<p>So I've been reading threads about Summer at Brown, and I get that it's mainly a source of revenue for the university and that it is not the way to get an upperhand in your college apps. But in terms of basic educational value, are the classes themselves worth it for the heavy price tag? This program is mainly a back-up in case I don't get accepted to COSMOS or BHSI, but I haven't yet decided on what I'd like to major in, and I think it'd be a great opportunity to learn more about a subject with the help of legitimate Brown professors, but I've also heard some classes are just a joke. Would I benefit from this program or should I spend my summer with things such as volunteer work or tutoring that may benefit my apps a little more?
I also read that it's a plus if you can get a letter of rec from a professor, but I'm generally more reserved towards my teachers, so I'm not sure how that will play out.</p>
<p>Also, how is the student life? Is the program just a place to party? Or are there actually a significant majority who are interested in learning? I've read that a lot of people smoke and "hook up" in their free time, is this true? I'm not averse to the occasional partier or slacker, but if it's a prominent thing, I probably won't attend.</p>
<p>Hi,
I’ve been asking this question too since i got accepted by Brown columbia cornell and harvard, which kinda makes me think these programs are not selective. However just like my counsellor said, its all about how much you put into it. I guess if you really like Brown University and look forward to going there, yeah just do it and plus the tuition fee is not that expensive compare to columbia and harvard.
But anyway good luck!</p>
<p>D went last summer and loved it. She was only 14 so not really looking to boost college apps as much as have a fun and educational experience. She studied neuroscience, loved it, and came back to her HS and designed an independent study in aspects of neuro that she wanted to explore further. She is doing that IS right now. </p>
<p>She enjoyed the other kids from all over the country and world, hanging out in Prov and the trips to Boston and Newport.</p>
<p>She’s applied again for this summer, though also to some other programs.</p>
<p>I think it is what you make of it. Admission is not that selective, so if you are looking for something that is hard to get into, look elsewhere. But the classes are unique and probably let you study something cool you’d not get in HS.</p>
<p>D went the summer between her junior and senior year, and it was a valuable experience for her. She learned things that she was able to relate to experiences she had college. It may, or may not have helped her in admissions, but if I had to do it over again, I would still send her.</p>
<p>I’m going this summer too for econ. I’ve read a lot of threads on this that all say that these programs don’t matter much when applying to college? That is surprising to me; I would think it would show initiative and a desire for knowledge. It ought to show something at least that you take a few weeks, six in my case, out of your summer to study something as opposed to sitting around at home.</p>
<p>Has anyone looked into the Honors Summer Academy program at Oklahoma Christian University? It’s not an Ivy, but I’ve heard they’re much more prestigious than their reputation seems. Anyway, the University scholarships your tuition for 2 hours of summer credit. I didn’t know if it would be worth looking into.</p>