<p>does anyone know if the summer program at berkeley-ATDP is good? will it look good on college applications?</p>
<p>Yes, it does look good, but of course particularly depending on the courses chosen. Both of mine have used ATDP to refine & maximize opportunities they would not have in their own h.school. (If you will, to "specialize.") Although there's nothing wrong with taking breadth courses or AP courses (some people do the latter because their h.school may not offer much AP), mine have not used it for those reasons. They enrolled in unique offerings particular to their special interests.</p>
<p>If you also happen to apply to UC, it's a bonus because of the internal coding for your app, as well as the instant access to the internal review (grade + evaluation) at the end of the course -- should UC want to investigate what kind of a student you were. I love ATDP because the evals are qualitative (as well as graded). If you are a strong student in the class, the evaluations will spell out in what way you are a strong student, very specifically -- how you contribute to the class.</p>
<p>I also liked it because full high school credit was granted on their transcripts from their high school. (half-year or full year, depending on the frequency & class hours)</p>
<p>PM me if you need to know more.</p>
<p>I actually did an ATDP course of Philosophy and it was really interesting. The program really looks good on transcript and it's one way to let other colleges know that you put a challenge even in the summer. I would consider taking it again if I have the chance.</p>
<p>Yes, that philosophy one is a great choice. Again, few high schools even offer philosophy even more. ATDP also offers sciences that are not usually a h.s. option (astronomy, geology, etc.). They used to have a sort of pre-med thing; I noticed it's not an option this summer, possibly because of budget costs & the decision to hold the line on undergrad tuition for the moment. One of the courses that sounds really intriguing to me is their architecture course, because I think you do designs, too. A couple of summers ago they also had a pre-law (Moot Court) one that looked really fab.</p>
<p>What we have not liked -- & it's not that surprising given the UC emphasis -- is the performing arts stuff. It's just weak. (Drama, etc.) It's theory more than performance.</p>
<p>I went to ATDP for two summers, and I don't regret it. I didn't get any high school credit for it at all, and I don't know how much it helped my application, but even if it made no difference, I still would've gone, just for the experience. In fact, I'm planning on TAing there this summer, since I'm graduating from high school, and therefore can't take courses anymore :P</p>
<p>i felt ATDP was a good educational experience, especially the AP courses, since a lot of them are taught by professors. like the others, i'd recommend only taking courses not available at your high school, or unavailable to fit in your normal academic schedule. it's nice to also get APs done in 6 weeks... albeit a TON of work</p>