<p>Hello everyone!</p>
<p>I was accepted into the Carnegie SAMS and Stanford EPGY summer programs, and I was wondering, which would be best in terms of rigor, quality, fun, and future applications?</p>
<p>I’ve heard a lot of good things about EPGY.</p>
<p>I’ve also heard great things about EPGY, but SAMS is by far the more academically rigorous program.</p>
<p>Is SAMS free vs a major cost for EPGY?</p>
<p>Yes, SAMS is completely free (except for transportation and spending money), while EPGY costs–IIRC–$4,000 to $5,000.</p>
<p>On a college application, a free program (it counts as a scholarship) is considered superior to any program for which you have paid.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I would dispute that. Generally, I think that would prove true (although “superior” is not the word I would use, and the difference in weight is not always significant), but there are several prominent and “prestigious” programs that aren’t free, such as HSHSP at MSU (costs a bit over $2,000) and Simons at SUNY-SB (room and board not covered). These are highly respected science research programs that would rival many free programs. In addition, other factors–subject, length of time, etc.–must be considered as well.</p>
<p>Is that why RSI, SIMR, and other free competitive programs are rated way higher than any summer program for which one pays?</p>
<p>Those programs are the most “prestigious” because they have a reputation for a) providing a hella good educational venture over the summer; b) having extremely high expectations for applicants; c) attracting the cream of the crop. Free is a benefit, but the main reason for their high standing is because of their academic excellence.</p>
<p>Free ones are not necessarily the best for college apps, but the price difference is so big that I’d probably pick SAMS.</p>