<p>In general the summer programs make very little difference to most schools. Your base must be strong and the summer program can build upon that. By base, I mean gpa, test scores, rank, essays, recs. Dan in admissions explains this really well in a previous post from either Jan or early Feb. The summer programs show interest to colleges but for a highly selective school like Tufts, I think it would have very little influence on admissions. Only take this course if it is something you would truly love to take. Then and only then is it worth the 3.5k. FYI - I did a summer program at an Ivy school and it was the BEST experience I have ever had. I wont be attending that school though next fall. If you fit at least the mid-range for Tufts, take what you want to take, be who you want to be, then apply!</p>