<p>I have an opportunity to sign up for UPenn's 2011 summer camp, and my dad is pushing me to do it, saying that it'll help me get scholarships and get into the college/other colleges. Is this actually true? </p>
<p>Does going to a reputable college summer camp program help college admissions?</p>
<p>Usually when it comes to the summertime, colleges want to see that you have been productive over the summer and not sitting on the couch the whole time. I had the same question as a freshman and through personal experience, advice from college students, and research of the college admissions process, the only thing that matters that you receive academic and/or personal growth from the activites that you do over the summer that can give you an egde. So if there is a course that you want to take at the camp at UPenn on a topic that you’re passionate about, then by all means do it. But dont go cuz it will look good on a resume for one summer cuz going to a reputable college summer camp will only benefit it you 1) go for more than one summer 2) Take a course in an area you have a passion for or want to learn more about 3)want to attend the college in question but it only be beneficial if you follow 1 and 2.</p>
<p>I agree with flower161. As far as I’m concerned, college summer camps are great boosts to any application for they show applicant’s dedication. </p>
<p>Also, a college is a great environment to build a social network [establish contacts]. You never know who you can meet there…</p>
<p>No, they will not uniquely boost your chances to top schools. Your chances will be higher than someone who did nothing during their summer and lower than those who attended a prestigious free summer program (TASP, Gov Schools, etc). If your parents can’t easily swing the cost of tuition, your summer is probably better spent working.</p>
<p>^^ Agreed. They subtlely market the idea that if you summer at UPenn, you’ll be considered more highly – just not the case. </p>
<p>Funny thing is there are many of these programs which are for profit programs that rent facilities and hire faculty at prestigious schools. I interviewed a student who did a “leadership” program at Yale. I found out that the program was done by an outside company which paid Yale for using its facilities… Do you think Yale would give much credence to participants in that program? I bet you they thought so.</p>
<p>Three kids attended Cornell’s summer camp from our school and none of them got into Cornell.</p>
<p>No, it will not give you a boost or edge in the admissions process.</p>
<p>You’d probably do better working in soup kitchens and homeless shelters in your own community over the summer.</p>