<p>I'm a rising junior, interested in math and science, academically good (and some prize in math and science competition), but weak in leadership/ activity. I don't know I should attend pre-college/research program in math and science or a general leadership/activity/volunteer program or a research/prestige?</p>
<p>I've seen a lot of research programs on this forum. Is that true research/ pre-college program is better if you want to major in science/math?</p>
<p>Does anyone have the same situation that can give me some suggestions? I don't have much choice this summer since I am only accepted by Harvard Summer School, hope I can have a better plan for next summer.</p>
<p>Per Columbia college admission director, what you do during the summer is not as important as what you learn from it or how it makes you grow.</p>
<p>Just listing IVY Pay-to-play, cash cow programs on your application will not impress the IVYs that know they are just cash cows. Writing an essay or short answer about some bit of wisdom or growth that you took away from the program will impress. </p>
<p>There are a fair number of weeks before and after these programs. Think about how you can broaden your experience/ecs in that time. Help someone; mow a senior’s lawn. Fix a car; Build a stone wall. Taking just one more academic course is not particularly creative.</p>
<p>Thanks you. Now I get it.</p>