Selective Summer Program vs. Summer Courses?

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

About two weeks ago, I was admitted to a fairly selective, residential summer research program in TX that lasts about 7-8 weeks. It appeals to me in that I can produce original research and possibly try to publish a paper. However, I also have the option to take several AP courses over the summer. I need help deciding, so here are some of the pros and cons of both:

Summer Program:

PROS:

  • produce original research
  • possibly publish paper/enter science fairs such as Siemens, Intel, etc.
  • the TX public school system recognizes it as fairly prestigious

CONS:

  • not one-to-one with a mentor, about 20-30 kids are paired with a professor and a graduate student
  • the program is unknown to colleges outside of Texas
  • lower gpa and class rank because others will take summer courses and surpass me, or they have already surpassed me

Summer Courses:

PROS:

  • raise my gpa (currently about a 3.8, can bring it up to a 3.85-3.9 by the end of the summer [including junior year second semester courses])
  • bring my class rank up
  • more opportunities to earn AP credit for college
  • can participate in more volunteer opportunities in my free time

CONS:

  • have to miss out on an awesome summer program
  • having to go to school year-round, which is not really a problem for me but idk what colleges would think about that

My parents want me to attend the summer research program, but my counselor feels that the “numbers” portion of my college application will outweigh all other factors (including summer activities). What do you guys recommend I do?

Thanks.

2

I think your counselor is right. GPA and test scores are more important than EC.

3

I think the research program is better. It will be a more fulfilling experience for you personally. In addition, numbers aren’t enough to get people into super selective colleges anymore. Your numbers are fine currently, now it’s what else you can provide besides a high GPA. College will value a summer research program more.

4

I agree with the summer research idea. But only do it because you really are interested and not obsessed about the numbers game at your school. Otherwise it wont

5

Otherwise it won’t work.

6

If you had a perfect GPA, I would say do the research. Numbers is what gets you in the door, EC is what get you selected.

7

If you can stay in the top 7% (or whatever the exact % in TX is) of your class without summer classes, I’d go with the summer research.