<p>Title says it all... kind of. Just kidding, maybe not...</p>
<p>I'm currently a junior, and I know a lot of juniors (at least here on CC) go to fancy summer programs at universities, for science, math, writing, or whatever sparks their interests. This summer, I plan on continuing with two research projects and working on college essays. Will the research in lieu of a summer program be enough for HYPSMC and lower Ivies? (I don't think it'll win Intel/Siemens, but I may be able to get a couple abstracts/papers.)
How much do these summer programs actually weigh in with college admissions? (Not including the super prestigious ones like RSI, which I'm sure I wouldn't get into anyway.) Are most of these viewed as things that kids from privileged families have the money to do? How about the ones that are free of charge? Anywhoo, I feel like my app is lacking a bit, and I don't know how much a summer program would help me. Advice would be much appreciated. Thank you mucho!!</p>
<p>(It sort of confuses me when people ask if they’d doing “enough” for top schools. Plenty of qualified applicants get rejected…the most you can hope to be is competitive.)</p>
<p>Anyway, research is probably better than a program.</p>
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<p>Yes, though a lot of them give financial aid. There might be a correlation between going to fancy summer programs and getting into top schools, but that’s because kids who have the opportunity to go to a fancy program are more likely to have other opportunities and guidance as well. </p>
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<p>I still think research is better, unless it’s RSI or something similar.</p>
<p>A summer program isn’t necessarily “recommended” to get into a top school. I participated in research, but did so only through local universities. You don’t have to win siemens/sts to get into a good college as long as you show an interest and it’s reflected on your application. (I got into a wharton dual-degree program btw, so I would be proof that there it is not a necessity to go to some prestigious program)</p>
<p>Don’t do a summer program just to look good to top schools. Do it because you love the subject or want the experience.</p>
<p>@Babolat1: Are you talking about the Huntsman program?</p>
<p>Thanks guys! Your responses were very helpful. I think I’ll probably stick to what research I have.</p>