<p>I'm in a program called Minds Matter and it sends students to summer programs for their sophomore and junior summer. I'm currently a sophomore and I got accepted to Cornell and Choate Rosemary Hall (you apply from 5 - 7 summer programs). The problem is, I am not informed of all the acceptances I got since all the acceptance/reject letters are sent directly to Minds Matter, not to me. Choate Rosemary Hall is a boarding school and it was my safety school, my first choice was Cornell. However, the final decision is made by Minds Matter and their sending me to Choate. I got my parents to talk but they said it doesn't help since the process is very complex, in terms of financial regards, student placement, and the summer programs itself. </p>
<p>So the question is, is Choate a very rigorous program? The director of the program said I received a very prestigious scholarship and I was their first choice - which didn't make sense because I consider myself an average student. So how smart are the students there for the summer program (NOT the boarding school)? </p>
<p>Also, if the program is rigorous, is it well known for their department of science? </p>
<p>Is it nearly as intense as a summer program that would be held at a university, such as Cornell? </p>
<p>Is there any internship/volunteering opportunity available for science at Choate (or at least near the area) that I can participate in during the summer program? </p>
<p>Please give any additional information regarding the school's summer program that I should be informed about (especially the science part of it), or any other unique opportunities available. </p>
<p>I know this is a lot but please PLEASE help. I really don't want to waste 5 weeks of my life there (by the way, I'm a part of the 5-week Enrichment program).</p>
<p>Looks like you are not getting any help out here in spite of a lot of hits… my guess is that no one checking this out knows anything about your program. Suggestions for getting an answer:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Post your question on a couple of other forums out here, and title it something like “Choate Summer Program”. Maybe on the boading school forum and over in the parent forum. Someone might know something.</p></li>
<li><p>As I read this, you are getting a free ride to a summer program, but are concerned you did not get in the “top” summer program. A few of thoughts on that. </p></li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li><p>You may very well be too late to be switched between them, most programs have got their lists set now and only make changes based on dropouts/waitlist additions</p></li>
<li><p>You can leverage this scholarship info on your college apps (success begets success… colleges notice who has been awarded good scholarships/free rides on merit, even to summer programs)</p></li>
<li><p>Odds are pretty good you are not “wasting 5 weeks” at this program. Don’t be one of those people who thinks you can only learn something at an Ivy. That is a ridiculous perspective. People who are excellent generally thrive whereever they are planted and make the most of the opportunities they have.</p></li>
<li><p>Most summer programs are intense enough that you don’t have time to go off and intern/volunteer during them. Plus, the programs are responsible for your safety while you are with them. Odds are good they are not going to be keen on you leaving campus on your own (different programs have different rules, of course). Be fully present at the program and absorb what it has to offer. If you have any free time, use it to spend with friends you would never have met if you didn’t go to the program.</p></li>
<li><p>Don’t be ungrateful. Many, many people would love a free ride to any summer program. I do not read your situation as “drastic”. I read it as “lucky”. Don’t be a jerk to an organization and program that have arranged for this (especially if you are an “average” student as you say yourself).</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks for your input! Greatly appreciate it.</p>