<p>If summer program encouragement is coming from the student, bravo. We had one child who really wanted to take an EMT class, passed it, and is now nationally certified. We had another student who we convinced to take the Student Leadership in medicine, and behold, it convinced her not to go into it. Another took a language summer program immersion experience at her dream school, only to get flat out rejected later. So the value at least in our opinion is variable.</p>
<p>All the above can be helpful if the student feels the drive to do it, as the previous parent said. But way too often the parents are encouraging the students to do something with their summers so they can say they are doing it. The students don’t really know if it is something they want or not. And yes, they both think it will help with top college admissions. </p>
<p>Travel is great experience. True you have your whole life to work. But I firmly believe the students should start early and get a summer job. If that is mixed with a little travel, great. Volunteer also. But work is work, and most type A plus parents don’t feel the students should be subjected to it. We didn’t expect it with our first. We did expect it with our second and third. Working teaches the students responsibility which no travel or summer course will teach. That is, after all, our opiinion. </p>
<p>And I must add that we had three students who were accepted at top colleges and are all doing just fine. The ones who have work experience know the value of their hard earned money and the one who never worked does not. It’s a lesson parents can learn in high school, expect the most from your students. Not just academically, but in life.</p>