<p>Does anyone have an opinion on residential college summer programs? Do they increase your admission chances at that particular college/prepare you for college in general or are they more of a gimmick?</p>
<p>this would be an interesting answer. the programs are expensive and i wonder if they will help you show interest etc in the school..</p>
<p>In a nutshell, I think they do help but that is not the reason to attend one. Given the cost and intensity of the programs, a student should attend a summer college program only if there is an equally intense interest in the subject matter.</p>
<p>That being said, attending a program, in my view, not only demonstrates an interest in a particular school but more importantly demonstrates committement of purpose to the area of study both to the school attended and to other schools. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate work ethic and the ability to thrive in a college enviroment. If all other things are relatively equal, this can't help but to give a boost to a student who is otherwise tied with another in the acceptance process.</p>