<p>Which program is worth going to for the summer 2012, I am a Junior in high school currently and am wondering which program will make the biggest impact on my college application. I was selected for the Duke TIP but I have already been to a program similar to the Stanford Summer College, I went to the Harvard Summer School last summer.</p>
<p>They don’t have any impact what so ever on you chances. They are just programs for enrichment offered by these schools. SO MANY people get to go to them, it is not even selective. It is relatively unhelpful in admissions, but if it interests you, then maybe its worth it. If the sole purpose is to boost your app next year, its not gonna help you at all.
Funny that I saw this post…I just got my 3rd invitation to the Stanford summer college in the mail today…what a small world.</p>
<p>Any program that is selective can be helpful. Most of these programs just require money though, which isn’t impressive. Still, it does show you’re pursuing an education outside of school.</p>
<p>It depends on whether the program offers credit (and the grade you earn -transcript available), and whether or not it’s a competitive admission based program (and sometimes whether you plan to apply later in undergrad admissions/shown interest, but usually not with top U’s/ivys). Don’t just write then all off as useless in admissions.</p>
<p>its a mass emailed letter with the auto barcode…no teacher recommends you for it or anything. I am very sure the top 20 kids in my school got it, not saying much at all.</p>
<p>I think the Stanford program is almost 8-10K which is a lot of money and a lot of commitment for 8 weeks. But it is a rigorous program - I heard. So yes, it can strengthen your application if you take 2 relevant courses and get As. And I think some folks can get a teacher from the summer program to write an addnl rec. I think for folks that have borderline grades, a college level program can help. But do you need to spend that much money - not sure. you can show that by taking other college credit classes at your home state campus as well.</p>
<p>Not sure about duke tip. But I dont think they are full credit courses like the stanford one. But again, if that is a 4 week program in an area you want to show your interest, sure that may help.</p>
<p>Again, do what you really want…and not just if it looks good in app. Also think of the time commitment…4 weeks vs 8 weeks of summer college. If you already went to Harvard SSP last summer, then doing stanford again this summer seems bit much. Perhaps you can do other things - volunteer abroad, science research and yes, Duke TIP (depends which program), but those may be more helpful.</p>