Hey,
So I applied to the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Program and I have recently read some articles saying that it is not worth it and that it could even harm your application. In my opinion, I did not think the application process made it seem like this program was unimportant at all. I needed to submit recommendations, transcripts, written responses to a variety of questions, work samples etc. So how come that so many people say they are just not impressive? Furthermore, should I go if I get accepted? I am conflicted, and I do not know what to do. I am not going to this program to get a boost on my application but rather to experience Stanford and the interesting courses it offers. But now that people have said it can even hurt your application, my questions are how and why?
Thanks!
Just a disclaimer that this is entirely my view/opinion and I would recommend talking to your counselor about this, but these programs seem to rely heavily on ‘pay to get in’ from the extremely high cost. Not sure how expensive the Stanford one is but I know the Harvard one is about 15k out of state… which is totally out of my family’s budget. Therefore these summer programs are really only practical for a few students. The main point is that you can do free activities over the summer that would be just as enriching. If you want to experience Stanford, I would look into free (and reasonably selective) summer programs that Stanford offers that would look really good.
Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions !
To build off of what @hopeworld said, here’s an article discussing the subject.
http://www.businessinsider.com/pre-college-summer-programs-are-a-waste-2014-4
What’s most important about these programs is that you do your research. A rigorous application process does not necessarily equal a competitive program or something that will impress colleges. Oftentimes, colleges (especially the elite ones) are looking to make money off of these programs. That being said, the experience you get from the program is typically more important than the cost or prestige of the program.