<p>Does the same hold for other similar programs, such as Johns Hopkins' CTY and Duke's TIP and Stanford's EPGY?<br>
Or are they just seen as smart-camp for rich-kids?</p>
<p>If the belief is that these types of programs look good on a college app, which would be better for a prospective NU student -- going to CTD at Northwestern for several summers in a row, or mixing it up and going to CTD one year, TIP the next, etc.? This student is in the Chicago area, if that makes a difference. </p>
<p>i dont think they really help that much. CTY certainly doesnt help; I don't know anyone who actually put that on college applications. They are fun, but I wouldn't spend all my summers going to those camps</p>
<p>You should put them somewhere. They are classes and they assign grades. At the very least, it demonstrates interest for and a passion for learning.</p>
<p>Also, it demonstrates interest in Northwestern or Johns Hopkins. You can say something like, "I really liked the campus at NU from my time there at CTD." </p>
<p>For the person who said they are not a good use of your time, the classes are only 3 weeks long so there is a lot of time to do other stuff. Also, I believe its only for rising juniors or younger, so you wouldn't be spending the summer between junior and senior years there anyway.</p>
<p>My daughter went to CTD between her junior and senior year, did very well in the class, and was accepted at Northwestern this year. She did mention it in her Why Northwestern essay. This was the only academic summer camp she attended.</p>
<p>You might also consider attending one of the NHSI (National High School Institute) summer programs at Northwestern if there's something that fits your interests. They are for the summer between the junior and senior years. I think the role summer programs play in a college app is to tip the scales slightly in your favor IF it's a close call. Not a huge factor, but could be a relevant one. And definitely put that kind of stuff on your app.</p>
<p>They all beat watching TV during the summer. The most prestigious summer programs have a specific admission process for getting in (something beyond the test score requirements of the programs you mention, e. g., a math quiz) and are generally free of charge and thus highly competitive. But CTY or CTD or TIP or EPGY summer programs give you a chance to pursue intellectual interests, and help you meet young people from outside the world of your high school, so they are good experiences.</p>
<p>what if you don't plan on applying to NU?? because im doing ctd this summer, (neuroscience honors) and i dont want it to be a useless $3000. plus it starts next week</p>
<p>ctd is by no means a hook. A school like MIT and CalTech might like that you are making an effort to learn when you don't have to, but those schools are so competitive that ctd will add to a profile of someone who has a passion for learning. Summer school might be a turn-off at some ivies, though. Just make sure you do something else (e.g., volunteering...)</p>
<p>Schools less selective than ivies might be excited to get a student that wants to learn in the summer.</p>
<p>No, doing badly won't hurt you. If you get straight "A's" you might want to mention that on a resume', but it isn't expected that you tell them how you did there. You don't give a transcript to colleges.</p>
<p>The various programs are different. The CTD program at NW is an accredited high school that gives high school (and sometimes AP) credit. Some of the others are "fun learning experiences" but without any grades.</p>
<p>These are actual Northwestern classes for credit. The classes are 6-8 weeks and you will get a Northwestern transcript. And just like a Northwestern education you will pay for it--$5,500-$12,000.</p>