MITES or a local paid research internship?

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

<p>I am accepted into these programs among others and these two start around the same time and end on the same date (Jun 15/16 to Jul 28). Should I take MITES or a local paid research internship at a local university?</p>

<p>MITES pro for me:
-It's at MIT! in MA! So it already sounds more fun and adventurous.
-Only 79 others attend this program. But then, isn't MITES a taking courses at a college type of summer program? Then I don't know if it's really unique...
-Meeting people, have people to talk with.
-Travel around Cambridge. Going to fun places.
"Con:" Cause it's not really con:
-Would need about $400 to buy an air ticket and at least $400 to use during the program.
-Do "homework" during summer... A research internship would require as much effort, if not more, but at least it's a novel experience so it won't feel like homework.</p>

<p>Internship pro:
-This will be my first research experience and since I want to do a lot research in college, this will be very beneficial in terms of gathering experience, padding resume and stats for future applications to competitive summer/undergrad programs.
-$1500? I don't really care about the money but it is a pro.
"Con:"
-Sounds bleak since the only people I'd meet are my mentor, and her undergrad helps. They're not my age so it's not like I could talk to them like I would if I were at MITES and meet people my age.
-This program is not as recognizable and nationally known as MITES.</p>

<p>Which offer should I take? Which would be more beneficial in terms of having a super fun summer? Which would help in terms of college admission? Not that I'd do any of these to get into a college, I want to go because I'm genuinely interested in the experience, but just would like to know my options. Do people (aka adcoms) think a research internship is more impressive or is MITES as good?</p>

<p>Thanks!!</p>

2

<p>I would go with MITES if i were you</p>

3

<p>Hi NO295208, I didn’t get into MITES but congratulations on getting in! I hear its really prestigious so I’m kind of disappointed. But could you put up your stats here please?</p>

4

<p>I got into E2@MIT and am a bit jealous of your awesome options!</p>

<p>I am thinking MITES for this reason:
You will be able to do research all your life and it seems as though you already plan to. I would say choose MITES because it’s a collaboratory experience. You’ll get to learn from your peers and hopefully be able to learn things about yourself that you’ll not get from straight research in a lab. I think being in an environment that that supports that kind of growth is a lot better this early in your career. </p>

<p>Also, I’m not going to lie; I think the name of MITES will be integral in getting you into some of the top research institutions. And the networking opportunity is pretty priceless. (: I think that MITES will be overall more enjoyable experience as well.</p>

5

<p>Thank you very much for all of your thoughtful responses!
Any more opinion would be appreciated. I’m still deliberating.</p>