Aeri

I'm a Canadian student who is considering applying to Harvard Summer School. However, Shad Valley is also another option open to me.
Just curious - in terms of college admissions, things that stand out on the common app, which one of these looks better?

This quote off the Harvard Summer School website surprised me:

"Courses with no application required

Our nearly 300 courses are challenging, but most are open admission, which means no application, transcripts, or letters of recommendation are required. The faculty of Harvard professors and visiting scholars teach classes that meet during the day; some courses are available in the evening or online. "

However, there is also a separate section called Secondary School Program.

Which section do I fit into?

And should I apply to Shad Valley or Harvard Summer School?

aigiqinf

The Secondary School Program

The consensus is that attending an ivy league summer school program is not particularly helpful because the schools know that all it means is that you have money and these programs exist pretty exclusively for the purpose of taking your money. You would probably enjoy it, but it's not going to be much different than Shad Valley unless the courses are much different.

teahouse

Shad Valley is more selective, isn't it?

If I got in, I would go.

MIT lists Shad Valley as one of its recommended summer programs for Canadians.

Aeri

alright, thanks guys!

Tattari

as an Alumni of Shad
i'll just tell you ...
how do you explain a student coming from Saudi Arabia to Canada just to attend Shad and then come back home ?

i think that explains a lot

Seriously .. shadvalley was the best experience i ever had in my life =)
Good luck

and i hope i helped