I’m looking for a summer program I feel not for this summer then for next summer, can you list summer programs that colleges like?
They like anything that shows that you are using your time productively; anything that fits with your general interests and focus is also usually well received. Competitive and funded programs usually are particularly well received, but there are tons of others that colleges will “like” if they fit you well.
There’s a thread on this topic with almost 1200 entries:
What year are you, and what are your interests?
@renaissancedad thank you so much for that thread. I am a sophomore and I really like math (which I know is really weird) but it’s the only thing I’m good at.
^ Take a look at some of the resources and forums on the Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) website:
https://artofproblemsolving.com/resources
https://artofproblemsolving.com/community
Besides offering terrific books and courses (which are worth exploring if you want to develop your math ability; the majority of top math students in the US have had some involvement with AoPS, and many of them go on to teach courses there), AoPS is the best community of smart math people, especially at the high school level. The forums have lots of advice on summer and EC math activities. You don’t necessarily have to wait for summer programs as well. There are lots of things that would look good to colleges for someone with a strong math interest:
- High scores on the AMC10 and AMC12 exams. AIME and USAMO involvement are the next levels. AoPS helps run the US Mathematical Talent Search, which is a free problem-solving competition that starts each fall and runs throughout the year; it's an alternate pathway into USAMO.
- Research participation. MIT PRIMES-USA is a free program that goes from January Junior year through December of Senior year, and involves high level mathematical research with a mentor. It is very selective and competitive, and only takes a few students, but those are among the best in the country (if you are in the Boston area then MIT PRIMES, the original program, involves working directly with mentors at MIT; PRIMES-USA is a remote offshoot for students who couldn't travel to MIT). About 50% of PRIMES participants end up at MIT. AoPS and MIT PRIMES have created a free Crowdmath project that is open to all high school students who want to participate in research:
https://artofproblemsolving.com/polymath
It’s a good way to get your feet wet in math research.
- AoPS also has a year long course running fall-spring of each year called WOOT, the World-Wide Online Olympiad Training. It costs about $795, and is a great way to develop problem solving ability at the high level if you are already someone who does fairly well at the AIME level.
- Summer programs. Some are highly prestigious (like ROSS and PROMYS) and competitive, many are expensive, but all show commitment and dedication to math. AoPS has a long list:
http://artofproblemsolving.com/wiki/index.php?title=Mathematics_summer_program
The AoPS forums will be much better sources of advice, and there will be lots of like-minded students and potential mentors out there.
None of these will guarantee admission to a top school. But all will develop your math interest and ability, show commitment and perseverence, and will “look good”. More importantly they will be fun (if you like math a lot) and will develop you as a person. Explore them if you are interested, not to impress future schools.
Good luck!
@Potter3846 Do you like math mostly because you’re good at it? If you were equally good at all subjects, would that which subject do you think you’d enjoy most?
@Chocolate-Taco if I was equally good at all subjects my favorite would probably be science.
@Potter3846 I strongly recommend that you pursue science, and not math just because you are good at it. Your math skills directly help you in improving outcomes in sciences by developing the logical reasoning and critical skills you need to overcome current obstacles holding you back from achieving in science.
Besides pursuing your interest to help make a more compelling narrative for college admissions, deciding to pursue your interests correlates much higher with general happiness in life. I’d bet hard money that your interests, innate talent and honed skills will find a natural intersection, even if that is not currently obvious or clear.
I attended the Boston Leadership Institute this summer. WOW! It was an amazing place to spend my time. If you are looking for an engaging, enriching experience this is the place. In addition, it was an affordable program and close to Boston. We used that opportunity to visit some colleges and do a little touring of the city. This is a STEM based program. The programs range from Engineering to medical. I chose the introduction to surgery camp and couldn’t have been happier. My instructors immersed us with relevant information in an enjoyable and interesting atmosphere the entire week. There was a lecture portion in the morning and the afternoons were spent in labs. We were provided with surgical opportunities throughout the week on various organs. Socially, I met great friends and was able to go out and play tennis, kick a soccer ball, go for runs, and engage in various dorm building activities. Academically it helped me know for certain, I am headed in the right direction. I couldn’t give this program enough stars.