What programs would be good for a rising 9th grader with these characteristics?

[chaseholl]

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is really reluctant to do anything EC-wise

Sounds like me, too :/. The key is going to one program–and that’ll get him interested :).</p>

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He doesn’t have to work hard at all for grades–everything comes naturally to him.
…
He’s fine with Bs if everyone else is earning them too, but if everyone else is getting As, he steps up to the plate in no time flat. Hence, a program where the kids are all driven and bright would be best.

Hm, I hope he’s motivated. Otherwise, he’ll end up like me–slacking off completely but still managing to get those low As. I guess I’ll have to figure out how to get through college, but … meh.</p>

<p>There are a lot of those programs, but it depends what his interests are. If exclusively engineering/math (not science), then there are plenty of good programs you need to remember for the future (not sure they take students of his age, and their deadlines have passed, I think): SUMAC, Ross, Mathcamp, PROMYS, and Rutgers YSP, just to name a few. There’s a great listing [here[/url</a>].</p>

<p>[url=<a href=“http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/before/summer_programs/juniors_mit_and_other_summer_p.shtml]This”>http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/before/summer_programs/juniors_mit_and_other_summer_p.shtml]This</a> MIT blog post](<a href=“http://www.ams.org/programs/students/high-school/emp-mathcamps]here[/url”>AMS :: Summer Math Camps and Programs for High School Students) might also be relevant. At least, make sure your brother pays attention to the last paragraph if nothing else:</p>

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I do not recommend these summer programs as a thing to do “to look good on a college application.” This should be for personal development. We do not expect that students do these programs. As I’ve said in previous entries, a summer of working and spending time with friends & family is a great option, one I chose for the majority of my summers in high school. Reading, doing sports, rebuilding a car, traveling to Europe or Quebec or New York, or whatever else are great ways to spend your summers. I just hope you’ll take advantage of the large block of free time to do something meaningful for yourself.

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<p>Back to your post:</p>

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Money is not an issue, nor is distance.

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<p>Yay, he’s lucky.</p>

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I hear that programs you have to apply to (as compared to programs that accept everyone who pays) are generally better. However, since it’s already mid-May, I fear most of those programs’ deadlines have already passed. Does anyone know of competitive programs that could fit his profile and are still accepting applications? If few are still accepting applications, what are good programs to look into for next year?

Well, you have to apply to almost all programs but I think you’re thinking about free programs–those are the most selective. And yes, you’re right–I don’t know of many “selective” or “prestigious” programs (not that such labels matter!) that have deadlines after early April, and none after mid-May.</p>

<p>My advice? Have him do some volunteering or local summer school (at a community college, perhaps?) this summer, and make sure to start early–I mean November or December–when looking for programs next year. For him, the summers of 2012 and especially 2013 are the crucial ones. Also recommend that he do two others things:

1. Take the ACT and/or SAT early this fall. Having test scores, which are requested by most programs, is immensely helpful. It also lets one gauge progress and make goals.
2. Have him read, personally, other CC threads. CC has been a boon to me personally. Some of the users are not the brightest, but I’ve found so many wonderfully clueful people here. The advice and discussion by peers cannot be substituted by anything.</p>

<p>I hope you both have fun this summer!</p>