Summer Programs That Look Good on College Applications

Hi! I had a question about going to summer programs for college credit - are they worth it if they’re expensive? I’d really like to attend CMU’s Summer Session, but it costs over $4,000 dollars and my parents don’t want to spend more than $1,000 on any summer programs. I’m also applying for their free AI4ALL program, however, I’m not sure if I’ll get in since it’s pretty selective. Does anyone have any advice? Does it look impressive, or is it just a “pay to play” kind of thing? Thanks in advance! :smiley:

Hi! Not sure if you’re still in the application process, but in general, “Summer Sessions” are a “pay to play” kind of thing. They can be really interesting and might help you get into CMU when/if you apply for undergrad, but in general, they are a way for the university to make money.
Free programs like AI4ALL (and even some semi-expensive ones like garcia scholars, ssp, and others with low acceptance rates) will be impressive to all colleges.
If you want the experience of CMU classes, Summer Session can be great! But if it requires significant financial sacrifice it is not worth it!

Does anyone know if the YYGS Program is any good? I have to pay by tomorrow, and I still am not sure if it is even good

will colleges care if I do a 2 week summer program?

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This program helped me a ton on my college apps!

Hello!

I was recently admitted to SIP at UCSC and am waiting on my decision to UCSB RMP. Which one would you say has more prestige and will help me more in college admissions?

I attended Ross last year and was fortunate enough to be invited back as a JC this year. I also was invited to be an Honors Summer Math Camp 2nd-year student (never attended first year) where I could perform research. I will enjoy both programs, so which one would be more impressive for colleges.

anyone know about the welch summer scholar program and how it compares to garcia?

How much of boost does Simons have

Has anyone attended JHU Biomedical Engineering Innovation Program (summer)?

good boost, but depends on what you make of it :grin:

welch is rly good. garcia is better but ONLY if you are majoring in material science. otherwise, I would without a doubt go to welch

a lot. go.

RSIP or the Round Pier Summer Immersion Program- Super rare and also competitive. Plus it’s virtual and free