<p>What would look better on college apps?</p>
<p>a) A summer program at a well-known college
b) A selective summer program at a well-known college
c) Original research in a science laboratory</p>
<p>Many summer programs at selective colleges are not themselves particularly selective. The general rule of thumb is that summer activities that cost money aren’t worth your parents’ money. Summer research, however, isn’t likely to impress adcoms either–you’d have to get that research published or entered into a competition for it to have an impact.</p>
<p>^
Even EPGY or Cornell summer college?</p>
<p>What if the research wins awards in 1-2 regional competitions?</p>
<p>^IMO, both are worth your time. However, don’t pick one of them randomly. Evaluate both choices upon your own motivation.</p>
<p>bump10char</p>