<p>I'm just ended junior year with acceptable grades. I'm pretty much an A student. But I was wondering if it was absolutely necessary to go to a summer program in order to get into a good college. I was admitted to the NYU Summer Program for High School students, however I turned it down due to the high fee. I really wanted to do it but my parents couldn't afford it. That's why my summer consists of volunteering at a local hospital. But is that enough?</p>
<p>Of course not.</p>
<p>Colleges would like to see that you are doing something worthwhile with your time during the summer, instead of wallowing in the depths of boredom and lethargy in front of your computer. Not everyone can afford to attend one of those expensive summer programs, and not everyone can be admitted to a program that’s either free or provides a stipend. </p>
<p>Summer programs can be an enriching experience, but they are definitely not a requisite for anything. I’m currently volunteering in a lab over the summer, since my family is low on cash as well. </p>
<p>Anyways, to answer your question directly: No, it is not necessary to attend a summer program. Volunteering at your local hospital is a great way to use your summer. Make the best of it!</p>
<p>
Oh heavens no. And anyone who says the contrary should be banned from posting in this subforum.
Enough for what? Enough to interest you? Enough to kill some time? Enough to get you into Harvard? (The answer to the last one is, “No, because adcoms assess candidates as a whole, not as individual programs”.)</p>
<p>Vaillant’s response is absolute correct.</p>
<p>Ahh thank you for easing my worries!</p>
<p>Pooja, if you are still interested in going to a summer program, I am being a counselor at <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/summer-programs/1167141-summer-honors-program-rechc-deadline-asap.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/summer-programs/1167141-summer-honors-program-rechc-deadline-asap.html</a> this summer. We are still taking applications, and a two week program is only $975. 
Just thought I’d stop by and suggest it.</p>
<p>Depends on what you mean by “enough”. If you are aiming for HYPSM, volunteering at a hospital for a rising senior will definitely not get you in (too common). But for a state school, it should be just fine. Anything in between… I guess it depends on the rest of your application.</p>
<p>edit: What chaseholl said.</p>
<p>Oh okay, I see. Thank you!</p>
<p>And I’ll take a look giftedgothic. Thanks!</p>
<p>No! The majority of students, including MANY at top colleges spend their summers working or even just having fun. I’ve gone to and then worked at YMCA camp every summer and never even considered doing a formal summer program or even volunteering during my summer. If you have the grades, test scores, and school activities, I think you can get in to a top college without doing anything amazing with your summers.</p>
<p>Yeah seriously, if you have the usual stats, you should be fine for college admissions. If anything, go volunteer (since you can easily rack up a good couple hundred hours) during the summer. You can work on your college apps, essays, AP stuff, or just pick up a new hobby. All of which would make you productive and help with apps. In no way do you need any summer programs.</p>
<p>Just don’t go out and get drunk…everyday! No, but really.</p>
<p>“Pay to play” programs are simply not as impressive to adcoms as some would think. Mom and Dad pay, you get to go. While working at a hosp is common for STEM kids, it is still quite valid. Go for it.</p>