<p>I’m applying to the summer programs at both Brown and Harvard for this summer. Both programs offer undergraduate credit to high school students (I’m currently a sophomore), and I was wondering how much this would boost my resume? Will the summer school at Brown help with admission to Harvard, and vice versa? Does it help at all?
Thanks :)</p>
<p>do it for the experience and to get something out of being in a college environment taking classes you enjoy -- don't do it for an addition to the resume - with that being said, it probably would be nice to see you being interested through a summer program, but also, i don't know anyone currently here who "banked" on the fact that they went to a summer program, nor who even went to one with brown in association...</p>
<p>I took a summer@Brown course last summer...</p>
<p>While it was great fun and let me become familiar with the campus/Providence, I definitely wouldn't say that I actually know what the school was like; the actual college experience is vastly different from what they feed high school kids. Also, at least for the Brown program, I don't think attending such a program demonstrates much, except that you/your parents are willing to shell out a good bit of money for a few weeks. The programs aren't particularly selective (or difficult, it seemed), and while it was fun, it wasn't very academically intensive. But all the same, having something like that on your resume would probably demonstrate to the school a higher level of interest.</p>
<p>TryNotToBreate,</p>
<p>My S took 2 Harvard undergrad courses for credit in the Summer following his junior year. It was a 2 month Summer semester.</p>
<p>He absolutely loved the experience. He did mention that the classes comprised of both Summer HS students and some undergrad as well as some grad students who stayed behind at Harvard. A grad student who was an RA/assistant to the prof in one of his classes was actually a student in his other class. </p>
<p>Therefore, I think the student body is mixed at Harvard SS. He had to work very hard to get As since the competition consisted of varying degrees of maturity and experience. </p>
<p>If you take these undergrad courses 'for credit' and are able to get A's, they would be seen favorably by Adcoms. If you take them without full credit only as a HS student, then perhaps they would not weigh as much at all.</p>
<p>Also, remember that if you do not get good grades in them, they could go against you. Therefore, if you plan to take these for credit, you might be better prepared after your junior year.</p>
<p>Brown SS had more courses to select from. Pick the schedules that most fit with your Summer ECs.</p>
<p>Take the summer program only if it is something about which you are really interested...not to build your resume or to get into the school. Colleges will only value your summer experience if it confirms your interest or "passion" in something...that "something" should also be apparent from other items on your resume. You could spend your summer volunteering locally, and it would be much more beneficial to your college applications...IMO.</p>
<p>I think it would be a truly minimal boost, if any boost at all. After all, not everyone is afford an expensive precollege program (I know I couldn't!) and there are plenty of more impressive "resume building" activities to do if you really want to improve your chances. That being said, if you're really interested in college and want a few weeks of a lot of freedom, it would still be a good experience.</p>
<p>I had a friend who did the program at Harvard. He seemed to be an easy in to Harvard (of course no one is these days, but we all also thought that this would help him). Nope. Rejected. Not to mention that he'd been successful a few times at winning Harvard Model Congress awards. He had 'connections' all over the place.</p>
<p>I was very close to doing the Brown program last year (I'm a senior), but when I looked at the price-tag I realized something pretty quickly. These programs are good for two things: 1) Showing the school you're interested and 2) Spending money. I won't say that the first isn't important, but there are so many other meaningful things you can do over the summer that won't go overlooked by admissions committees. And how do you think those summer programs will look to the other Ivies?</p>
<p>Instead of wasting time trying to impress the Ivies I emailed the deans of environmental science departments around the country asking if they needed any help over the summer. It's a subject I'm interested in and I felt like it was a good way to spend the summer... Most importantly, it wasn't some...<em>cringe</em>...program. </p>
<p>I'm sure that the Brown and the Harvard summer experiences are wonderful, but don't waste your money! Take an internship somewhere! I'm getting published now for what I did, and when I spoke with a Brown admissions counsellor he seemed much more interested in my publication than one of my friend's questions about Brown summer opportunities. Abandon the safety of programs - do something riskier. You, your parent's wallet, and the college of your choice will appreciate it much more at the end of the day. I came away from last summer feeling elated that I took the initiative to do what I did, and was successful at my job. It's since paid off: I received a huge scholarship at UNC Chapel Hill and in all of my interviews, my interviewers have wanted to know much more about what exactly I researched.</p>
<p>Cloying,
Wow! You really lucked out in finding Research Mentors at an Ivy.
Summer Research was my Son's first choice also. Unfortunately, 20 odd researchers he had applied to, informed him that they were filled up years in advance. He was not able to get a Research apprenticeship in Medical Science area.</p>
<p>I think the demand for research apprenticeship far exceeds opportunities in the medical area. Perhaps in Environmental Sciences, the opportunities are more abundant.</p>
<p>I agree that research is far better than completing a course, primarily because research teaches you to think independently, to seek answers from various methods of analysis. (I am a Clinical Researcher myself, so I am somewhat biased). Eventually, my Son completed a CNS research project with a school mentor within his school year.</p>
<p>However, if you are unable to find a research apprenticeship and research mentors in your area of interest, completing a course within your area of interest would be seen as a positive.</p>
<p>Imagine my frustration that I could not mentor him myself, since the Pharma I work with does not allow HS kids for apprenticeships.</p>
<p>I'm sorry, I miscommunicated on that one! Though Pomona and Brown both got back to me about research opportunities I took my internship with U.Miami. I also applied to Columbia for a program with something to do with the social sciences (I can't remember too well) but didn't receive it, though I don't think I could've afforded the costs of room and board in NYC. At any rate, though, U.Miami has an excellent marine biology department, so I don't think that took away too much from the 'prestige' of the project.</p>