<p>Hi! I’m currently a high school junior looking for something to do this summer before my senior year. My parents really can’t afford to pay very much for any summer programs, so I was looking into the Brown online courses for the summer. The course on DNA particularly interested me and is only about $900.</p>
<p>However, the course is non-credit. So I was just wondering if it would be worth it. Should I ask my parents to pay close to a thousand dollars for an online non-credit course that lasts only two weeks? I know it would certainly look good to have the Brown summer program on my college application, but I’m not sure if it’s worth that much money. What do you guys think? Thanks in advance for the help!</p>
<p>Admission to Brown’s summer programs are not competitive – basically, if you can pay the money, you can register for a course. So, taking a non-credit course (on-campus or on-line) will NOT enhance your college application to Brown, nor will it make you “look good” to Brown, or any other college for that matter. The course is only worth it if you have a burning-desire to study the material. And that is something only you can answer.</p>
<p>Agree with gibby. It’s not worth it if your parents can’t afford to pay very much. Earmark that money to pay for college. Working a full-time or even part-time job is more impressive to colleges than a pricey, noncompetitive summer program.</p>