<p>I have been told over and over that this coming summer (the summer after my junior year) is the most important of my HS career and that I can't afford to do nothing if I want to get into a selective college.</p>
<p>Low and behold, today in the mail comes the 2006 Duke TIP catalogue. Lots of things in here that I would love to do.</p>
<p>Here's the problem-</p>
<p>The programs cost thousands of dollars. My mom is supportive and will pay, but my dad is saying no way, and he is the one with the job and making the money. He says that he doesn't know if it is a good investment. He won't even let me apply as of now. My mom says she will be glad to pay, so I'm not sure what to do.</p>
<p>Here's my question-</p>
<p>Is it a good investment to go to a Duke TIP program? If I get accepted to one and go to one that focuses on my major, will it increase my chances of getting into a competetive school? How good does it look to admissions boards?</p>
<p>Adcoms realize that the vast majority of the country cannot afford programs like that. I'm not familiar with the TIP program, but I have many friends who have done programs at various colleges. They've greatly enjoyed them, but the general consensus is that those programs are filled with the kids who can pay for them, not the kids who are necessarily the best. Adcoms realize that as well, I'm sure. My advice:
-If you want to do something academic, look into classes at a community college
-Also look into programs similar to TIP at a college or university near you (commuting greatly decreases the costs).
-Get an internship
-Get a job.
-Volunteer
-Discover a new passion
-Work on apps (it's never to early-something I wish I had learned)</p>
<p>These are all good uses of your summer that will hopefully please you and adcoms. But above all, enjoy yourself! This is probably the last summer that you can really spend with your friends, and you won't have much time for relaxation during your senior year. The statement "I can't afford to do nothing if I want to get into a selective college" is complete BS.</p>
<p>If you really do want to do one of those programs, apply. If your dad sees that you're accepted, he might change your mind. Try saving some money now- if you're the one paying for the program, your dad can't really complain about the cost.</p>
<p>I agree with Ria215. You should consider TIP if you really want to go and it's not a financial hardship. TIP is wonderful. I was on the teaching staff for 2 summers and most people are there (staff and students) because they love it -- not just to pad their application. </p>
<p>HOWEVER -- there are plenty of other ways to make good use of your summer without spending thousands of dollars. If money is an issue, look closer to home for a notable job, volunteer opportunity, etc.</p>
<p>i had a very intelligent friend from NC who attended two tip programs, applied early, and was rejected... i really don't think that expensive summer programs are what duke is looking for. it hasn't worked to the advantage of my friends who've applied to MIT, harvard, columbia, etc. either.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Will attending the TIP Program give me a better chance of getting into Duke?</p>
<p>Although we love to see that students are participating in programs beyond their high school curriculum, the TIP program at Duke is a completely separate office from the Undergraduate Admissions office and the two offices do not share lists of participants. Many TIP students list the TIP participation as an award when completing their application to Duke.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>querida, have you read Diana Wynne Jones' books?</p>
<p>My daughter was selected to be in the TIP program whereas she took the SAT in 7th grade and got state recognition. However, we were never able to send her to any of the summer or weekend programs. They are just too darned expensive. Some are over 2K just for 10 days. We aren't poor, but we can't afford that. However, she is still enriched with good materials sent to her by TIP in the mail on a regular basis.</p>
<p>We will just go for the free state funded things like summer ventures and governor's school if she is accepted into one of those. </p>
<p>I'm hoping what someone else posted is correct, that the admission officers at these colleges will know that it is not because she didn't want to go to TIP programs, it's because they were too expensive. :)</p>
<p>What you do during the summer is not nearly as important as the fact that you are busy, not laying around the beach etc. I also couldn't afford programs like that, worked 30-40 hours a week as a lifeguard every summer of high school and collected my ivy admissions. Most colleges are very explicit about summer programs at their schools having no effect on admissions</p>