Will a summer program at a college increase your chances? And what programs should I look into?

I’m beginning to think about what programs I want to do throughout the next couple summers. My big question is: does attending a summer program at a college you intend on applying to increase your chances? I’m sure this question has been asked about 103984023 times, so sorry in advance. I’m also looking for a good program to get into my rising junior year. I really want an intensive psychology program for at least 2 weeks to make sure psychology (clinical psychology if available) is what I want to go into. I know that Brown has a 3 week clinical psychology program but I’ve heard a lot of summer programs are not selective and not worth the money (Columbia’s - which crushed me because that’s my dream school) so I really don’t want to waste money and not learn anything. Any recommended summer programs (preferably not enough for a down payment on a house haha)?

There are all kinds of summer programs. You should know that some of them, while located at prestigious universities, are actually operated by outside organizations. All are usually quite costly.

You can search online and find Summer programs that you can earn a scholarship to through application. There is usually an essay. My kids have friends who aren’t wealthy and seem to specialize in finding them and winning scholarship, so they go FREE.

Some big summer programs are essentially summer school for college-bound high schoolers at big private universities. Here are some things that are good about them;

  1. Give you an opportunity to experience college life, away from home
  2. Allow you to find out how things might be different if you are wondering about going to school on the other coast.
  3. Allow you to fill in some subject matter that you might not have or be able to fit in your regular school schedule
  4. Get college credits.
  5. Get to meet a wide range of students, particularly international students.

Unfortunately, most programs out there are designed to boost the college’s endowment. Because almost anyone is admitted, going to the program alone is going to yield almost nothing when it comes to selective college admissions (to less selective colleges, it’s different, though). In addition, most of these programs aren’t probably worth your going; they aren’t academic experiences, but summer camps.

I would consider gifted talent searches like Duke TIP, CTY and Davidson’s THINK. These all require top grades, and have many courses to choose from. Also consider interning with someone nearby or doing college courses at the community college over the summer. In a year or two you might qualify for some science research programs as well (like RSI or Jackson’s) so look out for them and increase your chances of getting admitted there by showing interest and enthusiasm now.

It won’t give you a leg up in admission, but it will give you a feel for the campus. My S & D went to summer programs at several universities. Some (McGill, MIT, RPI) were associated with the universities. Others (Cornell, Columbia) were not - but nonetheless each gave you the experience of time on campus. Some were free - others had reasonable costs. (We avoided anything with a price tag above $2K). The best part of each program had nothing to do with a competitive advantage for admissions. Each program gave you a chance to explore an academic area, meet like-minded students from across the country (and in some cases the world), and gave you a taste of independence. My S & D are still in touch with “friends” they made at the programs. There are all sorts of programs out there. If you’re interested in psychology, I know Gettysburg College has a one week psychology program that is reasonably priced. Good luck.