How important are summer programs?

<p>I applied to and was rejected by every single summer program I applied to (there were 8).
If I don't attend a summer program this year, how negatively will this affect me?</p>

<p>I'm thinking about maybe taking some college courses over the summer and volunteering at the local hospitals.
Possibly get a job or train for the swim season next year.</p>

<p>I see no point in any if these programs unless you’re going to study something you love. Do something you enjoy rather than spending tons of money to do a program that, in most cases, won’t help in college admissions.</p>

<p>All of them were things I wanted to do, though!!
They were job shadows, research internships, summer residencies, all in fields which I’M VERY interested in.
They were all FREE.</p>

<p>I think it’s definately a positive thing if your apps reflect that you did something during the summer above and beyond sleeping late and hanging with friends. That being said, I don’t think that <em>thing</em> has to be a summer program and I’m not convinced that a summer program that is sponsored by a particular school gives you a big advantage if you go on to apply there.</p>

<p>I’m struggling with this question now too, since I’ve been rejected from all my programs as well.
However, I think I’m just going to make the best of it. I don’t think we will be too negatively impacted as long as we prove we didn’t just sit around all summer. Colleges know that these programs are selective.
I’m going in for a summer job interview next week and I’m going to continue volunteering at my local hospital. I’m also planning to get a head start on my 5 AP classes next year.I can’t say I’m too worried, and you shouldn’t worry either!</p>

<p>I have also gotten rejected from all my programs. I am arranging an internship with a local college professor and may also be able to acquire help abroad. I’m going to Japan for the first two weeks of summer. I also want to get a job, though I feel like people will ask if I’m actually 16 (well, in the summer I will be 17). I also want to take math classes over the summer. This is probably wayyy too much but I mean, I really don’t want to do nothing over the summer. And who knows, this may all not work out.</p>

<p>Quidditchcat- when you say internship, do you mean you have an actual project in mind?</p>

<p>Yes, I do actually.</p>