List of Top Summer Programs 2021

[trig592700]

Hey guys, this is a copy of the popular “List of Top, Prestigious Awards” thread, but for summer programs only. Let’s make a list of the top summer programs for high schoolers based on selectivity, honor, credibility, and overall impact on college admissions, etc.

Feel free to make changes or add on to the list; this is by no means “correct” or comprehensive.

10: Congrats

9: Almost a ticket to a prestigious school
RSI
TASP

8: Amazing accomplishment; Large boost

Summer Science Program (SSP)
U of Iowa SSTP
SIMR
HSHSP
Clark Scholars
Simons
Garcia

7:
MITES
SUMAC
ROSS
PROMYS
Mathcamp
Bank of America Student Leaders

6:
UCSB RMP
CMU SAMS
UF SSTP
SSRP
SIP UCSC
BU RISE Internship

5: Pretty good; will complement an already strong record
Yale YYGS
COSMOS
TASS
LBW UPenn
SEAP
BU RISE Practicum
M&TSI UPenn

4:
Many Governor’s Schools
LaunchX

3:

2:

1:
“Pay-to-Play” Programs (Many University Summer Schools )
CodeDay Labs

Edits and updates to this list are based on recent program graduates’ college matriculation data and a few other factors (ie acceptance rate increases/decreases)

[Techno13]

Given that several of your more highly ranked programs are quite pricey, how would you characterize “pay to play programs?” No financial aid available? Some assessment of the academic quality of the experience?

[trig592700]

If you feel differently about any of the programs, feel free to edit and share a revised version

[stresfulsoiree]

imo a lot of governor’s schools are definitely on par with a lot of top programs, not to mention that they are free. they’d definitely be higher up.

[snapchat]

why is tass ranked lower than tasp? just curious as I am attending tass for sophomore summer this yr.

[trig592700]

TASP is the real thing. TASS is not as rigorous I don’t think

[Factfinder2020]

Hey Guys,

How do you rank RMP vs M&TSI? Which is better ranked - they are both under #7?

[trig592700]

I think it really depends on your goals. Both are very good programs (and expensive) but M&TSI is better if you want to pursue the intersection of business and tech. RMP has options in humanities as well as the sciences, so it likely appeals to a broader range of people.

[KWMOM2021]

What about ISSYP?

[Marzipane]

@trig592700

HSHSP

This is such a math- and science-heavy list. What about kids who are interested in government, economics, or political science? (Besides Clark Scholars.) Thanks!

[ZQ9753]

Is SRA or RMP at UCSB better?

[dinosauce]

Where do you think the Rutgers Wise program would rank?

[trig592700]

RMP is significantly more prestigious

[ZQ9753]

What about UCD YSP?

[ZQ9753]

Is it difficult to get into out of state? If so, are there any programs not listed here in the northeast that are considered “prestigious”

[trig592700]

YSP is good. I don’t know about RMP out of state or New England. There are some good governor’s schools

[CCAdminMike]

This post is now a wiki - anyone can edit the first post to update the list of Summer Programs.

Related thread (but older): Summer Programs That Look Good on College Applications

[citadel]

Where do NIH, SAMS, MOSTEC and MDI fall in the rankings?

[positivity08]

Where would doing paid summer research at a well-known STEM university rank?(will present regionally in fall)