<p>Is it just the money that gets you in?
It’s things like Harvard’s SSP, or Stanford summer where you are able to earn college credit.</p>
<p>pretty easy if u willing to pay that much</p>
<p>Are you sure?</p>
<p>Yes. 99% of college-run programs are just ways for the college to fill up dorms during the summer and get money, Ivy League college programs included. These programs will not help you with admissions. If you have decent stats and are able to pay, you will get in.</p>
<p>I think Wharton’s (Penn) Leadership in the Business World is a little more exclusive than most Ivy League summer programs, but aside from that, yeah most Ivy League college programs aren’t particularly hard to get accepted to. That being said, if you are willing to pay that much and are interested in the subject matter of the particular programs, by all means, go for them! But don’t feel like doing these summer programs is your only way to get into a good college and don’t feel like you have to do them.</p>
<p>Not very to be honest. There are some out there that have higher qualifications. I’m familiar with the one @vivaciousgopher mentioned above is competitive, as it took my friend jumping through considerable hoops to get in. Also, there is a free program that is very selective (only 60 students get in) whom my cousin (who goes to the big scarlet H) said many students did. The name escapes me, but I’ll let you know if I remember.</p>
<p>Other than that, most are not super selective and not worth the money. You will have plenty of opportunities to take those courses during college and your summer will be better spent doing something interesting to you: pursuing a hobby, having amazing experiences, traveling, volunteering, jobs, internships, entering competitions, research, ect. Unless you really want to go into that field to see what it’s like or have a desire to spend that dough, I’d recommend avoiding it if possible. It doesn’t assure admission to schools, and unless it offers course credit, it’s really not worth your time (and even then, much cheaper courses could be taken at a community college for half the price - that would be counted more anyway)</p>
<p>@vivaciousgopher what age would be best to do summer at wharton? is in between sophomore and junior year old enough?</p>
<p>Wharton’s Leadership in the Business World requires that you be a junior when you apply.</p>
<p>At least one program, Summer@Brown, has very generous financial aid (if you qualify) so it’s not a matter of money as much as interest, good stats and applying early. </p>
<p>Do they offer full-scholarships at Summer@Brown if you really need to (which would be my case)?</p>
<p>@gggg607 </p>
<p>Although you have to be a junior when applying for Wharton’s Leadership in the Business world, there are plenty of other programs you can do between your sophomore and junior year.</p>
<p>Also, you don’t have to do a summer program at a college. There are a lot of other ways to spend your summer productively like getting a job (minimum wage ones, even) or anything, really. It’s just important to be doing something and not just chilling everyday.</p>
<p>But don’t feel obligated to do a summer program.</p>
<p>@Fernand126 I needed a full scholarship last year when I went but ended up just having to pay $300 for two weeks there! </p>
<p>Well, that’s nice already.
Thanks for the info!</p>
<p>depends on the program…</p>
<p>but usually its all about money money money money</p>
<p>And all about that price tag, no?</p>
<p>@Fernand126 -
</p>
<p>More or less. You have to pay the app fee of $50 and the Dean’s Scholarship will pay all but $300 for any pre-college class you choose if your income is low enough. So, regardless of length you pay $350 - a 1 week class is $300, a 7 week class is $300. A few have additional lab fee and you will probably need a textbook.</p>
<p>It winds up being like a 95% scholarship.</p>
<p>Ok, ok.
Thanks.
That’s good enough, fortunately.</p>
<p>It’s critical to apply as soon as they open in December, and get your financial aid app in asap as well. This is the program: <a href=“http://www.brown.edu/ce/pre-college/scholarships.php”>http://www.brown.edu/ce/pre-college/scholarships.php</a></p>
<p>…and kudos to Brown for making it possible for lower income kids to have this experience. It’s pretty extraordinary.</p>