<p>I know most of the competitive summer programs are closed for application and I missed them since I was informed too late. I want to get into a top-tier college and need to do something impressive over the summer. Now, what is more impressive, going to a summer program like SSP or a college sponsored program. Or going to Korea and teaching English to kids. I was already planning to go to Korea because it’s the only time I get to see my relatives and it’s going to be my grandmother’s 70th birthday. If I do teach kids, it will most likely be little kids and I am bilingual so it will not be difficult. Which option would be best for colleges? Thanks for all the responses.</p>
<p>kimisizer, you don’t attend a college program because it “helps you get into college”. It is very easy for universities to spot that trend and hence reject you. I think you have to ask yourself: “what would I like to do?” and then go from there. If you’re into math/science, then apply to some research programs such as Clark Scholars, HSHSP, SSTS ,etc. If you’re into the humanities, then teaching in Korea is not a bad option (it won’t impress the admission officers, but it will show consistency if you have always been interested in a similar area). If you feel like your school’s courses are not challenging enough, then feel free to take college classes. Don’t do it to pad your resume. It will become very obvious to colleges. Do it because it’s what you ENJOY.</p>
<p>I agree with iceui2. To add on to what he/she said, colleges will understand if you go to Korea. They understand that spending time with your family is very important to you, and if anything, it gives them more insight into your personality and values. Given that, I think they’ll be pleased to see that you not only spent time in Korea with family, but you also did something productive and meaningful like teaching kids. Also, this is your grandmother you’re talking about. How much time do you get to spend with her? How many chances do you get to travel to Korea and see her?</p>
<p>I am not doing this to simply impress colleges; I am equally interested in teaching kids as I am attending a science summer program (SSP). I already applied to Columbia SHP and am looking for more stuff. I’m just wondering if colleges will look at both options equally or if one is better. The science programs I’m talking about are the competitive ones (SSP/ Clark). If I get accepted into one, should I go or travel to Korea?</p>
<p>Also I am a junior so this is my last summer to make an impression and I have not done any summer programs.</p>
<p>Do what you enjoy. Do you like teaching kids more or conducting research more? Will you get more out of kids or science?</p>
<p>But if I were you and I got into Clark Scholars, I would totally go.</p>