<p>I applied and got into the USC summer program, and I thought it would be smart & useful at first, but realized upon close inspection that it seems more like a fancy summer camp. Lots of people seem to say that summer programs that cost thousands of dollars are absolute jokes, is that true? I don't want to waste a month in a useless program.
Also, does attending a summer program at a specific college harm chances at other schools? Especially at rival schools?
Any advice would be appreciated, thanks :)</p>
<p>Summer programs come in many shapes and sizes. Never could anyone say that programs costing serious money are jokes … some might be and some aren’t; making a blanket statement like that CAN NOT be made. If you think a summer program might be a waste then it probably is (for you anyway). Everyone has different motivations for attending their summer programs, whether they cost thousands or are free. </p>
<p>A program my daughter is attending this summer is costing me $4,000 in total (all inclusive) but I consider it money well spent for my purposes and hers. This particular program will confirm or deny the feelings she has for a particular field and career. If I’m spending $80,000-$100,000 on her education then the $4,000 is a good investment in my opinion. Others might consider the exact same program to be a waste and it might be for them and their purposes … nothing is a one size fits all.</p>
<p>What made you feel the USC program was smart and useful? It’s ok if the program is a fancy summer camp as long as you still feel it’s smart and useful. If you still don’t feel that way then it’s probably time to move on. I don’t blame you for not wanting to “waste a month” in a useless summer program but only you can define what is to be considered “useless.” </p>
<p>Good luck in your decisions.</p>
<p>I don’t believe that “expensive” programs are inferior to “free or paid” programs. It is what the student gets out of the program that matters. My son attended the UCSB Research Mentorship Program last year, between his sophomore and junior year. He learned how to do research, present the data, and submitted the findings for science competition during the fall. He placed second in our state for the junior science and humanities symposium to advance to the nationals. I paid for this program in order for him to attend, yet gained so much out of this in 6 weeks. He started his junior year with so much confidence and maturity, and was elected to president and editor in multiple clubs and activities afterwards. He is now attending another “expensive” program performing medical research for 6 weeks before starting his senior year.</p>