<p>I've been working with a professor at a local university for a while now on a research project. But, it is better to apply for some summer programs? The most well-known and the least expensive are also the hardest ones to get in. Would it be better to go to a paid summer program like SSP, or just continue my current project?</p>
<p>I’m curious about this too! Bump :)</p>
<p>I’m also interested</p>
<p>Well, it probably depends on your research. Is it directly related to the field you want to major in? Are you doing the real science part (not just watching beakers or feeding the rats)? If so, then you have an opportunity that a lot of kids would LOVE to have. If you are looking in a different direction (say, your lab work is in a biology field, but you really want to study astrophysics), then a focused summer program like SSP would be worth your while.</p>
<p>Can you take your reseach and create an entry for a science fair competition? Also a worthwhile expenditure of your time.</p>
<p>I would think a college would be more impressed with seeing you participating in a research project than knowing that you can shell out the thousands of dollars to go to a college summer program. If you do the research then that is probably not going to take up all your time so it will enable you to do other things like volunteer and take a college course or two (at local college) as opposed to a summer program that takes up your entire life for 3-6 weeks.</p>
<p>Check this article out…</p>
<p>[Summer</a> pre-college programs not necessary to selective colleges | College Admissions Counseling](<a href=“Summer pre-college programs not necessary to selective colleges - BS/MD Admissions by College Admissions Partners”>Summer pre-college programs not necessary to selective colleges - BS/MD Admissions by College Admissions Partners)</p>