Summer Programs that you pay for? Are they really that bad?

anonymous1212 · 07-29-2009, 01:10 PM

I attended two summer programs after my Freshman year, that I *gasp* paid for!

I understand that they aren't as prestigious as TASP, TASS, etc. but are they going to actually HURT me? With all of the bashing on here, I am starting to think that they will.

Wouldn't a college rather see you showing an interest in their school by doing a summer program there, rather than, say, sitting around doing nothing all summer? Not to mention the fact that there just weren't a lot of options as an incoming sophomore.

rchhay · 07-29-2009, 01:18 PM

I can't imagine them hurting you, per se. I think the fact that you are passionate about a subject so much as to study it during the summer shows something, at least. Although, at the worst, it will say that you have the money to attend such a summer program which they will probably already know.

However, I would like to add that if you apply to the schools where you did a summer program at, you may be able to write a better "Why XYZ" essay, or you may decide that you don't want to spend an entire four years on that campus. It will at least give you some insight on what colleges you want to go to, so good luck with your applications.

MeSsIaH. · 07-29-2009, 03:05 PM

They don't hurt you. The only problem is that they don't help a whole lot either, and they are incredibly expensive. And remember, your admissions competition is doing stuff like lab internships whie you hang ouy with the rich kids.

Protagonizer · 07-29-2009, 06:36 PM

^That's the focal point. Granted, as rchhay said, colleges will see that you didn't waste your summers and if admissions were based solely on the individual with no comparison, that would be a huge bonus.

However, the other students in your applicant pool (for the top ranked colleges) have gone to summer programs that are prestigious or well-structured enough that they do not require fees as a result of donations, funding, grants, etc. Also, some students will even do internships where the program pays <b>them</b> a stipend at the end.

If you can't get into the more "prestigious" programs, and your parents are willing to pay for whatever programs you're interested in, summer programs that require heavy fees will be the best you can do in that department (but there's always volunteering and summer jobs that show colleges you didn't waste away a summer).

Ramblinman · 07-29-2009, 08:05 PM

I am at Harvard Summer School right now and I definitely think it is 100% worth it, regardless of the fact it may not help with admissions.

I am experiencing college life, and taking an awesome course that I love.

They paid for most of it. I had to buy books, and pay for the residential part of it, but that wasn't too bad.

shravas · 08-02-2009, 12:07 AM

These are just some of a few that I can think of, but MATHCAMP, HSHSP, and PROMYS are all really good programs, but still cost money. It's really rare for summer programs to be completely free, so that's why the free ones are usually said to be good. But I actually got rejected from PROMYS and HSHSP (and probably would have been rejected from MathCamp) which are all math and science summer programs, but got into MIT, so these programs are pretty close to the level of RSI and TASP and stuff.

raiderade · 08-02-2009, 01:53 PM

Ahh Ramblinman, this is the point I have been trying to get across on this summer programs forum. I just got back from CTY and found it to be a life changing experience that was just invaluable. While it probably won't help with college admissions, I thought it taught me some intangible life skills and brought me a greater sense of happiness. Does everyone need these programs? No. Are they expensive? Yes. If it wouldn't be a burden to your family, would it be good to attend? Yes. Are there free programs that are more academically challenging and prestigious? Yes.

I had a great experience at CTY and I do not regret it.

Urc · 08-05-2009, 05:10 AM

Quote:

These are just some of a few that I can think of, but MATHCAMP, HSHSP, and PROMYS are all really good programs, but still cost money. It's really rare for summer programs to be completely free, so that's why the free ones are usually said to be good. But I actually got rejected from PROMYS and HSHSP (and probably would have been rejected from MathCamp) which are all math and science summer programs, but got into MIT, so these programs are pretty close to the level of RSI and TASP and stuff.

another thing you could add to that list would be awesomemath.
but yeah, i can't think of any (atleast math or science camps) that are free (except for like MOP or TASP or RSI, but those are extremely prestigious). i doubt they'd hurt you at all.

but most people go to such summer programs, not for college apps, but for the experience.

MidwestMom2Kids_ · 08-06-2009, 09:46 PM

If you can afford it, spending 2/3 of your summer working and 1/3 of your summer going to an interesting educational program related to your major would be better for college admissions than working the whole summer. Even if it is a summer program you need to pay for.

sg9018 · 08-06-2009, 10:15 PM

Although expensive programs will not help very much in admissions.Summer programs shows in a major and colleges like that. I just finished a program Cornell summer college and I had one of the best experiences I ever had in my life. I met so many great people.

So, I say mix it up in the summer. If you really want to do a summer program, do it and then use the rest of the summer for a job/volunteering/ EC's.