Sounds similar - the essays took DS forever! He also got 3 recommendations, but we were surprised to find out it was just a survey, not really a LOR. We don’t find out until sometime in March and that makes planning rough.
I remember my sister auditioning for those. She went to Boston Ballet in the summer she was 16. I’m 8 years older and my mom and I turned dropping her off into a vacation. She runs her own ballet company now!
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My kid says she’s applying to summer programs but I’ve seen no action taken to do so. We don’t have a Governor’s school in our state.
If she doesn’t apply anywhere or isn’t accepted, it’s not the end of the world. She can use that time accruing patient care hours, writing college app essays, and mentally healing/preparing for senior year fall.
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My kid spent last summer doing precisely three things:
- Going on a trip with the family
- Volunteering at the library
- Reading lots of books
No real need for formal summer programs, you know?
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S25 is going to USAF sponsored Flight Academy, an 8 week all expenses paid flight training program at a University where he will earn his private pilot’s license and 12 college credits. There were about 1700 applicants and 161 chosen, with 170 alternates. He is also applying to the Naval Academy Summer Seminar. He will have a very busy and not relaxing summer!
My D23 used to do summer ballet intensives. This year she is looking for her first job (well hopefully will have a campus job next semester), and finally getting her drivers license.
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Wow! That’s amazing to hear that she was able to continue ballet–to the point of running her own ballet company! Ballet is a brutal world, so it’s great to be able to celebrate success stories! (It’s an exclamation point type of evening, apparently. I need to finish my book club book, which I actually quite like, but the 430 pages ahead of me is a little daunting. Perhaps this is how my child feels when she needs to get her work done? And CC is my IG?)
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@dfbdfb , You are continuously a down to earth voice that I much need to hear. Thank you. (I mean, my kid is still going to audition for the aforementioned ballet things, but I still need to hear your voice.)
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And for a fine arts kid in particular, summer camps can be vital for both development of talent and for figuring out whether it’s the world they want to be in! (Speaking from experience here.) But American upper- and upper-middle-class culture has this weird idea that any unstructured moment is a lost moment, especially for children, and that strikes me as a bit, well, off.
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We don’t force summer activities on our kids. Mine will be working, hanging out with friends, and staying fit. He has gotten more out of his summer jobs than any academic program could provide. I am really proud of the leadership and responsibility he’s demonstrated in his work.
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My son had a choice - go with his orchestra on their summer European tour, or apply to a summer research program. He chose research. He wants to do bio research for his career. The programs out there pay HIM to do summer research for 4 to 6 weeks. Wherever he ends up, the rest of the family will go with him and spend time there as a family vacation. The rest of the summer he will volunteer at the library, read, and veg out. Nobody here is forcing him to do research. I’m here to support him and facilitate.
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My S25 will work as a lifeguard this summer, spend time volunteering, and camping and climbing with his friends.
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That is amazing! I always wanted to earn my license. You must be so proud. 
S23 worked at a sleep away summer camp in high school and will continue this summer. He thinks this will likely be his last “fun” summer job. Fun meaning no concern for salary or resume. S25 plays club lacrosse in the summer.
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My D23 is also working as a counselor this summer. Likely her last fun summer!
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I have no idea what S25 will do other than our big family trip to Japan in late May/early June. Oh, and he’ll have skeet practice two days a week, some local tournaments, and the national meet in July. I guess I should poke at him a little to look at some things.
He is still dragging his feet about talking about specific colleges, but he did light up a little when I show him information on Rose Hulman. Might try to make a trip there for spring break to check it out and maybe consider one of their summer programs. I guess we/he should get cracking on some summer plans!
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I am! His goal is to become a Naval aviator. He’s had a few lessons and was close to soloing. But his instructor got his hours in and moved on so he hasn’t flown since August. This will be nice to get it all paid for!
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Every time I hear these words my mind immediately leaps to Top Gun.
Yep, he has wanted this since before the second movie. However has watched both many many times. Personally, I’d rather he not fly jets and land on a boat in the ocean!
Ship! 
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Yes I know. I am a Navy brat. But it might as well be a dingy!