and discipline are all qualities admission committees look for in applicants, and what better way to demonstrate that than with a hobby that will have lasted you through high school and college?

Good luck!
 
JJMrK said:
Honestly, I'd just relax. You'll be busy soon enough.
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yeah seriously, enjoy your hs friends, they'll change like CRAZY after the first year, and you'll be surprised by how much you've grown apart....just enjoy what you have, summers from now on are all work/research/vo.

+: enjoy the HELL out of your freshman year, i'm about to start my 3rd year of undergrad and time has flown like craaaaazy.

best of luck in your academic endeavors, 🙂
 
Swim and fish. And other things that don't involve Chemistry or Biology or Physics.
 
Do a lot of stupid ****. Seriously, just don't even think about it . Don't get arrested though.
 
Make sure to secure a Fake ID before school starts. Your about to have an awesome time in school just don't be a gunner.
 
techie222 said:
Help yourself and buy a set of review books for the content on the MCAT (I wouldn't worry too much about edition as long as the publishing date is post 2007; you can buy another set of books when you really sit down to prep for the MCAT 2-3 years down the road). DO NOT spend any time during the summer reading any of it, but once your pre-med courses start, use the books to aid your studies.

People may label you as a gunner, but you would instead be the smart person we all wished we were before starting college.

Here's the insider scoop from someone who's been there and is about to start med school: Colleges do not teach MCAT, they teach science. More often than not, you end up learning more than you need to for the MCAT during your pre-med course work. Obviously, you'll have to cram/memorize (or even learn) to get the A in your science courses, but stay ahead of the game and supplement those classes with MCAT prep books to see what you must pay attention to during the course as far as the MCAT is concerned. That way, you'll have had the first iteration of learning some of the MCAT material through your coursework. In addition, the way most prep books explain the material is easier than the way college textbooks do.

This implies that the MCAT is a big deal, and if you're not aware of this fact yet, you will be soon. Try not to spend more than $100. I would recommend using craigslist. IMO, Princeton Review has the best materials.

Oh--as far as jobs go, do well in your college courses first semester. If you do, you may be able to find a job as a tutor on campus. It's easy, and it pays well (I started at $10-12/hr).

Other than that, find a hobby that you can develop for the rest of your life. If you already have one, stick to it through college. Devotion, dedication, and discipline are all qualities admission committees look for in applicants, and what better way to demonstrate that than with a hobby that will have lasted you through high school and college?

Good luck!
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LOL...op...don't do this. For one thing, if you are so dim that you need to start studying 3 years ahead of time for the MCAT, you probably shouldnt go to med school.


Oh, and gunner = tool.


nintendo-nerd-king.jpg
 
I played video games and partied hard. Better to do it before college than during college.
 
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Summer before College was awesome. You don't have to worry about ANYTHING. Relax and enjoy it while you can...
 
DrArete said:
LOL...op...don't do this. For one thing, if you are so dim that you need to start studying 3 years ahead of time for the MCAT, you probably shouldnt go to med school.

Oh, and gunner = tool.
Click to expand...



OP, obviously take each post with a grain of salt, but remember: We all wish we had helped ourselves by investing in a set of prep books at the beginning of college.

As I mentioned in my original post, DO NOT read any of the materials before school starts; relax during the summer as another author suggested.

But, put yourself ahead of the game by doing what few do. And if you keep it a secret, others will not be able to chastise you for being smart.
 
I watched Law and Order: SVU marathons. Don't regret it.

Actually, you should probably start a habit of going to the gym. Trust me, you'll appreciate not becoming a fat piece of mess with an emerging beer belly like the rest of your peers.
 
I agree with everyone else on here. If you need the money, then working would be ok. If you don't really need it then don't do anything! Catch up on good books you have been wanting to read. Watch movies, hang out with friends and family...don't try to prep for the years ahead because you can't know what is coming at you.

The summer before college will no doubt be one of the best summers of your life because you literally have nothing to worry about. Every summer in college I volunteered and did research. After college, I got a masters and worked...so no relaxing then either. Now, summer before med school, I work 40 hours a week. No relaxing then either. So RELAX!!!! 👍
 
techie222 said:
OP, obviously take each post with a grain of salt, but remember: We all wish we had helped ourselves by investing in a set of prep books at the beginning of college.

As I mentioned in my original post, DO NOT read any of the materials before school starts; relax during the summer as another author suggested.

