<p>Hey,I<code>m a junior living abroad. I</code>m thinking of going to summer programs such as Cornell,Stanford,John Hopkins,etc. I thought it would be a good experience and would also make my application seem better when applying to those schools. Is this true? I also thought it would be a chance to actually visit and look at the college ( since i<code>m living abroad) and meet some teachers/admission people there.
OR are the summer programs a way for the college people to make money and it doesn</code>t help you that much? What do you all think? Or should I make use of my summer by doing an internship and other extra-curricual activities? THANKS TO ALL WHO REPLIED!</p>
<p>It won't do much, if anything, for your apps. It is good summer experience in most cases. My D did Brown two summers and both enjoyed it and learned alot.</p>
<p>If you can find a summer program that's leadership-oriented, then you should definitely pursue that. Colleges always prefer applicants that have tangible leadership experiences.</p>
<p>summer programs are becoming so common, it's not much of a boost anymore- if you have the money, and you would actually enjoy it, go for it, but it won't make a difference between rejection/acception</p>
<p>Non competitive summer programs really won't affect application success. Competitive ones, though, will. Summer programs that bolster your ECs can be useful come application time--science research for a science major, prestigious music camp for a violinist, etc.</p>
<p>What is a competitive summer program v. non-competitive? Competitive to get in? Thanks.</p>
<p>The general opinion is that participation in a specific college's summer program doesn't do much to boost your chances at that college, although they can look good on your overall resume. The programs are definitely worthwhile however as learning experiences. </p>
<p>If you've not lived in the US before (or for a while) they are also a good way to acclimate yourself to life in America and certainly to get a feel for a specific college as well. Having said that, summertime at any college is quite different from the academic year.</p>
<p>thanks to all who replied!
one question: some schools offer programs for highschool students to attend class/earn credit during the summer.as you<code>ve said, it really doesnt boost your chances.
i</code>ve looked at other programs, such as summer reaserch in science(as i`m planning to go into science), and other international volunteer/leadership programs. they cost money too-if i do them, would the colleges think, oh,you PAID to do those extra-curricualrs??
in your opinion, shud i just stick to the college-credit programs offered at competitive colleges(such as cornell,stanford,etc) or shud i attend the latter programs during the summer... i want to know which wud boost my chanes or look better on application forms.
thanks for the help!</p>