Stanford Summer School versus Harvard Summer School

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>I'm wondering about your thoughts of taking Harvard Summer School versus Stanford Summer School. Harvard SSP may seem as though I'm desperate for Harvard, a school that I have already applied to once before. Stanford might be a better option. On the other hand, I have an opportunity to get prof recommendations at Harvard. </p>

<p>I will most likely take a PG year at the Kent Prep school next year in CT, but may opt for a year at a nearby college. I feel as though a PG year with heavy academics, including Kent's pre-engineering program, would be ideal. On the other hand, I don't know how formidable Kent is. My GPA is the reason I was rejected from Harvard and AFA last year (I know it was a regrettable thing to apply to two schools) - everything else on my application is good or even great. </p>

<p>Obviously I will apply to other schools next year, including Stanford. It's likely I would like Stanford better than Harvard, even though H's engineering program is more humanities oriented, an environment I would like to work in.</p>

2

<p>Why did you only apply to two schools?</p>

3

<p>From what I have heard, going to summer school at a college will not really improve your odds at other selective colleges.</p>

<p>Stanford would be beautiful during the summer. Though, Cambridge might be ok too. I would go with Stanford, solely for that reason.</p>

4

<p>Going to a summer program at a college won’t really even improve your odds at that college, unless it’s a program with a rigorous entrance exam (such as SuMAC at Stanford) or other similarly selective criteria. Most summer programs at colleges are designed mainly to raise revenue at a time when the campus is otherwise underutilized. The programs can be hugely enjoyable, however, and of course educational, both in terms of the subject matter, and for giving you a feel for the campus and locale (although the situation is not entirely representative of the scene during the regular school year).</p>