<p>I am a current sophomore from New York...I have a few questions regarding summer programs and such...</p>
<p>1) How does admissions commitees see attending a pre-college program? Will they be impressed if one attends the program that their school gives? Or, is it just as beneficial to have a community intership/job/volunteer position? The majority of pre-college programs are extensively expensive, and it would more realistic for me to apply for an internship with a local congressman or senator while volunteering somewhere. How will I be compared to an applicant that spent their summer at a college? </p>
<p>2) I have been recieving mail from a variety of leadership conferences; amongst them the Leaders of America Washington Conference, Barnard Young Woman's Leadership Institute, and Presidential Classroom. Does anyone have comments on these programs, and is the steep fees worth it? Will attending these programs tremendously enhance my chances of being accepted to a top school?</p>
<p>PS I know that summer programs, esspecially the Leadership Institutes, will be beneficial to my personal development. Of course, this is the primary purpose for me wanting to attend. Their possible affect on college chances is just a plus...</p>
<p>1) No, most colleges do not consider pre-college during admissions unless you put it on your app. Even so, it's not likely to play a major role.</p>
<p>2) NO. </p>
<p>As I'm sure you know, there are plenty of opportunities (esp. in NY!) that are a lot cheaper and probably a lot more beneficial in the long run. Colleges will NOT consider conferences or pre-college programs as more significant than internships, research, etc.</p>
<p>Here's a questions, what kinds of the things DO colleges like to see student's doing over the summer?</p>
<p>Of the possibilities of interships, volunteers oppurtunities, and summer clleges programs, and whatever else, what kinds of things do you guys suggest to do?</p>
<p>I spent part of my past 3 summers sorting LIVE crabs (ouch!) and then cooking them. Then after that, I had to scrub the big stinky pots. I bet the adcoms don't see that too often.</p>
<p>I did two summer programs that I think were definitely worth it, and I didn't have to pay anything for them. You have time; look into them.
1. American Legion Auxiliary Girls/Boys State-government/leadership camp. there's one in every state, i think. it depends on if your high school sends delegates every year. Two per high school, so there's a little bit of prestige, but if you can be elected to a high position while you're there (IE governor and you go to Girls/Boys Nation, which is a week in DC) then it's a hook.
2. TASP-tellurideassociation.org. very hard to get in. completely different from girls/boys state in that it's more of an intellectual experience.</p>
<p>Thanks for all your responses...seems like I have alot of options to think about! I think the underlying idea is just to show colleges that you are active during the summer, persuing something that will bolster skills helpful later in life (even if that is showing responsibility and determination by cleaning crabs!). </p>
<p>Programs that cost thousands of dollars are rarely impressive. Experiences that impact you significantly and demonstrate your passion or skill in a particular area are impressive. </p>
<p>Well-known and prestigious programs include RSI, TASP, Congressional Page Program, Governor's Schools, etc.</p>
<p>if you do a summer program to work on your talents (ex. Ballet) thats ok. If you do a summer program that has nothing to do with your passions that is questionable.</p>
<p>i go to barnard and there are lots of people here who did the pre college programs. it gives you a bit of an edge in admissions at barnard and you get to take barnard classes while you're here.</p>