<p>I’ve been thinking about possible summer programs to apply to, but a lot of the best programs are spread across the country (RSI in MA, SSP in CA, etc.). Do you think it’s reasonable to travel across the country for a summer program? Would the program have to be 5+ weeks? Free? Very prestigious or selective?</p>
<p>I live in PA, and I’m hesitant to apply to programs that are more than a few states away. Should I forget about that, and just apply to the best programs I find, regardless of location? Can anyone speak from experience, if travelling from one coast to another (or simply hundreds of miles) was worth it?</p>
<p>My 16 year old has attended a three week program in Reno, NV the past two summers; we live in the midwest, so she has flown by herself. It has absolutely been worth it. Be sure you take the travel cost into account as you look at programs. Other than that, just be sure it is something you are really interested in. Then go for it.</p>
<p>My oldest travelled from Phoenix to New York this past summer for a 2 week summer program. </p>
<p>Do I think it’s reasonable to travel across the country for a summer program? Absolutely!! If the summer program is worth attending then it’s worth the travel. Everyone attends a program for different reasons and if you think a program is the one for you then it’s worth the travel. As for the length of a cross-country program it should probably be at least a week (just one man’s opinion) but, again, that too is also up to the person. Some 3 day programs are better than 2 week programs … it really depends on the program and only you can decide. If I found a program that was only 3 days and I thought it was powerful then I’d send either of my kids across the country for it … it depends on the program.</p>
<p>schachwhiz - Why are you hesitant to apply to programs that are more than a few states away? My daughter had an amazing adventure/experience travelling across the country all by herself and seeing a different part of the country she’d never seen before. Don’t limit yourself with the travel. </p>
<p>I say that the further it is, the better it should be. There are a lot of competitive and great programs, and there are a lot of super expensive ($6000) that are within the US. Heck, I’ve joined programs where I flew alone to Hong Kong- that’s far.</p>
<p>In any case, choose the program that best suits you- something that you’re passionate about or plan to pursue. Disregard the location, and find everything. Then filter out what isn’t so great, or whats too costly. You should still come up with a nice list.</p>