<p>I just want to thank whoever started this thread. This has been something I’ve been worrying about with two kids in high school and one in middle school. We were able to come up with the money this summer to send one child to a very competitive summer music program, but that meant our other kids stayed closer to home, doing less things. The problem then comes up when it’s someone else’s turn the following summer. Basically, we can afford one “wow” experience per child in high school, but not everyone every year.<br>
I had been worried that this would hurt my children in admissions – since we are in that wonderful demographic where we never get financial aid for anything, including summer camp, but don’t actually have the money for wow summer programs and full pay for university for three children. I’m now more at peace with the idea that everybody gets one wow summer program and gets to work and live at home remaining summers.<br>
Our kids have also been able to take summer courses through our state’s virtual high school each summer.</p>
<p>" Basically, we can afford one “wow” experience per child in high school, but not everyone every year." - That sounds like a good plan.</p>
<p>I think the summer before senior year is more important.</p>