Read newspapers and magazines, even check out a trashy novel or two. One of the best things you can do this summer is help your community. It's never too late to sign up. Most charities need your help and are more than willing to work around your schedule. Call the Sierra Club, Ronald McDonald House, the Coalition for the Homeless, whatever meets your interest.
Volunteer work is challenging and rewarding-and it looks great on college applications.
Work or intern. Summer jobs and internships are great opportunities to learn new skills and meet new people. Although some of the best are probably gone by now, there's still time to find work. Call local law firms, publishers, radio stations and offer to work for free. If you need the cash, baby sit, clean neighbors' houses, tutor kids, flip burgers - there's always something you can do to expand your horizons and maybe even make some money.