Application time is starting in January for selective academic programs in the summer I am considering. Before I spend all of this time on the applications though, I was wondering if this would truly be the best use of my time.
There is a selective program that is a 6 week math camp in the summer I am considering. Problem is, it takes up almost my whole summer. Not only am I practically in love with math, but this program would look GREAT on college apps, as it is nationally recognized. It also would make up for my lack of STEM ECs and would really show my passion for math. However… it also takes up time that I could be using for other things, like community service.
Another camp I am considering is a Supercomputer camp that is also selective. This one is only two weeks, and seems more reasonable time frame for me. It’s not nationally recognized, but is well known in my state.
My third option is to not do any camps this summer and focus on studying for the ACT, as well as doing more community service. I am very passionate about teaching STEM to minorities, and the summer would be the best time to do that. I’m actually planning on contacting a school and asking if I can help lead a STEM program in the summer. It might not be possible however, because these kids will need accessibility help as they are special needs. Because of the uncertainty of this, I’m not sure if I should take the risk and pass these great summer programs. I’m REALLY hoping I can make it happen though.
Also, during the school year next year I won’t have very much time to study for the ACT because of medical stuff (unless I cut one or two of my extracurriculars, which isn’t a option because it would look like I was involved in nothing.) So that’s another reason for that option. I’m really hoping for a full ride into my state school, so getting a great ACT score is a priority.
So with all of this to consider, which seems like the best option? I need some more experienced opinions on this. Thanks!
@equationlover I guess it depends on what you’d be more comfortable with! I’m also on the same boat as you are — considering a (super selective) 6-week math camp or studying for standardized testing and doing some volunteering/getting a job (more regular stuff, I would say?)
Personally, I’m applying to these camps/summer programs and seeing if I get in. Since they’re super selective anyway, I’ll still have some idea on what to do with my summer if I don’t get in. And if I do, I’ll talk to my parents about the costs of attending, etc. and only go if it’s feasible financially! And I’ll have to cram SAT prep while juggling school. You’ve always got to make some sacrifices, I guess.
With regards to the Supercomputer camp, I think it sounds fantastic for one reason: it’s only two weeks long (more time to volunteer and do other stuff, yay!). I don’t know if it’ll be cheaper (it should, since it’s in-state, right?) but that might also be a bonus. The ACT is also pretty important, so if you think you need intensive prep for that, then you might want to do this camp instead of the longer one instead. After all, camps are about learning and discovery, not prestige, right? (At least for the most part, I think they are)
It really comes down to your priorities. I would suggest you to apply for the programs and see what happens (you mentioned their selectivity, so you’ll never know!), and ask around about the STEM volunteering at your school! You can make a choice a little bit later down the road when you know for sure which options are available to you, and ultimately decide based on what you think is most important: ample time to prepare for the ACT and volunteer experience or the summer math/Supercomputer camp? Write down a list of the pros and cons of each path you might take. Maybe also ask an adult who knows you well about their advice? Sorry I couldn’t be of much help!
I guess I’ll just apply and see if I get in first lol.
Yeah that’s that’s the big question I need to consider—ACT or math camp? I probably should ask someone, maybe my guidance consoler, as see what she says.
Which program where you considering? I’m going to try for the Ross Mathematics Program—even if I’m not sure I’ll be overall want to go because of other facts like the ACT stuff lol. It’s literally six weeks long of hardcore number theory AND it’s a residential as well. They do give you free time to do other stuff, but for the majority of the time they expect you to work on problem sets…so I don’t think I’ll want to work on ACT stuff when I’ve been doing math all day…
And I’ve got my community service idea…LOL I’m a hot mess. I’m trying to spend my time figuring out what I want to do with my life—still stuck between becoming an engineer (most likely), math teacher, mathematician, or astrophysicist. @VaporeonKid
I’m thinking about PROMYS; an alternative to ROSS with better location (in my opinion — Boston is a lot more accessible than Ohio from where I am). Same here, I’m not set on the residential aspect of the camp, six weeks is a really long time!
We’re super alike in those terms then — I’m also an undecided math-loving sophomore! I’m really keen on getting some service done before junior year starts, since I bet it’ll be hectic! Plus SAT/ACT scores are important too (even more for me, as an international!) so that’s another downside to these programs. Maybe consider something shorter in length or some non-residential programs? @equationlover
Ok, I am thinking about just volunteering in the summer and studying for the ACT! Thanks for the help! Message me anytime if you have any questions about the US in general and US education! @VaporeonKid
@equationlover You mentioned you are hoping for a good ACT score to get a full ride to your state school. You should focus on studying for the ACT and doing the community service. The summer program won’t get you the merit scholarship but the high ACT score will give you many good merit scholarship offers. Good luck!
Ross and PROMYS are great if you like math - but the focus is really on the problems sets, with down time certainly, but not hard core study time for SAT/ACT.
