Opinion for college applications with a summer program

Applying to College
1

<p>I just posted this in a different forum but i wasnt sure if as many people would have a chance to look at it, and i need answers quickly!</p>

<p>I was just wondering what would look best to put on my college application..</p>

<p>A month in Spain, immersed in the language (i'm in AP spanish V but really need to be able to SPEAK the language) and the culture, trips around Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Toledo, etc.) homestay and taking classes at a school</p>

<p>A month in a spanish speaking country like Costa Rica/Ecuador, doing community service, and helping at nature reserves, with a homestay and learning the language through villagers</p>

<p>Staying a month at a college like Amherst, Brown, Johns Hopkins, Columbia, Oxford, Cambridge where you take a MAJOR and MINOR and are involved in seminars and have projects/homework. you also travel around to colleges and take trips to nearby locations. a place where you are evaluated, and these evaluations can be sent with your application.</p>

<p>I definitely need and want to do more community service, want to have a better grasp on spanish, want to explore another culture. at the same time i also am REALLY interested on the classes/seminars at the universities.. i think it would be really interesting.</p>

<p>if i can save up enough money, i can take one this summer and one the next. i would just like opinions on what the more logical and beneficial choice would be. and i need to decide by this weekend, because spots are almost filled up! thank you!</p>

2

<p>Frankly whichever you think you'd most enjoy and grow from and have wonderful experiences: not how it appears to others or how they might give you a supposed tiny nudge later in the apps process. As an HYP interviewer, I view it all the same -- as long as the student was productive. If they had some profound moments, all the better. But to say they spent the summer at X campus -- that doesn't impress me. Now if they say they really delved into something profound while there... that would interest me.</p>

3

<p>I think they all have merit, and wouldn't want to split hairs by choosing among the programs. Some of the programs at prestigious schools are not as highly regarded as you might think; look closely at the quality of what you are buying. Pick what works best for you.</p>

<p>In real life, Spanish fluency is a great asset, just as computer fluency is. Computer skills are commonplace now, but 10-20 years ago they gave you a boost in the job market. Being fluent in Spanish is going to have a similar effect, whether it's for a career position or a summer job. And it is a tough market out there, as I'm sure you are aware.</p>