Just some background info, I am a current sophomore. I recently just got a notification from COSMOS UCI Cluster 3 that I got in, and I had always wanted to go, but problem is I had already made plans to attend a summer art community college program, and my parents had paid $3,250 for another UC Berkeley 2-week program for Neuroscience. The good thing is the UC Berkley program and COSMOS UCI program don’t overlap, but I also wanted to do art and continue playing tennis (to maintain my varsity singles position) for the summer. I need the art credits to graduate, but I could take an online course. Is COSMOS worth it, and what do you guys think I should do?
All things being equal, I would try to go with COSMOS.
Because admissions are competitive, it looks good to adcoms. In fact, programs like COSMOS are among the only things you can do in the summer where there is a consensus that it’s helpful for admissions.
That being said, is the Berkeley neuroscience program also competitive? If it is, two in one summer might be overkill, especially if you need the art credits to graduate. Even if it isn’t, keep your sanity in mind.
@NavalTradition The arts course ends the same time COSMOS does, so it doesn’t affect the other program. I’m afraid about losing the money for the Berkley neuroscience program, but I heard it gives good future internships.
UPDATE: money is refundable
Hey guys I need some help for my summer too, could someone give me some advice?
I’m a junior in high school right now, graduating in 2016. This is the summer before my apps go out, and right now I’ve decided not to ATDP at Berkeley, rather I’ve decided to shadow a doctor for a month at a pretty good teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. So I figure I’ll work for him for like a month giving me about ~120 hours and then I’ll lead a team of volunteers for 2 weeks giving me 60 hours of volunteer service. How would this look on my app? Any advice is appreciated.
Also will shadowing for 120 hours plus leading volunteers for 60 hours look better than 250 hours of simple boring volunteer service at a hospital?
It really depends on the experience you can get, but yes, I think it is more unique and will look better.
I have made my decision. I will be attending COSMOS and trying to do online art at the same time.
Good luck!
Hope everything works out for you.
Will the shadowing count as a summer EC?
Also was that thing at Berkeley the Rosetta neuroscience camp?
@NicolasCageAf Yes, it was. Have you heard of it?