I know it might seem strange to be asking about this after summer vacation, but I’m curious to know other than university preference, is there any other aspect to consider when choosing summer programs? For example, would some summer programs be more selective and/or challenging, and therefore “look better” or carry more weight for college admission? Or is it the regular old cliche, it’s what you learn/experience that matters?
In addition, is it true that some universities will prefer to see summer school experience more than others? Will participating in a university’s summer program increase your rate of admission into that particular university (supposing you do well) or does it depend on what university?
Sorry for this long slew of questions, but I am an international student wishing to study in the US, and any advice on university summer (or winter, for that matter) programs would be very much appreciated!
Some are selective – many are not. Most are simply money-making ventures for private companies that rent space at a uni and hire the uni’s professors. Some are hosted by the uni. But NONE are essential – VERY few will make you “look better” besides show that your family has money to burn (which will make you look better to some schools who want your dollars).
No uni requires summer school experience. Competitive unis want students active – that can mean selling ice cream, to babysitting, to doing research, to traveling for pleasure.
Participating in a uni’s own summer program = nothing to increase chances later. It’s part of the “big lie” of marketing. Go if you think you’ll enjoy yourself – but don’t be fooled to think it will enhance your chances.
Thanks! I agree that summer programs are pretty expensive, and that’s one of the main reasons I hadn’t thought of attending any before.
Would earning college credit through summer programs be of any help? Thanks again!
As @T26E4 notes, universities don’t require summer school experience. They do require that you do something productive with your summer time. That can be a job, internship, research experience, sports activities, or any number of things. Attending a summer program can potentially be one of those, depending on the program and how you use the time, but only in rare cases does it stand out.
What universities generally don’t want is for you to be sitting on the coach watching TV, or something equivalent. They also don’t put much stock in high priced summer programs which are basically boondoggles. That doesn’t mean that expensive summer programs can’t be extremely good experiences, or even have some impact. Programs like Yale Young Global Scholars and Stanford Summer Humanities Institute are expensive but selective, and show initiative and focus. Participating in a program as a learning experience because it interests you is a valid use of your time, but certainly not a better one than many other options.
There are a few funded, selective summer programs which are quite competitive and prestigious. Hpowever, these are in a small minority.