Needing Parental Advice: ECs and Summer Programs

Parent Cafe
1

<p>I am seeking advice from parents and admissions officers on what they think are the most appealing ECs and summer programs for someone who is focused on political science (particularly IR), languages (I’m taking Spanish, French, and adding Chinese next year), and the social sciences and history.</p>

<p>Right now I am looking at Student Conservation Association, which is a completely free (besides airfare), one-month community service program at national parks across the country.</p>

<p>Student Conservation Association - High School Programs</p>

<p>I am also considering MMLA, which is a new program run by Middlebury College and Monterey Institute of International Studies. By attending this program, I could skip one year in French and be in AP French Language for my sophomore year.</p>

<p>Middlebury Monterey Language Academy</p>

<p>Another alternative is to try to get a job (although it is hard for 15 year olds, especially in my state), and my dad lives in Canada where most places only higher if you are 16+. I could get a job for the time I have off from one of the other programs, or the entire summer if I don’t go anywhere. </p>

<p>In addition, there is a program by JSA which offers a trip to the Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO. The cost is over $2,000, but financial aid is available. I’m not sure how much is offered, but I will apply anyway.</p>

<p>I’d also like to know what you think are good ECs to do during the school year. The school clubs that I am doing now only meet once per week during lunch, and none do anything significant. I’m going to start piano and tennis lessons and audition for a youth ensemble at the University of Michigan in September.</p>

<p>Thanks a lot, and I really appreciate it since I don’t have parents who are in the position to help me with this kind of thing.</p>

2

<p>What do you LIKE to do?</p>

3

<p>My understanding is that colleges are looking for students who both have a passion for their interests and show initiative.</p>

<p>As a parent, I see summers and ECs as an opportunity for you to explore your interests, have a chance to live independently (ie, spend time away from home) and meet people different from yourself. It should also be a fun time.</p>

<p>If you are interested in political science, you have a golden opportunity this summer to observe the political process. With the upcoming election, you may want to seek out work associated with a political issue or party (as a volunteer I’m guessing).</p>

4

<p>SCA is a great program, but it’s certainly too late to apply for this year.</p>

5

<p>I called SCA this morning and they said if I get my application in quickly I have a good chance of being accepted somewhere this year. I’ll have my application in within a week. (I’m on spring break now)</p>

6

<p>I don’t know if this thought has been digested on another thread. I apologize if it is yesterday’s news. My thoughts:

  1. As the poster above indicated, do summer programs that are related to what you really like.
  2. Summer experiences that are earned through competition are admired. Both of my kids have auditioned for and won scholarships to music festivals, D also earned a free 6 week Governor’s school program (for AG kids in our state).<br>
  3. S has done SCA-a great program, particularly for environmental science folks.<br>
  4. If you are interested in politics, some states have governor’s page programs (S did this).
  5. Summer school classes at the local college are a good possibility
  6. Paid summer internships at research centers are often available (are in our community) and have been an option for pre-med and those with scientific interests
    7.Camp counselor or coaching in kid’s summer programs. D was a summer swim league assistant coach one summer. This was nice for leadership experience.
  7. Try to avoid really expensive enrichment programs. They typically give you no edge on admission and primarily reveal how much “loose” money your family may have to spend on enrichment.
    Good luck.</p>