<p>I've been thinking about applying to the Stanford Summer College, and I understand that many universities have this...but what effect does it have?</p>
<p>By this, I mean, is it impressive to pay money to attend a college's summer college? I know of the impressive programs, such as RSI and MITES, but those are free.</p>
<p>Is it considered an absolutely incredible thing on your application? Or what weight does it hold (about)?</p>
<p>Ie. Does it hold the weight of being the president of a club? or 100 hours of volunteering? etc.</p>
<p>I know this probably is more suited for the "summer programs" section, but I'm wondering its effect on the admissions process.</p>
<p>i did a summer program at a prestigous college and it was good/ expensive. however, i don't think it helped me as much as i thought it would when i was in your position... i got deferred from that school and i know lots of people who were in the same program and got rejected. save the 5k and go donate it to charity.</p>
<p>Haha. I agree. That's what I was thinking, but I keep hearing about so many of my peers applying to different programs, many of whom are among the top in my class.</p>
<p>I don't think it holds the same weight as a leadership position or longtime volunteering because those two require initiative. For summer courses, even at elite universities, all you really have to do is apply and be willing to shell out the money. And anyone can do it.</p>
<p>Last summer, I applied to the Harvard summer school. But I decided not to go when I realized how crazy expensive it was and how much time it was going to take up (I had a job).</p>
<p>Stanford, directly from a former admissions officer, does not factor in demonstrated interest at all: Only your application and its supplements. You participate there for your own knowledge/character only.</p>
<p>At best, you can put that down in your application as part of your activities, but I am certain it will not hold the same status as that of 100 hours of community service or being the president of a certain club.</p>
<p>well in fairness..stanford has to say that....what if they said "yes...going to the stanford program will give you an edge in admissions"...they would have 10k applications </p>
<p>OP... btw im glad i went to the program and it gave me something nice to write about for essays so donate 5k to charity and then spend another 5k on the stanford program:)</p>