I’d like to attend a good summer program this summer (currently sophomore). I received an email from Yale Young Global Scholars. As it is incredibly expensive, I was wondering if it is truly worth it. Does it give you a boost on college apps? Any other suggestions for other summer programs would be great too!
Thank you 
Not at all. My student did Brown freshman year, Yale Sophomore year and Stanford Junior year. All three were a waste of time. At Yale (used to be called APPLE), the student assigned to my daughter’s group had an axe to grind and tore into all their writing. It wasn’t helpful. They were in boring classes all day. None of these programs give you a leg up and in fact scream of “privilege.” You are better off starting a business, or doing research maybe even your own, or showing some other form of leadership in your backyard community trying to make a difference. Save your money. Good Luck!
@preppedparent Thank you so much for letting me know!
My D’s friend did this program. She said it was a lot of fun and she learned good things, but it certainly didn’t help her get into any particular college.
Duke University has a very good Summer College Program, my son went there summer of 2017. Highly recommend their program. He took Mathematics of the Universe and its taught by their professor.
I attended the program last year. I would definitely say it was worth it, so long as it doesn’t present a significant financial strain on you or your family. I was lucky enough to have gotten a full scholarship, so I only had to cover travel expenses. I made some excellent connections (one of my friends was the daughter of one of the richest/most powerful families in a certain South American country), some amazing friends, and learned a whole lot from the discussions and lectures.
@preppedparent Are you sure the program your child attended was YYGS and not another program at Yale? I attended YYGS this past summer (IAS 2017) and it wasn’t at all what you described. (YYGS used to be known as Ivy Scholars - I have never heard of APPLE, perhaps that is a different program?)
As to the original question of whether it is worth it: Absolutely, with some ifs.
If you are only considering the program to help with apps, think again. It helps some (maybe?), but not much.
If it will be a financial strain on your family, and you don’t think you will qualify for financial aid, you definitely have a lot to consider.
Please remember that YYGS gives out a TON of financial aid. I received a $2500 scholarship. They give out $2 MILLION every year in financial aid just for YYGS. If you are worried about money, I’d say at the very least apply and see what you are offered. You can always decline.
YYGS was the best experience of my life and I am in the process of becoming an Alumni Ambassador. I have met so many people that I still talk to every day. Our session set up a facebook group chat, so we got to know each other beforehand. And someone else mentioned connections, this is absolutely true (i.e. The crown princess of Belgium was in my session.)
That said, if you have any questions about the program, ask away!
Also, since I attended the International Affairs and Security session (the original part of the program), I obviously cannot speak for the merit of the other sessions. However, I might be able to direct you to someone who can.
yes, same program.
Hey I have applied for the programme this year.Just wanna ask when’s the rrsult due.
Hi Akshita11, they are supposed to release decisions the first or second week of April. Good luck to you.
@northstarfx thanks and same to you.
@northstarfx which program are you qttending btw.
I just got my results today, I applied to the politics and economics program. I was unfortunately waitlisted.
@catlover00 I was unfortunately waitlisted too but for the applied science and engineering
@mathnerd101 Do you mind if I ask if you applied for a scholarship? I did and I know they say they are need-blind but I don’t think that is true. Not that I think I am entitled or more deserving than other applicants it just seems that this is the case in college applications and maybe even pre-college programs.
I got into the Politics, Law, and Economics program but am declining because of the lack of financial aid. If you were waitlisted, hope you get my spot!
@catlover00 Yes, I applied for a scholarship. hm yeah I don’t know about that
@catlover00 Yes, I applied for a scholarship. Hm I would think
I got wait listed for ASE too. I’m applying from the UK though