I am a sophomore. Got a 1380 on my PSAT, go to a private school and take H Geometry and regular Chemistry. Don’t do many extracurriculars besides Investment Society (dumb name, I know) and FTC team. I’d really love to attend these competitive summer programs, but I got rejected from all 3 I applied to this year, and frankly, my stats are nothing to gawk at. What can I do next year or any time in the future to make myself seem more of an outstanding candidate? Thanks guys, anything helps.
bump
Take my advice with a grain of salt as I haven’t been accepted to any prestigious summer programs, but from what I’ve seen you should find activities that you are passionate in and try to make an impact, as stereotypical as that sounds. If these activities correspond to the area of a summer program, you’ll have a better chance of being accepted.
For example, think about if you’re passionate about your Investment Society or FTC participation. If so, find a way to expand on these interests and make a difference in your community. Like FTC? Teach robotics to middle-schoolers or the underprivileged.
Just remember to make the best of this summer pursuing what interests you, whether or not you got into a prestigious summer program.