Is it important to attend presitigious summer programs the summer before senior year?

Sozo · 07-13-2005, 04:28 PM

I've heard that attending summer programs that are hard to get into the summer before senior will look really good on college applications but I don't know how true this is.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Sozo · 07-13-2005, 04:33 PM

For example, science programs/ internships that you must apply for.

cj. · 07-13-2005, 04:37 PM

Doing something with its potential benefit to your application as its main focus if pretty dodgy.

do it for you!

Entropic · 07-13-2005, 05:22 PM

As long as you do something productive, you're fine. It's not worth stressing too much over summer programs. I have lots of friends who worked all summer in warehouses (because they had to) and go to top schools, and others who went to summer programs at the same level of institute and got rejected from that very college and others. If you think you'll really get something out of such a program and grow, go for it, but if you think you would enjoy yourself more and feel better working in a soup kitchen, by all means, do the latter. Not one person out of all the Freshman in my dorm went to a 'prestigious' summer program, if that means anything.

bettina · 07-13-2005, 06:14 PM

Attending a selective program usually help to show that you are a quality applicant, no matter when you go.

Sozo · 07-13-2005, 08:39 PM

But won't programs like Teluride and Interning at MIT REALLY help on college apps (not saying I could get into those programs)

leejwwc · 07-13-2005, 08:56 PM

I'd say they help to a certain degree, certainly won't be detrimental unless u recieve bad grades/reviews, etc. The more selective programs are generally more highly regarded, and plus it shows that ur motivated and dedicated and want to learn more about a certain area rather than sleep in everyday for 2 months.

cool2bars · 07-13-2005, 09:00 PM

Does doing something not in the slightest bit academic hurt you?

Sozo · 07-13-2005, 09:07 PM

i don't think it does...for example if you have a job, colleges really appreciate that..atleast it's better than sleeping the whole summer

neb_nurbel · 07-15-2005, 10:20 AM

yeah, as long as you do something over the summer, your fine. Don't worry about prestigous programs. Would you rather go to a stressful, expensive program over the summer, or spend the summer volunteering (for free) for something you have a passion for. Both look good to colleges anyway!