<p>They are wonderful summer camps for high schoolers, but are just that. It is rare that a “for profit” camp of this sort will give you any edge in admissions to a selective college even to the school that is sponsoring it. I know numerous friends upset when their kids who have excelled and attended such programs did not get into the associated colleges when they were definitely material for the college and did well in the camps to boot. If you can afford them, it’s one thing but if your family is going to find it tough to foot the college bill, you are much better off working and paying your parents room and board that they can stash as their fund for college.</p>