<p>My sister is a sophomore in high school. We are from a low income family. She would like to attend a top university such as Stanford or possibly an ivy league. My question is what should she do over the summer. She is interested in attending a science, math, or engineering or computer engineering summer program, but our family is not able to pay. Does anyone know of any programs in California (or somewhere else that offers scholarships to go there) she may still sign up for, for this summer. If not, what other things should she do over the summer (or in general) to have a better chance of attending Stanford or another good university? Also, what type of program would you recommend? Thank you.</p>
<p>Also, I will be attending UC Berkeley this fall. Does anyone have recommendations on what I need to do this summer in order to be admitted into the Haas School of Business or in case I would like to apply to transfer to a different school?</p>
<p>Stanford has poor financial aid -- they don't offer enough aid for a truly poor person to attend. don't waste you time. </p>
<p>There are many, many programs that have excellent financial aid -- unfortunately, the deadline for applying for a program and financial aid is past for just about every program I know about is past.</p>
<p>Look at summer@brown and CTD at northwestern (both the summer classes and the leadership program). both offer excellent financial aid and may still have some funds left -- probably your best shot.</p>
<p>Also -- see if there is a HOBY conference in your area and if she could attend. It is excellent -- both the program and the connections. The program is only for rising juniors.</p>
<p>Next year (which is really the most critical year) have her decide on 3-5 programs to apply to and submit the applications in january/february for maximum financial aid.</p>
<p>Browse this forum (and take some time to read the posts instead of just posting a question -- the forum is loaded with information):</p>
<p>questbridge is an excellent idea -- but not for a sophomore. The questbridge prep scholarship is for rising seniors -- so it could be a good possiblity for next year. The questbridge match program is for seniors.</p>
<p>"(3) The Summer Engineering Seminar is a special summer experience for high school students who have completed their sophomore year and who have an interest in science, mathematics, and engineering. The program is designed to acquaint participants with the engineering profession, the academic expectations of college, and the nature of life at a major university."</p>
<p>Summer Engineering Seminar (SES)
This special summer experience is for high school students who have completed their sophomore year and who have an interest in science, mathematics, and engineering. The program is designed to acquaint participants with the engineering profession, the academic expectations of college, and the nature of life at a major university.</p>
<p>Cost:
All fees for the SES are paid by special grants from the sponsoring organizations. These fees cover room costs, all meals, tuition, and supplies. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from campus.</p>
<p>For more information, please contact James Lindfelt at 408-554-4728.</p>
<p>keep in mind that even a program that offers 100% financial aid, you will have to pay for transportation and spending money. Also -- low income has different meanings for different people. good FA (meaning close to 100% financial aid) is usually awarded to students whose families have an AGI of under $35,000 and minimal assets.</p>
<p>It is too late for most programs for this year, but just about the right time to think about next summer. There is a great program for the summer between Junior and Senior year that is free. It's called TASP. There is an application process and she should check it out:</p>
<p>I would avoid the summer Stanford program like the plague. They don't supervise the students - let them go off campus on their own at night, and we're talking about 16 year olds. Alcohol is rampant, and over 20 kids were kicked out last summer. They care about one thing: getting the money to attend from those who can afford it. </p>
<p>Anywhere she goes, make sure she is not the one kid from a low to middle income family attending. These programs seem to be full of priviliged kids from wealthy families who are used to beating the system and who are quite worldly. Make sure that the program has the student's best interests in mind and that there is adequate supervision.</p>
<p>I suggest that as a rising junior your sister could take a summer course in her favorite subject that is not offerred at her high school at the local junior college. This worked very well for my d. It is free except for the health fee, which was very modest. There is a form that your school must sign before you can register. Schools like Stanford have room on the application to list such courses, and the experience will come in handy for writing academic interest essays in college apps.</p>
<p>Another summer program for rising seniors is the Research Science Institute. Unlike TASP, it is for students specifically interested in mathematics, the sciences, and engineering. <a href="http://www.cee.org/rsi/%5B/url%5D">http://www.cee.org/rsi/</a> It's very competitive, but there is no cost to the students who participate.</p>
<p>so should she just wait until next year and spend her summer doing something else, or are there any reputable, good programs still open? she has very very good grades (#1 in class), but what should she do this summer to look more impressive on her college application. thanks for all repsonses</p>
<p>you have been given a number of good suggestions -- now it is up to your sister. She needs to look at the different programs linked above and see if they are still accepting applications and if they have financial aid available -- and then apply where appropriate. posts #3, 6, 8 and 12 all have suggestions for this year.</p>
<p>Also have her ask her school guidance counselor for any local programs</p>
<p>What she should do this summer is whatever she would like to do. Doing something just to look good is dumb. </p>
<p>Tell her to think about what she enjoys and then find a volunteer opportunity. How about at the local library? They always have summer programs for kids and usually use volunteers. Does she like animals? Try your local humane society. Does she play an instrument? Volunteer for the local elementary summer school music program. Is she really good in math and science or english? Try volunteering for the remedial summer programs for elementary and junior high in your city as a tutor. How about the local childrens society for the handicapped? </p>
<p>Being on the low end of the socioeconomic ladder does not mean you can't look beyond yourself to help someone who may need it more then you do. </p>
<p>She could also learn how to do something new. Maybe she needs to learn to swim, for example. Or maybe grow an organic garden full of fresh food. Honestly, the summer between Sophomore and Junior year is a time to explore, not to pad ones application. She can think seriously about something incredible for next year.</p>
<p>find an issue that she's really passionate about, and volunteer over the summer. its free to volunteer. and no doubt one of the personal statement question would ask her about something she's passionate about, or how she gave back to the community, she can talk about the volunteer experience.</p>
<p>i think it'd be an even bigger + if she volunteer for something dealing with low income families. then in her personal statement, she can talk about how she comes from a low income family, so that is why she'd like to help other low income families... (powerful stuff)!</p>