<p>I am applying to many selective summer programs, so it would be nice to have some backup plans. (programs with 40% admission rate, I guess :P)
Do you guys have any suggestions?</p>
<p>I reply to this as I reply to all similar questions - If you are interested in scientific research, I would HIGHLY recommend U of Iowa’s SSTP program. I went to it last year and it was really cool. My research experience was pretty good, and the social experience was really good! The admissions were 36/90 ish last year, and only a few kids (5 or so) were from Iowa - most are from other states or international. A lot of the people there hadn’t gotten in to the REALLY selective programs like RSI and MITES, and this was their backup. And Iowa City isn’t nearly as bad as most people think, hehe I have lived on the Iowa border for most of my life, and the program has some cool activities planned for you. Check out our 2012 thread - I posted a lot in it (:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/summer-programs/1299919-iowa-sstp-2012-a.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/summer-programs/1299919-iowa-sstp-2012-a.html</a></p>
<p>As for other “safe” options, almost every state has a state program for enrichment, and there are many shorter camps that are easy to get into. Sadly, there are a lot out there where “if you can afford it, you can come” is the mindset, but I don’t know your financial situation. I myself look more towards the science programs, not really into math or artsy programs, but there are a bunch out there. Almost every college has a “pre-college” thing where you go and take classes there - these are not very useful, but it would make for a fun summer!
Math camp list I found for you:
[Summer</a> Math Camps and Programs for High School Students](<a href=“http://www.ams.org/programs/students/high-school/emp-mathcamps]Summer”>AMS :: Summer Math Camps and Programs for High School Students)</p>
<p>I don’t know if this helps (:</p>
<p>Woah thank you so much!! I just went through the thread and the program looks awesome! I will give it a try. The only problem is that the cost is $5000 and they will provide only half of the expense for financial aid… 
And yeah I have heard about pre college programs and super expensive camps. Hmm gotta be jealous of the rich kids.</p>
<p>super shameless bumpppp</p>
<p>^Not… Carleton College has a summer science program that is not as difficult to get into. I will warn you that they are VERY slow at telling you which program (even which session, let alone which science area) they have accepted you into. That is quite frustrating. But it is supposed to be a good program.</p>
<p>Rose Hulman’s Operation Catapult has a high acceptance rate. And is not as expensive as a lot of other programs. You could also look into helping in a research lab if you live near a university campus.</p>
<p>^But those require deposits
Carleton - $500, with $250 nonrefundable if accepted. Rose Hulman - $100…
And I am already helping in a research lab right now. I just really want to travel and experience a little “independent college life”… for free 
I initially had Cornell College Summer Program as my safety. But my dream was crushed upon discovering that they only offer aid for half of the program cost ($10000) :(</p>
<p>Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated</p>