<p>I am the parrent of a high school junior. I am considering sending my son to a Summer Porgram at a good college (specifically, Cornell University or Washington University in St. Louis). These programs do have some expense to them, so I want to make sure it is money well spent.</p>
<p>My question is just how are they viewed in the admission process? I am not necessarily concerned about an advantage at these schools, although that would be nice, but in the admissions process in general. Does success in a summer program like these provide an advantage beyond the credit hours the student earns? Is it viewed as a clear demonstration that a young person took their free time to challenge themselves in an academic/collegiate setting?</p>
<p>Selective schools are just concerned that the applicant uses his/her time constructively. If it’s in pursuit of higher knowledge (summer pgms) fine. If it’s an around the world trip w/the family fine. If it’s flipping burgers or being a life guard or camp counselor, fine. If it’s going to wrestling camp or coaching parks and rec basketball camps, fine.</p>
<p>Is it a “clear demonstration” that he/she sought to challenge themselves? No. It’s a clearer understanding that the applicant comes from a family with means. </p>
<p>That being said, many of these programs are very fun and useful for the students. Live away from home, be on a “real” campus. It gets them very excited to go to college. However, I’d push it if he shows interest. If something else is really calling him (besides sitting on the couch playing video games), then I’d allow him to do that instead.</p>
<p>All in all, it’s negligible in how the colleges view it. They know their applicants have varying economic opportunities so Summer Programs are viewed in context.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you (from a parent who is entering the cheerleader camp summers for my oldest!)</p>
<p>My d did Cornell’s program. She really enjoyed it, made good friends, discovered things she did and did not want in a school, and earned 3 credits for college. She can now take an easier semester if she chooses. She doesn’t regret going at all (she’s now a college junior).</p>
<p>It’s hard to say how much it helped in her admissions. Let’s just say that getting an A didn’t hurt.</p>
<p>DD went to Cornell Summer College. She got A’s in both her classes. She applied early decision to Cornell and was rejected. We had hoped going to the summer college might be the edge she would need to get into Cornell. Obviously it wasn’t. Plus spending 6 weeks there convinced her that Cornell was her first choice and that she wanted to apply ED. One clear benefit is she proved to herself and us that she was able to do college level work, be away from home from several weeks etc. Her university has given her credit for the work she did at Cornell. Overall it was an ok experience. In hindsight however I probably would not have spent the $8,000.</p>
<p>My S did the <a href=“mailto:Summer@Brown”>Summer@Brown</a>. He’s applying this year RD to Brown. As a parent - our main decision was for him to do something constructive, educational, and “out-of-his” comfort zone.</p>
<p>It was a very rewarding program which mage him re-think his desired major and he grew up alot!</p>
<p>His professor reviews were excellent and these will be included in his app to Brown via his college counselor.</p>
<p>That being said - Brown makes it very clear - the summer programs do NOT necessarily give you an advantage for regular admission. They will not allow professors to write letters of rec on the students behalf.</p>
<p>Would we do it again - absolutely YES. Worth every penny regardless of whether he gets into Brown. </p>
<p>Just a note - some Ivy’s/Sub-Ivy’s use something called “Demonstrated Interest” as part of their app process. Doing a summer program clearly shows demonstrated interest.</p>
<p>These programs are not jusy for “wealthy” kids. Most of the programs offer scholarshipp aid. My S was accepted to Brown, Harvard, and Columbia. All offered scholarship assistance.</p>