<p>Doing any summer program at all is a help to your application, as others have said. That shows interest, initiative, etc. But, there is a real point to the above post that spoke about the need to not spend a lot of money to do it. I should think that it could really help more if you did some community service, internship, or job that was related to your interests. Schools are very wise to the fact that applicants pay X thousands of dollars to go to some seashore and “save the sea turtles.” Then they say how eco-minded they are. It’s far better to really do something worthwhile-- your definition of worthwhile, but try to think outside of spending money, if possible. Especially these days.</p>