But, put yourself ahead of the game by doing what few do. And if you keep it a secret, others will not be able to chastise you for being smart.
Click to expand...

OP, don't listen to this kid. The majority of us, and hopefully you, would have no need to buy prep books at the start of college. And none of us "wished" we had. I know I'm not a med student yet, but you can ask them. I doubt even one would say they wish they had stressed about the MCAT before they even started freshman year.
 
BeastfromthEast said:
what are some good things i can do over the summer before college starts? volunteer work (if so, what kinds)? get a job? i want to do something productive. i registered for emt training but i just got an email saying that all spots are full 🙁.
Click to expand...

Write a bestselling novel
 
I'd chillax personally, or if you want to be a contributing member of society you can start a part-time job that you can carry on throughout the school year.
 
Definitely learn to cook some stuff. It will save you a ****load of money and you won't get fat eating Taco Bell and McDonald's all the time.
 
rxlea said:
Definitely learn to cook some stuff. It will save you a ****load of money and you won't get fat eating Taco Bell and McDonald's all the time.
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Hey, I had McD's today, and I'm no fatty, lol. I started to get taco bell even, but I didn't want to wait at the light so I made the immediate left to McD's. As a single working guy, I've survived off of fast food. Love it. Freakin love it! lol

I do work out a lot so hopefully my arteries aren't too clogged. Invest in a P90X system. You'll work off every calorie you consume.
 
If you have some $$$ to spare all of these offer PS fodder, cool experiences, and (optional) college credit:

Learn leadership and outdoors skills:

http://www.nols.edu/courses/find/bydate/summer.shtml

Learn Spanish. This also makes a great jumping off point for backpacking:

www.ecela.com

Learn to sail:

http://www.sea.edu/home/index.aspx

See the world and drunkenly learn about it (might be a little late for this, but can't hurt to ask):

http://www.semesteratsea.org/voyages/upcoming-voyages/summer-2010.php

And of course if you don't have $, get a job!

BTW I hung around with HS friends and did nothing. Living at home was still no fun and you will never regret getting away from Mom and Dad a few months early. Failing that, make some money so that you don't start your new life poor.
 
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nothing is always a great thing to do before college.
 
.
 
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techie222 said:
Help yourself and buy a set of review books for the content on the MCAT (I wouldn't worry too much about edition as long as the publishing date is post 2007; you can buy another set of books when you really sit down to prep for the MCAT 2-3 years down the road). DO NOT spend any time during the summer reading any of it, but once your pre-med courses start, use the books to aid your studies.

People may label you as a gunner, but you would instead be the smart person we all wished we were before starting college.

Here's the insider scoop from someone who's been there and is about to start med school: Colleges do not teach MCAT, they teach science. More often than not, you end up learning more than you need to for the MCAT during your pre-med course work. Obviously, you'll have to cram/memorize (or even learn) to get the A in your science courses, but stay ahead of the game and supplement those classes with MCAT prep books to see what you must pay attention to during the course as far as the MCAT is concerned. That way, you'll have had the first iteration of learning some of the MCAT material through your coursework. In addition, the way most prep books explain the material is easier than the way college textbooks do.

This implies that the MCAT is a big deal, and if you're not aware of this fact yet, you will be soon. Try not to spend more than $100. I would recommend using craigslist. IMO, Princeton Review has the best materials.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
seinfield.gif
 
absolutely do not listen to anyone who tells you to study. i had a great summer before college, and i still regret not enjoying it as much as i could have. on the other hand, a nice easy summer job is also good.
 
techie222 said:
Help yourself and buy a set of review books for the content on the MCAT (I wouldn't worry too much about edition as long as the publishing date is post 2007; you can buy another set of books when you really sit down to prep for the MCAT 2-3 years down the road). DO NOT spend any time during the summer reading any of it, but once your pre-med courses start, use the books to aid your studies.

People may label you as a gunner, but you would instead be the smart person we all wished we were before starting college.

Here's the insider scoop from someone who's been there and is about to start med school: Colleges do not teach MCAT, they teach science. More often than not, you end up learning more than you need to for the MCAT during your pre-med course work. Obviously, you'll have to cram/memorize (or even learn) to get the A in your science courses, but stay ahead of the game and supplement those classes with MCAT prep books to see what you must pay attention to during the course as far as the MCAT is concerned. That way, you'll have had the first iteration of learning some of the MCAT material through your coursework. In addition, the way most prep books explain the material is easier than the way college textbooks do.

