<p>I am a sophomore this year and am trying to figure out what summer program I should take summer 2006. I know I am too young to apply to programs such as TASP and RSI but there are several others I am interested in.</p>
<p>I have heard that Harvard Summer School is not selective at all and its a waste of money. Would it be at all to my advantage to go to this program if money is not an issue or would it be better to take courses at Arizona State University? Also, what are the most selective summer programs for rising juniors. I have done John Hopkins CTY for the past three years but I want to do something else.</p>
<p>What I mean by a waste is that you could get the same educational experience for $3000 less. If Harvard Summer School is worth the 4000 then I'd be willing to pay it. But I have heard others say that they let most people in (so I would not be with the brightest students) and that you could get the same experience taking classes at a local university.</p>
<p>Whenever you take a class at a certain university, if your professor ends up liking you, a recommendation from him or her could help you out significantly.</p>
<p>I attended the Boston University High School Honors Program this summer and I would highly recommend it. Boston is great and you can either take classes or conduct research while you're there.</p>
<p>Binder, doing a summer program that is considered "selective" is way overrated. Why would you do a summer program? Just so it looks good on a college application?</p>
<p>Find something to do that interests you, expands your academic or personal development, or just do something for fun !!!</p>
<p>Don't be like so many CCers who do summer programs strictly for status, prestige or to look good on a college app. Do it for YOU! </p>
<p>If Harvard Summer School turns you on, then GO FOR IT!</p>
<p>Even though Stanford's EPGY is not terribly competitive (I only knew one person in my house that knew someone who was rejected), it really is a strong program and according to my college guidance department (and other students' as well) it's a program that's very respected in the admissions game.</p>
<p>It's a s^^^load of work, at least for the humanities program. We had a 2.5 hour class in the morning and a 3 hour study hall in the afternoon, but we would regularly work on papers and other assignments from 12:30 straight to dinner, then come back and still have more work to do. But I learned a ton and it was a great experience. I also wrote two of the best papers I think I've ever written. Very stimulating material, and the kids you'll be with are amazing.</p>
<p>That said, it's VERY expensive and I had to fund raise to be able to go. I believe it's around $3750, plus you have to pay for travel to and from SFO/SJC/OAK.</p>