There's no time like the present to start planning what you'll be doing to make summer count...even if it's 15 degrees out! You already know that competition to get into college is pretty fierce. So instead of sleeping away the balmy summer months, why not secure a great job, sharpen your skills at a first-rate camp, help out with a community service project, or trek around the world? Not only will you have a ball, but these experiences really help you shine on your college applications. So without further ado, here are some ideas to get you thinking about how to make the most of your summer vacation.

Land a great summer job
Securing a job this summer is an excellent way to show colleges, universities, and your parents that you are maturing into a responsible, successful adult. And what better way to earn a little respect and gain valuable real-world experience — not to mention a paycheck! There are literally thousands of golden-egg jobs out there, and employers welcome high school students looking to earn a little summer cash.

So where should you begin looking? Well, the classified ads in your newspaper are a great place to start. Employers who seek seasonal employees generally start advertising job openings in the spring. Ask your parents, aunts, and uncles, too. They may work in a place that hires summer interns.

Camp is not just for kids
OK, we know what you're thinking: camp is for kids. But there are tons of camps for teens, too — camps that aren't the traditional smack-mosquitoes-in-the-woods type. We're talking about camps where you can focus on your academics, the arts, sports, or other special interests. If you want to improve your jump shot, then why not sign up for basketball camp? Or if you need a supportive place to let your creative juices flow, then a camp designed specifically for artists can help you take your work to the next level. There are even camps for online gamers, though we're not sure they'll do much for your college application!

Volunteering your time pays off
While working for nothing may not sound appealing, it's a great way to get your foot in the door to your dream career. For example, if you're interested in a career in medicine, you could volunteer a few hours a week at a hospital or nursing-care facility. Or if you think you might like to try journalism, check with your local newspaper to see what internship opportunities are available. You could also volunteer to do some community service with your local church or synagogue. The benefits? Colleges and universities absolutely love students who put out the extra effort to help others in exchange for nothing, other than that warm and fuzzy feeling of doing something good (which, in and of itself, is a great reason to volunteer).

Pack your bags and travel the world
Thinking of studying a foreign language when you get to college? Why not take advantage of all of the summer study-abroad opportunities available? If you have experience in a second language under your belt, then you pretty much qualify for these types of programs, which can range anywhere from two weeks to two months of study in an exotic locale. And when we say study, we mean that yes, you will spend some time in a classroom, but you'll also have a ton of time to see all the sites. How does that sound for exciting?