<p>I'm interested in applying Yale Ivy Scholars, but I don't think I'll be able to afford it. I've had people tell me that it's not that impressive to colleges to do a camp or program you have to pay for since it just shows you can spend money. Are there any prestigious camps or programs relating to government/politics? Thank you!</p>
<p>If you’re an upcoming Junior, Boys/Girls State is perfect. Its a week-long state government simulation by the American Legion, and costs $250.</p>
<p>Most metro areas that have YMCAs offer mock state Senates or judicial trials. You have to meet outside of school on an evening each week, and you prepare for district events and annual competitions.</p>
<p>Model United Nation (MUN) Conferences are pretty similar to mock Senates, and you really don’t need to know that much about the world. Your HS might have a Model UN Club, that attends annual conferences.</p>
<p>Since I live on the West Coast, and am not exceptional wealthy, I haven’t even considered anything with ‘Yale’ or ‘Harvard’ in it. You probably have other options, but the above three are the cheapest/free that you’ll ever get.</p>
<p>Nin10dude317, thank you so much! I’m going to be a sophomore but I’ll definitely look into the first program though when I’m a junior. </p>
<p>I’ll have to look into the other ones as well. I already do debate though and they both sound similar to it. Thanks again!</p>
<p>I’m also interested in international business or law related programs.</p>
<p>You can also look for internships at law firms. Small local organizations or a YMCA may have a system to match up a lawyer with you as their assistant.</p>
<p>Before, there was an amazing program where HS students could go to Washington DC and be pages (messengers really) for your state Senator/Representative. But sadly, they got rid of it last month after 60 years. =( Your state might have that program for you to go to your state capitol as a page for your area’s representative still.</p>
<p>For business, some states offer ‘Business Week’ or ‘Free Enterprise Week’. Its like $200 also, and pretty similar to Boys/Girls State. You’re put into a team to invent or market a product, and its also pretty educational.</p>
<p>You should apply for financial aid with Ivy Scholars. I know people who received the package and it was pretty decent. </p>
<p>I would definitely recommend applying for Ivy Scholars. Ivy Scholars is a very intense academic program taught mostly by Yale professors, prominent figures and current students. I would definitely recommend it if they grant you a good financial aid package/you can afford it :)</p>