The intro summer programs are meant to ease you into the academic discipline that you need to be successful at Tech… build confidence. They are great programs.
The programs are intended for students that were borderline or got in by the skin of their teeth. Who might not have had impressive stats, but were great leaders and involved. So they have statistically identified you as someone who may have difficulty in the past. Getting early hours will put you ahead for class registration and you’ll get better choice of classes, profs. It’s for your own good and these programs have proven to be successful.
They have a video of students that took it to give you an idea.