My daughter (11th grade) got into YYGS for last summer, but had to defer due to COVID. She’s automatically admitted for this summer if she wants. She was also thinking of applying to SSRP, HSHSP, and the Clark Scholars Program. Purely from a prestige/admissions boost perspective do any of these stand out as being more prestigious than the others? (Don’t worry - she’s going to consider the actual content of each of these programs as well. She just wants to know if any of these has a significantly more impressive reputation than the others.)
She’s also applying to RSI and Simons. I believe both of those would probably be top in terms of prestige/reputation. Again, not the only reason she’s applying, but it helps frame her options.
On the one hand, I appreciate your taking the time to comment on my question. On the other, I have to say your response was not really helpful. She and I understand that none of these guarantee admission anywhere. And she is only applying to programs she’s genuinely interested in. I tried to be very clear in my post that prestige isn’t the only factor, but my question was specifically about prestige. If she were to get into all of these programs and she can only pick one, one of the factors that will help her decide is how they’re perceived by college admissions officers.
She’s excited for YYGS (where she’s already gotten in), but would love to do real research with a mentor at RSI. In that case, the choice would be relatively easy: RSI > YYGS. If she gets into SSRP and HSHSP, it will be a tough choice. Again, college admissions perceptions are relevant in helping her make her decision.
I don’t think there is an easy way to scale these on prestige points. So truly, she’s best off applying to the ones that interest her the most. If she is accepted at multiple places that truly have equivalent activities for her, that is the time to parse prestige (if it is even possible to do so).
There’s no boost to her college apps from any of these programs. There is, however, some correlation between getting accepted to these competitive programs and getting accepted to elite schools. But that’s because the students who get accepted to the programs have impressive profiles that elite schools seek as well.
ssrp @ Rockefeller has an amazing reputation. 2nd to RSI of the ones you said here. HSHSP and Clark are very small and some AOs know about them – I wouldn’t risk it at these 2 though if prestige is the main consideration. YYGS is a safer 3rd choice. Simons is not happening this year more than likely (possibly on-line).