<p>I’m just not a big fan of “resume padding” as you put it. I’m sure TASP etc. are great programs- but they’re not going to be available to most students. Some of the CTY courses put you into contact with leaders in their fields- contacts that could perhaps lead to an internship at a university during HS. For a lot of students, that’s a tremendous boost to their applications. Colleges are interested in what you’ve done with your life given what opportunities and challenges you’ve been presented with.</p>