What programs would be good for a rising 9th grader with these characteristics?

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
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<p>I admit, as a high schooler, I really didn't do much for ECs until 11th and 12th grade because I was lazy. When filling out college applications as a senior, I really regretted not doing more. My brother is entering high school this September and, like me at that age, is really reluctant to do anything EC-wise. I'd hate to see him make the same mistakes I did, so I'm aiding my parents on finding programs for him over the summer. Here's a bit more information:</p>

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<li><p>He's a really bright kid. He doesn't have to work hard at all for grades--everything comes naturally to him. He tests exceptionally well in both English and math skills. I don't think getting into an EGPY program would be a problem for him.</p></li>
<li><p>He's the sort of kid who performs best if everyone else around him is a high achiever. He's fine with Bs if everyone else is earning them too, but if everyone else is getting As, he steps up to the plate in no time flat. Hence, a program where the kids are all driven and bright would be best.</p></li>
<li><p>He leans towards mathematics. I'm assuming engineering has become a recent interest because he's enrolling in a special 4-year engineering program at the local high school.</p></li>
<li><p>Money is not an issue, nor is distance.</p></li>
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<p>I hear that programs you have to apply to (as compared to programs that accept everyone who pays) are generally better. However, since it's already mid-May, I fear most of those programs' deadlines have already passed. Does anyone know of competitive programs that could fit his profile and are still accepting applications? If few are still accepting applications, what are good programs to look into for next year?</p>

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Sounds like me, too :/. The key is going to one program–and that’ll get him interested :).</p>

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Hm, I hope he’s motivated. Otherwise, he’ll end up like me–slacking off completely but still managing to get those low As. I guess I’ll have to figure out how to get through college, but … meh.</p>

<p>There are a lot of those programs, but it depends what his interests are. If exclusively engineering/math (not science), then there are plenty of good programs you need to remember for the future (not sure they take students of his age, and their deadlines have passed, I think): SUMAC, Ross, Mathcamp, PROMYS, and Rutgers YSP, just to name a few. There’s a great listing [here[/url</a>].</p>

<p>[url=<a href=“http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/before/summer_programs/juniors_mit_and_other_summer_p.shtml]This”>http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/before/summer_programs/juniors_mit_and_other_summer_p.shtml]This</a> MIT blog post](<a href=“http://www.ams.org/programs/students/high-school/emp-mathcamps]here[/url”>AMS :: Summer Math Camps and Programs for High School Students) might also be relevant. At least, make sure your brother pays attention to the last paragraph if nothing else:</p>

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<p>Back to your post:</p>

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<p>Yay, he’s lucky.</p>

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Well, you have to apply to almost all programs :slight_smile: but I think you’re thinking about free programs–those are the most selective. And yes, you’re right–I don’t know of many “selective” or “prestigious” programs (not that such labels matter!) that have deadlines after early April, and none after mid-May.</p>

<p>My advice? Have him do some volunteering or local summer school (at a community college, perhaps?) this summer, and make sure to start early–I mean November or December–when looking for programs next year. For him, the summers of 2012 and especially 2013 are the crucial ones. Also recommend that he do two others things:

  1. Take the ACT and/or SAT early this fall. Having test scores, which are requested by most programs, is immensely helpful. It also lets one gauge progress and make goals.
  2. Have him read, personally, other CC threads. CC has been a boon to me personally. Some of the users are not the brightest, but I’ve found so many wonderfully clueful people here. The advice and discussion by peers cannot be substituted by anything.</p>

<p>I hope you both have fun this summer!</p>

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<p>Does he have talent search SATs or ACTs? If they are exceptionally good, Davidson’s THINK program might have some space left this summer. Super intense, but fun for the right kid.</p>

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<p>@Chaseholl - Thanks! I’ll definitely brief my parents on that. </p>

<p>@intparent - No, he hasn’t taken those yet. But he’ll probably take the PSAT at the very least this coming year, so an idea for next summer, I guess :)</p>

<p>Do some programs take standardized state exams administered in public schools in lieu of the SAT/ACT? He did well on those, if it counts for anything.</p>

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<p>Depends on the program, so you will have to contact each individually. However, many will ask for SAT/ACT and then if you haven’t taken either before, they ask for an explanation of circumstances (e.g., no testing site nearby, etc.) and maybe other standardized tests.</p>

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<p>The PSAT can’t be used for Davidson, but there are plenty of other programs where it is useful. There aren’t a ton of competitive programs for rising 9th graders anyway, so don’t feel like he missed out by not doing something like that this summer.</p>