Does anyone know what affect, if any, taking a summer college course – one that offers credit – has on getting accepted at the university? My daughter took a Government class at Cornell Summer College last year, as a rising junior. Will this improver her chances of admissions in any way?
No.
I’ve heard multiple answers to this question. It certainly won’t hurt. When I asked someone at Johns Hopkins (wher e my son attended summer programs) their response was something like “they do count rigorous educational experiences” (I can’t remember the exact wording).
No school will ever admit that it helps, esp elite schools, but taking college level credit classes and living independently for 4-8 weeks cannot hurt your chances anywhere. My S did a non-credit program for 3 weeks and loved being away so much it solidified his desire to go far away to college (and he is!!). He also did a small bit of growing and maturing by having to take care of himself for that short amount of time, and he actually wove this aspect into his college essay.
True, @Cameron121. That’s kind of what I was thinking, too.
I really don’t think it has any impact beyond a show of real interest in the school, if that even counts for anything at the particular school you are applying to. Not sure that Cornell is a school that cares about demonstrated interest. Of course it also looks good as a summer experience, but I do know many kids that were denied admission that attended a summer program at their dream school.
I think the only way it might slightly help is if her intended major was Govt or History. IMO colleges are looking at those type of programs as an applicant showing interest in a certain subject. Say you want to be a computer programmer and you took some programming classes or something like that.
summer programs are a great way for the schools to get publicity that the attendees pay for.
They’ve extended the deadline, I wonder why?
Directly: Absolutely not.
Indirectly: Maybe. Being away from home and in a college classroom might be a good growth experience that could help her put together a better app in some intangible ways.
Really, there aren’t many summer things one can do that will help. Beyond TASP and math programs like Ross I don’t think there’s any consensus at all on what actually is beneficial. So, kind of, why not?
Not a bit.
If it is affordable and it will help the student refine interests… then do it. But don’t expect any direct benefits in the admissions game.
Not really.