My parents weren’t willing to shell out the thousands of dollars for those summer programs at universities (we’re Canadian too, so it’s even more expensive because of the exchange rate), and I’m not into sciences, so I didn’t bother to apply to those elite science programs. I wish I had heard of TASP before the January deadline because it’s free, but that ship has sailed. I would’ve had a slim chance anyway. I tried applying for a scholarship at the Oxbridge Summer Program but was rejected. So now, my summer is totally free. My plans are to continue volunteering at the nursing home and study for various AP classes that are coming up in my grade 12 schedule, not to mention the SAT IIs. I could apply to take a college course in the summer, but I’ll have to look more into that. I know that attending summer programs aren’t going to get you into Amherst automatically, but I’m wondering if not going to them hurts your chances compared to people who have gone.
<p>From what I've heard, if you have to pay for it, it won't help you. But if it's free, like Governers School, Summer Ventures (NC thing) or the program MIT does, then your chances increase pretty good. I don't think you'll miss out on much because you didnt' shell out the money. Just make good use of your time. If I were you, find out what colleges you can take summer courses at and then take those courses that you will be taking AP's and SAT II's in next year. This way, during the school year, you will have an easier time with your classes, giving you ample time to work on your (excellent) apps for colleges.</p>
<p>Just wondering....what colleges are you hoping to get into?</p>
<p>Actually, doing what you can in your summer with what you have is what most colleges are looking for in an applicant. I don't think that not spending thousands of dollars on a program will hurt your chances. Do what you love, volunteer like you said, work, study, tutor or research.
like what mekrob said, just make the most of your time.</p>
<p>i didnt do much over my sumemrs too..due to lack of money also. all i did was voulenteer and go to a yearbook camp for a week. So i dont think you need to spend thousands of dollars going to summer camps and stuff if you dont have the money to. But still, do a little something like voulenteer , work etc. to show colleges that summer isnt just a period of null to you.</p>
<p>I plan to apply to Amherst, Vassar, Dartmouth, Middlebury, Brown, and Williams. My safety schools will be in Canada, so I'm only interested in the top U.S. schools.</p>
<p>I'm volunteering at a nursing home right now, helping the elderly folks in wheelchairs play bingo every Saturday. I plan on continuing that, and I'll probably come in on weekdays too as I won't have school anymore. I was thinking of taking a course at my local university, and perhaps volunteering for this outdoor theatre thing that goes on every summer.</p>