College courses over the summer

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>I keep hearing all this praise for Harvard's SSP program, but from the site it sounds more to me like a big summer camp. I'm looking for something that's more academically oreinted. University of Chicago has a Summer Quarter for Highschool Students, and Georgetown also lets High School students take College classes with other undergrads, as opposed to being in some sort of formulated program.</p>

<p>My questions are pretty much your standard issue: How hard and academically rewarding are programs like Harvard SSP, JSA, or some Gateway to Business program compared to something like taking straight up college courses over the summer? Which looks better on applications? Which is a more worth while experience?</p>

<p>On a side note: What's the opinion about Oxbridge over here?</p>

2

<p>I hate to have to bump this, but if someone could please reply...</p>

3

<p>I agree about Harvard SSP. I applied and was accepted, but then again, almost anyone who applies is accepted. If all you want to do is take classes, you should go to a local community college or university. It's much cheaper and you get about the same out of it. On the other hand, if you want to do research or go to some otherwise rewarding program, do it. In my opinion, Harvard SSP isn't going to look that great on your college application because basically anyone who can afford it can go.</p>