<p>As the application season nears for many summer programs, I am attempting to make a case to my parents and relatives that a precollege program would be beneficial to me and to my college app. However, after browsing some forums on CC, I've come to see that many of the so-called "selective, rigorous summer programs" are just Ivy-League fundraisers that give wealthy legacies a chance to party sans parents. Of course, I don't want a program that is so miserably demanding that college feels even more like a distant and terrifying experience (although I've heard from an upperclassman from my school that TASP is just that, but hey, the girl is going to Yale next fall), but I'd prefer one that isn't making me fork over thousands of dollars to see hundreds of high schoolers hiding their hangovers with Gucci sunglasses. Can somebody please tell me which one of these programs is the best balance of work and play (and by "play" I mean cultural opportunities such as shows, museums, and possibly some interesting shops. I don't drink and "hard partying" isn't quite my scene, as you can tell by my use of the words "hard partying"). As well, would attending as an incoming sophomore be worthwhile, or is it more plausible to wait until junior year?</p>
<p>From what (little) I know, TASP is the best, and I think for TASP you have to be a rising junior.</p>
<p>I’ve heard mixed reviews about the Columbia/NYU pre-college programs…but TASP is incredibly prestigious (and also free-tuition). I’d stay away from pre-college programs hosted by colleges, even if they’re Ivies or top schools. Summer programs often aren’t taught by the actual professors who teach at the school.</p>