This implies that the MCAT is a big deal, and if you're not aware of this fact yet, you will be soon. Try not to spend more than $100. I would recommend using craigslist. IMO, Princeton Review has the best materials.

Oh--as far as jobs go, do well in your college courses first semester. If you do, you may be able to find a job as a tutor on campus. It's easy, and it pays well (I started at $10-12/hr).

Other than that, find a hobby that you can develop for the rest of your life. If you already have one, stick to it through college. Devotion, dedication, and discipline are all qualities admission committees look for in applicants, and what better way to demonstrate that than with a hobby that will have lasted you through high school and college?

Good luck!
Click to expand...

all i have to say is that if you don't have fun in college then you will probably never have any fun in your life because you won't build any social skills and things won't get easier after college (if you do end up going to med school)

also, as someone said earlier, you do not need 3 years to study for the MCAT. if you can't do well on it by studying a few months then you should reconsider med school.

the first two years of college your main goals are to have fun, do well in your classes, and get involved with things you are passionate about ...this isn't unique to being premed...those should be every college student's goals no matter what they're future plans are.
 
skinMD said:
the first two years of college your main goals are to have fun, do well in your classes, and get involved with things you are passionate about ...this isn't unique to being premed...those should be every college student's goals no matter what they're future plans are.
Click to expand...

When I was in college (2000-2003), my goal the first two years was to take as many classes with as little work required on my part as possible. I didn't put forth any effort until my last two semesters, and I graduated and moved on with life.
 
I watched every season of 24, went to the beach, saw like 10 concerts and drank.....you should try it
 
You could get a real jump on the competition and study the "medium Robbins" - I got this great advice on another thread.

Or, you could go out and get laid...often.
 
flip26 said:
You could get a real jump on the competition and study the "medium Robbins" - I got this great advice on another thread.

Or, you could go out and get laid...often.
Click to expand...


+1...or at least attempt to.
 
Just get a job or internship somewhere, to earn some cash or a little experience, and meet people as well. Enjoy your last summer of having even less responsibility than college, which you'll still have minimum responsibility and be in the academic bubble, and just enjoy your teenage years. Volunteering can be fun too and is always a great way to meet like minded motivated people. Don't be a complete bum though, at least do something but don't take things too seriously.
 
flip26 said:
You could get a real jump on the competition and study the "medium Robbins" - I got this great advice on another thread.

Or, you could go out and get laid...often.
Click to expand...

Hahahaha....that thread was halarious!:laugh::laugh:
 
Some funny responses here. But most people are right- don't study anything or worry about classes/MCAT. I guess you can volunteer, but you will have several years to do that so don't worry about it unless you are really bored. The most productive thing you can do that is medically related is confirm that you want to go with being a premed. I know a lot of people who switched out/in after a year or two and end up having to do undergrad in 5-6 years. It may mean shadowing or just thinking about yourself, but it shouldn't be too hard and could save you some time in undergrad.

Overall, just relax and take it easy. Enjoy time with friends and family. Do not do anything remotely stressful.
 
If I could go back in time, I would use the summer before college to read!! I never have time to read now, and there are so many literary classics I haven't read. Even if you're not going to read Anna Karenina or Don Quixote or Pride & Prejudice, then just read stuff you like! Maybe it's only for me, but I feel like there is no time in college to read anything--not even to bed--but your textbooks.

If you're taking Organic Chemistry freshman year, I would suggest buying Organic Chem as a Second Language. I feel like if I had read that before starting Ochem, I would have done a lot better. The toughest part of Ochem is "seeing" what's going on, and you can only do that through practice. Although in Ochem 2 there's more memorization. Other than that--like Chem, Physics, or Bio--I wouldn't worry about reading ahead. Those are pretty manageable subjects you probably encountered in med school.

If you really really want to do something that will get you into med school--don't. Do things because you want to, and if it falls into one of the categories, good! I can imagine you'd be a terrible volunteer if you hated volunteering. But I love volunteering, so ig suppose that would be something I'd look into.

But the take-home message--

RELAX. If you're like me, this will be your last chance to breathe before you graduate/are accepted into a med school. I'm only a sophomore and I'm already really exhausted haha
 
Start drinking so you can build a resistance to alcohol. You don't wanna be the one that passes out first at all the parties during the semester.
 
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