<p>I know that officially most colleges will say "your chances of summer or fall admission are the same" but personally I think they say that because then everyone would apply in the summer. Does anyone know off the books if saying you apply for summer truly does increase your chances or not? So far I have spoken to a friend whose aunt is an admissions counselor and he says that this is true, but not a major "push", just a little nudge if you feel you are slightly below their admission stats.</p>
<p>At some colleges and universities, yes it can make a difference. You need to ask the admissions office at the place you are interested in, and find out what the situation is there.</p>
<p>For example, at UC, when they admit you they tell you you can start in the summer with the status and fees of a matriculating student, rather than the higher visiting student fees. Many people do this, and they somewhat expect that you will if you do not have other plans. So, for UC, which is admittedly bureaucratic, I really doubt there would be a boost.</p>
<p>For other schools, how would you even telegraph that in your application? Intriguing idea.</p>
<p>PS: Berkeley will admit some of their freshman to the Spring semester, knowing there will be attrition, and then suggest the students take fall University Extension classes at Berkeley to get a start on the breadth (GE) classes. So trying to apply to the spring (there) is also not so useful. It may be another alternative at other schools.</p>
<p>I know for Penn state, they give you an option to start summer(if you check it off in your app) if you do not qualify for the fall semester. If accepted into summer, you do the summer option then move into fall semester when it begins. By checking the summer option, you do up your admission chances because the summer option is for kids with borderline stats or for some reason did not make the fall cutoff and are a bit easier to get into than the fall semester. </p>