Summer Programs in Computer Fields

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

<p>What are the best summer college programs for computer-related fields? Specifically, I'm interested in computer animation and artificial intelligence, neither of which seem to be offered widely at top universities. I'm hesitant to attend a program at an obscure school, partly because I believe (correctly? you tell me) that it won't be as impressive on my application and partly because I'm worried they might be too easy (more of a summer camp than a summer program.)</p>

<p>I have some background in computer science:
Computer Science III AP (5 on test, A for the year)
Computer Science IV AP (this year, so far straight As in the class)
Harvard SSP Intensive Introduction to Data Structures (summer 2008)</p>

2

<p>The Carnegie Mellon games academy is the closest thing I can think of to computer animation. While not exactly what you're looking for, it might still be worthwhile.
<a href="http://www.cmu.edu/enrollment/summerprogramsfordiversity/game-course-desc.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.cmu.edu/enrollment/summerprogramsfordiversity/game-course-desc.html&lt;/a> </p>

<p>I hope someone else has suggestions for you.</p>

3

<p>Thanks, I'll look into that. Someone I know suggested RISD</a> Precollege. They have a "major" in computer animation but the application fee is $500 - anyone know how hard it is to get in?</p>

4

<p>S attended the Frontiers Program last summer at WPI. His area of concentration was "Interactive Media & Game Design." Check it out here: <a href="http://www.admissions.wpi.edu/Frontiers/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.admissions.wpi.edu/Frontiers/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>