Since it’s located at the heart of American politics, seems to have great faculty, and I’ve heard some people say it was a good experience, I’m very interested in it. Can anyone answer the following questions?
How would this look to admissions officers? (this is not a determining factor. I’m genuinely intrigued in the program so I’m not just “doing it for college” anyway).
How competitive is this program?
Could I get financial aid, and if so, how much?
This kind of program can be helpful to your application in the sense that it is something you can talk about in your essay. It can help you write a more compelling essay about your interests, either on the Common App essay or on a supplemental essay.
It will also give you great insight into Georgetown (if you are considering applying there).
I don’t think admission will be too difficult, if you are a good student. Not that many people are interested in political science these days.
If they offer financial aid, there will be a procedure for applying on the website. My guess would be no.
My daughter did one of these a few years ago, after her sophomore year. The students are a self selecting group, so admission isn’t particularly competitive (as slackers and trouble makers generally aren’t interested in doing such things with their summer). She met a great group of girls there and is still in touch with them.
My $.02: admissions officers generally aren’t too impressed with these “pay to attend” programs, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. In the case of my daughter, I think it boosted her confidence and helped her get on a path for bigger and better things for her last two years of HS.
I certainly wouldn’t go into debt to attend, but they may offer some financial aid.