<p>I've been getting invitations to summer programs like Presidential Classroom and Congressional Youth Leadership Conference. I know they're not that great or hard to get into, plus they're really expensive, so should I just forget about them and try to do something more useful over the summer? Or do they actually help you for college (say for Ivy League schools)?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>is my question that dumb?</p>
<p>No, your question isn't dumb, but it has been asked many times before. Just search for "summer programs" or browse through the high school students' forum (or this forum).</p>
<p>Some students find value in participating in these types of programs while others feel that they are way overpriced for what you get. They don't help you get into college any more than any other summer activity. Even though the title of some of these programs may "sound" prestigious, it's exciting for you to think that there is an interest specifically in you, and that the marketing material looks so inviting to you, adcoms know that these programs are nothing special.</p>
<p>What will make it special is if YOU share in an essay how participation in the program (or any extra curricular activity for that matter) impacted you in a special way, especially how it impacted your college/career decision, made a difference in your high school or personal life, how you now want to contribute to society, etc.</p>
<p>The summer program DOESN'T make you stand out, YOU STAND OUT because of how you communicate what you GOT OUT of participating!</p>