UChicago Summer Program v. Girls Who Code

Pre-College Topics Summer Programs
1

Hello!
I’m a high school junior trying to decide which program I should attend this summer before my senior year.
If you don’t feel like reading my ramblings please feel free to just say which one is a better option (that will look best on my applications).

UChi - 3 weeks, sleep on campus, writing class, scholarship, awesome school. Many say summer programs at prestigious universities aren’t impressive because many students just pay to get in (5 grand!). However, I applied and received a full scholarship for Hispanic students – does that help to change admissions officers’ perception of summer programs? This perception is an obvious con for me. Also, I am interested in math for my future university studies so this class won’t be all that relevant. However, it is a great school and I don’t see how it could hurt admissions (especially since I’m going on a scholarship), but maybe it could.

GWC - 7 weeks, commute each weekday, coding, opportunities to meet “real” people from the world of code. Again, this would be a free opportunity. 5 possible locations in Chicago meaning only 100 girls total accepted. This one is tricky as I do not know what admissions officers think of this program. It is fairly new, and I fear that it will seem too “trendy”/not taken seriously. This would, however, be more relevant to what I’m interested in studying in the future and even help me in my AP Computer Science class next fall. Only cons are those previously mentioned about unknown perceptions, not from a well-regarded university, etc.

Un-university related factors

GWC
pros: can sleep at my own home (aka able to spend time with friends or volunteering at my food pantry on weeknights), don’t have to pay for books (probably just a train card since it will be back and forth Monday through Friday)
cons: seven whole weeks/whole summer (goodbye Lollapalooza) but not like summer school so that’s good.

UChi
pros: 3 weeks only, still plenty of time to fit in my volunteering as well as Lollapalooza and stuff. Also, UChicago is a complete dream school of mine and I know I would never be admitted if I were to apply in the future so this kinda feels like a little opportunity to seize.

cons: pay for books (could be up to 100 or 200 but if I get crafty I’m sure I can find better prices on my own). I would rather be taking a different class (something math related) so would be going for more of the experience.

Sorry for the long post and thanks to anyone who can offer some insight.

2

Since you are interested in math and computer science, I think GWC would be great for you.

3

Is your scholarship based on need or merit? Need it will be viewed the same as all other college programs, merit will help.

I am surprised you would rather sleep at home! I think meeting other kids and being away from home will be a broadening experience (outside of the application process, I do not think sleeping away matters for schools). If it was math related and merit I would pick UC. Since UC is not in an area of interest then GWC.

4

It seems like the GWC program will benefit you the most in terms of your future. I wanted to apply to it, but its too far for me to commute everyday :frowning:
I am going to the writing course at UChicago though so it’d be nice to meet you! It seems really fun.

5

Wait did you get a letter from GWC Chicago? I haven’t gotten anything…

6

I just got my acceptance letter today at around 8pm :slight_smile:

Maybe they’re just doing it by location or by the program date that you chose (I chose the one that starts on July 5th).

7

You are? The “awakening into consciousness” one? That would be cool! @dartmouth21

8

@SeekingPam I decided to choose UChicago! I just really needed something this summer to boost my apps for next fall. Hopefully this mixed with my job and volunteering will look productive. And yes it is merit based, you think that makes it better? I wonder how much colleges would view it as somewhat “impressive”

9

I think if you can say you were awarded the the Blank Blank Merit Scholarship to attend that it will make it the equal of the GWC program which I thought you said was free. From what I can tell, programs where your parents have to pay do nothing for your profile. You do still need to do well in the programs, which ever you pick, so I would pick the one you would enjoy more and would do better in and get the most out of. I think both sound great. Good Luck

10

I ended up getting to do both as the Microsoft Girls Who Code program had a spot open and offered it to me