Is it better overall to attend the summer school of a college you’re very interested in and plan on applying, or is it better to do a different type of activity more focused on your intended major.
For example, I could have taken classes at Harvard, Stanford, or Cornell over the summer, all schools i’m interested in. I’m also interested in Princeton, but i didn’t look into summer activities there. But, I’m not going to either of those. Instead, I got into the IAYC, which will be held this summer in Slovakia. IAYC stands for International Astronomy Youth Camp, fyi. which also shows that my intended majors are Astronomy and Physics.
Was it a mistake to go for the study/research abroad in my intended field rather than attend a college I plan on applying to? you know, sort of a “get my foot in the door” thing. Or does it even matter?
<p>better to do a different type of activity more focused on your intended major.</p>
<p>Much better. It doesn't get your foot in the door at all - especially the Stanford/Harvard/Cornell summer schools. Those just suck your money. That's why the acceptance rate is so high - you have to shell out $8000+. The college, esp. if it is those Ivies/Ivy-levels, don't care that you went to their summer school. I know a girl who got into Yale, Stanford, Princeton, and MIT, and her sister was at Harvard and she went there for Summer School and got an A in Multivariable there - but she was rejected. Again...no help at all.</p>
<p>The IAYC will be much better, because it is a follow-up to your interest, and really demonstrates your passion. Plus, its in Europe so its a unique experience - and its international. Definitely go there. It is not a mistake at all; summer activities should be in the same area as your intended field. I strongly encourage you to go to IAYC.</p>
<p>The summer programs that most impress colleges are the ones like RSI that are competitive to get into and free. Most college summer programs only prove that you can pay for them, raising the bar for you as a wealthy kid with every advantage. </p>