<p>I think it does help to a certain extent for certain groups of people. However, they are not going to admit that. For examply, since very few minorities go to SSP, those that apply to Harvard for undergrad might get a little leg up from another minority with the same stats/ ECs. Anyways I already know the whole “have fun thing” but depending on what you do in the summer it could benefit you. I got around 2k financial aid and the rest my family has saved up for. Since Im poor it shows a commitment that I dont have a lot of money, but since I want to go so bad that I have done everything possible to attend SSP. Im sure its not so black and white. And to a certain degree its better than taking like 10 courses at a local community college. Just my 2 cents.</p>