<p>I've never been able to do any real camps or programs over the course of my high school years. My parents are very strict, and don't allow me sleepover anywhere. Therefore, I have spent my summers generally doing almost nothing (Besides reading and writing anyways). I did some volunteering in the summers between my 9th and 10th grade years, but that's about it. </p>
<p>How much of an effect would this have on admissions? I really don't have any legitimate reason for being idle except for my parents' rules (We were able to afford it, so I can't say it was a money thing) . I was just wondering since an admissions reviewer and Princeton was talking about summer activities...And I've also spent my summers watching my friends do all kind of academic and community service projects, while I've just been...here...</p>
<p>Should I just try my best to beg my parents to let me out on some programs during maybe a weekend in senior year? Or is it too late? I'm trying to apply to some rather selective schools, maybe an Ivy or two...</p>
<p>A lot of people have the misconception that extracurriculars are like a checklist of things you need to do in order to get accepted into college. You must play a varsity sport, you must play an instrument, you must land an internship, you have to have a part-time job, you must attend a summer program, etc. This is not true. Colleges just want to know that you spent your spare time doing something meaningful - it doesn’t matter how you do it.</p>
<p>Summer programs can benefit you (especially top, prestigious programs), but they will NEVER hurt you if you are unable or unwilling to attend.</p>
<p>I generally agree with Rob1995. Not going to “real camps” over the summer will not make or break your application. However, you should be using every summer to do a little something productive, particularly if you are applying to very selective schools (e.g. Ivy League universities). It doesn’t have to be a structured program, but can be something along the lines of independently pursuing a passion, like writing poems or a book, or getting a part-time job, or something along those lines. Being idle during your summers is no sin, but in the harsh college application climate we are in today, doing nothing every summer will not help your application at top schools. </p>
<p>You mentioned you did volunteering between 9th and 10th grade. That’s great, that should be on your application. I assume you are a rising senior? It might be a bit late to “fit in” more activities. Hopefully you’ve been pursuing some activities at school? And if not, what sort of things do you do during your free hours?</p>
<p>There are other summer activities besides camps or paid programs. You could get a job, volunteer, research…There are some selective programs you could apply for, and often they are free. While sitting at home, you could learn a language, a programming language, instrument. Yes, summer activities are important. Sitting at home for 3 months doing nothing is not something you want to convey to adcoms. I would encourage you to find something to do next summer.</p>
<p>Attending summer camps and programs can definitely strengthen your application. For example, I attended/taught at a summer math camp the past two summers. Conversely, having no summer activities can weaken your application, particularly at selective schools.</p>
<p>summer programs matter almost not at all. The only reason I even put my summer program on the application was because it was AT the university I was applying to for m 1st choice (Duke). I ended up getting in, but I highly highly highlyyyy doubt my participation in Duke TIP factored in any more than giving the admissions counselor another line of text to read. </p>
<p>don’t worry. unless your SATs/GPA suck, in which case you do have a reason to worry. but summer programs shouldn’t be of any worry to you. :)</p>
<p>while rspence’s note that having a good summer pgm is good – any meaningful summer activity is what is needed. Not something that has to do with camps or programs. It can range from being a camp counselor to working at Dairy Queen to volunteering.</p>
<p>True, it certainly doesn’t have to be an organized summer program, it just needs to be something other than sitting around at the TV or something. For example, intern, volunteer, part/full time job, camp, taking classes, learning how to weld, etc.</p>