<p>So, I've seen a bunch of kids here who've gone to programs and classes at colleges for the summer. Not to mention those "youth leadership" things. All of these really interest me, but I can't apply because they cost thousands of dollars to attend, and I don't want to blow my life savings on it (haha, saving to help for college). My parents won't pay for it, nonetheless be able to spend the money, our income is between $70,000-$80,000. I know we aren't lower income or poverty line, but we are still hurtin, so I don't think I'd be able receive any financial aid for these programs. I REALLY want to go because I love learning, and it'd be a great opportunity to check out some campuses.</p>
<p>I live in Washington state, and we have a state-program sponsered by businesses called "business week" where you can stay a week at WASU, gonzaga, Central, or western...it's fairly inexpensive too, only $325, but it's only for a week, it's not "studying", or "critical thinking", and I doubt I'll get as much of an experience at these schools. I'm TRYING to look into a business-program at some upper-tier schools which are pretty well priced, $900 for 3 weeks, $1200 for 4 weeks.</p>
<p>Do they impact the possibility of your acceptance? Do colleges note the programs, I know they'll not that you used your summer for more than being lazy, but is there more?</p>
<p>Most summer progs do not boost your chances of admission at the top elites, with exception of the most elite ones like RSI and maybe even PROMYS and TASP. For the most part, these programs may serve to express your passion for learning and how you make use of your summer time, but this is usually not too significant, especially if you only do it for a few weeks for one HS summer (in the eyes of admission officers, it doesn’t take that much commitment). </p>
<p>But yes: You do get to meet new people and experience college life. I’ll say that my 3 weeks spent at S@B were the best 3 weeks spent of my life, even though it didn’t help with my admission results. :)</p>
<p>They much prefer the free programs or a job that shows hard work and resposibility, but it’s better than hanging out at the mall or playing video games.</p>
<p>These “summer camps” are primarily cash cows for the universities. They are counting on some kids’ parents thinking that attending summer school at X University will improve those kids’ chances of admission to X University so that they are willing to spend the money, and they are also counting on some of those kids who are rich enough to pay full-freight becoming attached enough to X University to apply in another year or so. IF you enroll in a program that would actually earn you college credit, it might be worth your while. But then again, you could probably take that class at your nearest community college for a lot less money.</p>
<p>Can it be a way of “showing the love” though? Dh and I are both NU alums. My son has been attending CTD at NU for several years - he just loves it and it fits into some key interest areas he has. Not sure if he will wind up applying to NU, but can’t that be a way of showing the love?</p>
<p>^Most of these progs are cash cows … but some of the prestigious ones are (I think) corporate sponsored or something so they’re free but they’re ridiculously hard to get into. I think RSI only takes in 70 people each year … and that’s some tough competition! I know someone who did do it (he’s now a Yale '12) but he was a genius (USAMO qualifier as a junior, maybe even as a sophomore … I forgot). </p>
<p>That said, spending your time at a summer prog would be seen as you not wasting away your summer time … it tells ADCOM tell you’re willing to go out and do stuff outside your comfort zone, even though it might not be much … it still is something. (Something is better than nothing, right?)</p>
<p>Each institution has its own policies about legacies. If NU treats legacies well, then in your case “showing the love” may count a bit. But for everyone else, it would be a whole different story.</p>
<p>I’ve also had a similar question about similar programs, like Lead America. I was given a invitation to attend one, though after seeing my 3rd marking period grades ( not all A’s like usually) I decided not to attend. Many have said these programs may not boost your application, but show universities more of your interest etc…</p>
<p>in particular. There are a lot more than just two summer programs that would help your application, and depending on what your intended major and other summer possibilities are, quite a few summer programs might be helpful in your case.</p>
<p>My impression as an admissions person (which I’m not) would be that your parents had the money to pay for this, and secondly that you were trying to goose up your resume for your college application. I’d also wonder if you weren’t an unimaginative grind.
I’m sure that there are specific programs that address real passions. I’d look for that, as opposed to Harvard Summer School.
I’d also respect almost any kind of paying job, aside from working in a law office, etc., that would raise suspicions of family connections.
Just my biases.</p>
<p>NU does care about demonstrated interest. I’m not sure that attendance at the summer program would necessarily constitute “demonstrated interest” for the purposes of admissions though. It could help a student write a more informed “why NU” essay.</p>