Summer programs - math, computer science, no money

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

<p>Here are my stats:</p>

<p>I'm currently looking for some fun some programs to attend, that would also look good for colleges (MIT, Caltech, Stanford, Harvard, etc.)</p>

<p>The issue is that my family will not be able to pay, so, I will be paying myself and also keeping in mind that I will be paying for entirely for college (my family does not have retirement funds or really any savings at all), I can dish out about $1.5-$2k at most. And, I live out in the middle of nowhere in the Midwest, so, there are no local programs I can attend that have much meaning.</p>

<p>I love STEM, I was an ISEF finalist, I'm a pretty good programmer (see ECs below), I really like debate and I really love math/problem solving.</p>

<p>Do you guys have any suggestions for summer programs?</p>

<p>Here are my stats:</p>

<p>PSAT: 200 (I think this will be my biggest drawback - everyone at school told me that it doesn't matter at all sophomore year, so, I didn't try very hard at it. I'm regretting this now)</p>

<p>Unweighted GPA: 3.86
School doesn't do weighted</p>

<p>Freshman schedule:</p>

<p>Multivariable Calculus (EPGY)
Ap Statistics
AP World History
Honors Spanish 3
Honors English
Honors Chemistry (typically taken by juniors)
Orchestra
Gym</p>

<p>Sophomore schedule:</p>

<p>Linear Algebra (EPGY)
AP US History
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
Honors English
Honors Spanish 4
Symphony Orchestra
Gym</p>

<p>AP Scores:
AP Calc BC - 5 (taken in 8th grade)
Ap Statistics - 5
Ap Computer Science A - 5 (taken in 7th grade)
AP World History - 3 (I'm still kicking my self for this one)</p>

<p>Extracurriculars (this is where I am hoping to do well):</p>

<p>I lead an open source project with a team of about 30 people that's been covered in TED talks
I am a paid blogger for a programming-related blog
I run a software startup
I made ISEF (made it again this year)
AIME qualifier
President of Robotics Club
I do fundraising for a nonprofit working to handle preventable blindness</p>

<p>I'm not really sure what programs I could:</p>

<p>1) afford
2) enjoy (I think you can guess based on what my interests are)
3) find value in</p>

<p>Help please?</p>

2

<p>Operation Catapult @ Rose-Hulman</p>

3

<p>The number of programs that are free or cost very little is pretty small and most of those are pretty selective. However, the number of programs that would cost that little financial aid is potentially much larger. If your family has financial need then most prestigious programs should be able to help out with financial aid. I would look at lists of selective/prestigious programs (you can find many on this site) and look at which ones offer financial aid. If your family has resources but is unwilling to pay then you have less options.</p>