<p>Amen. </p>
<p>Some summer programs may seem like they offer a boost because of particularly high admit rates to selective colleges, but I’m sure you have heard of the difference between causation and correlation and how that affects the relationship. Many of the programs are highly selective themselves. While this may highlight one’s achievement during college admissions, I believe that they are far from important factors. Colleges want to see you being active and productive during the summer, whether it is conducting research, taking college courses, earning money, volunteering, or anything else you can think of. The point is for your summer to really be you.</p>
<p>Also, I don’t know if my post was very clear. I participated in a variety of summer programs focused on different areas of studies that I was very interested in. In the past three summers, I have participated in two science camps, two writing camps, and two piano camps. My parents like sending me away to learn to live quasi-independently and I think that kind of shows what I like to do with my time. Many of my friends have had similarly successful summers participating in local theater programs or working as a counselor at day camps. Summer is a time to have fun and explore venues you can’t during the school year. :)</p>