<p>My summer program was free, not prestigious, and completely amazing. </p>
<p>It included a general Health course - the only course I've taken in my life that had me completely and absolutely interested.
It included an internship at a hospital with rotations to different units, which in turn made me realize that I want a career in Health Care (I was deciding between many different things).
My project group consisted of 8 people from 8 different cultures, and although I am an NYC kid and am used to that stuff, realising it was amazing in itself.</p>
<p>Yes, some students are doing these programs under the assumption they are a ticket into an Ivy, and they are sorely mistaken.</p>
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Do things you enjoy, work at least part-time to make some money, volunteer, see movies, go to parties. Colleges don't have a moratorium on amusement. After this, guys, it's four years of intense schooling and then work. Be a kid, not a robot!
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<p>However this statement strikes me as extremely narrow-minded. Does it not occur to you that there are high school kids who would much rather spend much of their summer at a summer program of their choice than do the things you've listed? Perhaps going to the summer programs that you seem to condemn is actually because they ARE doing something they enjoy?</p>
<p>Just throwing in my 2 cents: This summer, I went to VBI debate camp, and I wasn't expecting much out of it other than preparation for the debate season and debate practice-rounds. however, it was so much more. During the first week, we took 3-4 seminars on PHILOSOPHY. Hardcore philosophy. Each of the seminars gave us at least 10 pages of difficult reading per night, and I must say, my critical reading and writing skills have definitely improved more than they could ever have at any SAT prep or college program (I'm not saying these aren't good programs for anybody else, but they just weren't the boost I needed). Even though this program probably won't factor much into the college admins' point add-up, it should help in terms of other aspects of my high school life and college app. So I must say, going to a summer program DOES help you.</p>
<p>it's more than the money. the discussions i had at my camp changed my views on society, even life. courses may be important, but so are the people you meet.</p>
<p>I really disagree with the first statement.</p>
<p>I did Harvard SSP as a sophomore. It was an eight week program, and financial aid helped so that I had to pay about $3000; not bad at all for two months of tuition, room, board, and facilities. I took classes I loved and couldn't take at my school (creative writing and poetry analysis), and am definitely doing another summer college program next year.</p>
<p>Sure, maybe it's not very prestigious, and I know that it's not a "foot in the door" for good colleges, but I think that if you use it to explore your passions and do well (I got A- in both), it won't hurt you in admissions. It won't be a hook, but it can definitely show your interest and ability to do Ivy-level work.</p>
<p>Plus, the social life was AMAZING. The people were all so quirky and intelligent, and the life around Cambridge and Boston was excellent. We had so much free time, it was always deciding between dances and going out into Boston for the night, going to concerts, eating at ethnic restaurants, shopping, or just being stupid in the dorms or around campus. I don't really call that wasted, but I guess to each his own.</p>