<p>I'm currently a junior in high school and am trying to figure out what I want to do this summer. I was considering several summer programs, although after looking on the boards here it seems like they're not as beneficial as I thought as far as helping on applications. I want to do a summer program of some sort for sure, for the primary purpose of learning and pursuing my interests. At the same time, it would be nice if the program helped with my college application. I want to do either a journalism/communications program, or one in graphic design/advertising media. Currently, I want to go into the advertising industry. Anyway, these are the programs i was looking at:</p>
<p>-Medill Cherubs Journalism (Northwestern)</p>
<p>Art Programs
-USC Pre-College<br>
-Art Institute of Chicago Pre-College
-Maryland Institute College of Art Pre-College</p>
<p>I pretty sure the Cherubs program is very prestigious, I don't know how hard the other programs are to get into. But all of these programs are insanely expensive (and I qualify for 0 financial aid), and I am hesitant to spend all that money on them if they will in no way benefit my application. I want to attend them mainly for learning and (for the art programs) portfolio-building purposes, but if there is an equally as beneficial but less expensive option, I'd rather go that route. I was also looking into Discovery Internships in Chicago (I live in the south suburbs), but again, I have no clue what's best. Suggestions?</p>