<p>Hi all, I'm a junior in HS and got a letter in the mail from Stanford inviting me to apply to this high school summer college program thing this summer. It seems really nice, it's eight weeks, you get a Stanford transcript, earn college credit, etc. I've always loved Stanford and my brother goes there but I haven't really been considering it seriously for college just because I think it's so much of a reach. Anyway, does anyone have experience with this? How would a program like this look to colleges compared to say, doing an research-focused internship over the summer? Any input it appreciated, thanks.</p>
<p>It will not help you get into Stanford, if that’s what you’re asking. What will help is doing something you’re interested in, and pursue with a passion. </p>
<p>Well, Stanford is not really on my (serious) college list- I guess I’m wondering mostly how impressive a program like this will appear on college apps. I think it will be easy to show that I’m pursuing a passion; there’s apparently a large selection of courses and I’m interested in physics/astronomy so I should be able to find something…</p>
<p>bump</p>
<p>It shows you can pay to go, and have the basic stats to get in… I think that is about it. </p>
<p>@MassMomma is correct. Universities – even the very best and most well endowed – need to amortize their huge overhead costs, and this sort of summer program helps to do so.</p>
<p>Further, while virtually everyone would enjoy eight weeks on Stanford’s superb campus in the summer, studying and just plain enjoying life, typically these sorts of programs are NOT inexpensive . . . and your parents already have an undergraduate at Stanford and you’re soon headed to college. </p>
<p>Okay. I think I would really enjoy the experience but of course the costs are huge so I’ll keep that in mind.</p>
<p>Go read the book “How to be a High School Superstar” by Cal Newport, and then think about what to do next summer.</p>
<p>Do a research internship; it’ll look far more impressive, if that’s what you’re looking for. Indeed, if you want to take college classes, just take them at the CC. It costs much less.</p>
<p>Good point…</p>
Ya I got the same letter, don’t think I will be going after all the comments