<p>So I've been accepted to attend the Stanford HEAT Institute which is a one week summer program at Stanford.
The cost is $2500.
Is it worth it? How does this affect college apps? I'm asking because my family's at the lowest point financially this year. But, they said that if it helps me then I should do it even if it means getting money out of a bank through loans.
If you don't know about it then the website is <a href="http://www.heatinstitute.org/">http://www.heatinstitute.org/</a> if you guys are willing to help out. The program seems intriguing since it targets the field that I'm interested in.
Any help is really appreciated! Aghhh the stress~ TT__TT</p>
<p>I don’t know about this program specifically, but programs that cost a lot of money usually aren’t prestigious. $2500 for one week sounds especially ridiculous. (Colleges care about commitment, so doing something for a week isn’t significant anyway.) I’d recommend volunteering, getting a job, taking a class at a community college, etc. this summer and applying to free programs next year (if applicable). </p>
<p>@halcyonheather
Thanks so much for your input!
Ughh I don’t know if it’s cuz I’m paranoid but I honestly think I’m doing nothing my Sophomore summer (becoming a Junior :P)
Would doing summer school, AOPS class, studying for forensics science next year (for a club LOL), and marching band camp be enough…?
afhksdjklgwjklbjlkjdblks IDK why I’m so worried</p>
<p>Even if these aren’t “enough,” going to an expensive program wouldn’t really add anything.
It’s not really “enough” that matters, because doing more little things wouldn’t really help you. They want to see dedication, focus, and accomplishment in one or a few areas. </p>
<p>@halcyonheather
Ugh I’m so stupid when it comes to these things… Sorry for sounding so ignorant…</p>
<p>If the program is for-profit (and I believe this one is), then you really should reconsider. Most for-profit summer programs will have little to no impact on college applications. </p>
<p>If you really want to go, call them and see if they have any sort of financial assistance program. They might be able to help you out. </p>
<p>If there isn’t any sort of financial aid program, I wouldn’t do it. These kind of programs aren’t worth thousands of dollars. I would’ve only said go for it if it was a program like MITES or E^2 or Summer Science Program, which have national prestige. Don’t sweat it, if you were able to get into a Stanford affiliated summer program, I’m sure you’ll be able to get an amazing institution. =) </p>