Truth: Far too many students fall into the mindset that they have to get jobs that look good on a college application. The truth is you'll be better off if you follow your passion and focus on the things that matter most to you.

Use your summer to determine what it is you want for your future. If you decide to take a class or work a specific job, do so because it interests you, not only because it looks good to the admissions department at a particular school. Having solid job experience is important, but it's even more important to do something that is exciting and fulfilling to you.

Many of you are probably also concerned about paying for college and a summer job may help pay the bills. While it is true every penny can help, you can get started on financing college in other ways, such as by applying for scholarships or financial aid the summer before your last year of high school.

Other things to do the summer before your senior year:

• Request financial aid information and start asking for college applications. Check out the CollegeBoard's Financial Aid EasyPlanner for help.
• Begin searching for scholarships on online databases, such as Scholarship Monkey and Fastweb.
• Talk to your friends who went to college this past year and find out what they are doing to help pay for college. Ask around to see which schools have good financial aid programs.
• Make a note of questions that arise throughout the summer, so that you’re prepared for the next meeting with your school counselor come fall.
• Read blogs, like MyCollegeOptions or FAFSA Online, which offer tips on how to pay for college.
• Instead of getting a job that's a "resume-builder", try that random and intriguing gig that's always interested you. For inspiration, check out some of the weird summer occupations some celebrities have had, such as lion-taming or chicken-plucking.