Many high school students wonder about whether they should attend a summer program on a college campus as a way to gain insights into the collegiate experience, boost their extracurricular activities or to stand out more on their college applications.
For some students, attending a summer college program might be a life-changing experience where they gain real academic knowledge, pursue research opportunities, or grow on a personal level. For others, these summer programs might not be as fulfilling or worth the expense.
How do you know if a summer program would be right for you?
Here are a few of Jenny’s thoughts on the pros and cons of attending a summer college programs to help you assess your needs first. Jenny’s also included a short list of summer programs she recommends.
PROS
Any experience a student has on a college campus before applying to college can be valuable for a variety of reasons. Many summer college programs offer direct exposure to college faculty and researchers. These relationships beyond the high school classroom inevitably inform students with their major choices, help guide them with appropriate colleges they might apply to, and of course, give them insights on what it might actually be like to attend college.
Colleges tend to favor students who have taken the initiative and increased their academic potential outside of the classroom. Depending on the summer college program, this type of academic experience on a college campus could be the deciding factor for an admissions decision down the line.
CONS
On the other hand, when you are considering summer programs, keep in mind that not all programs are crated equal. While some programs are harder to get into than others, many can be cost prohibitive, especially when you take into account any travel expenses on top of tuition. If you are concerned about costs and have found the perfect program, check to see if your program has a scholarship option and don’t be afraid to apply for additional funding.
Although some colleges might appreciate a student who has taken advantage of a summer college program, colleges also want students who are self-starters and forge their own paths, academically and personally. You may find there are other ways to get this valuable experience colleges prefer during the summer, such as pursing meaningful service work or additional leadership in a new area of interest.
Summer Programs to Check Out
John’s Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
Junior State of America
UCLA Summer Program
USC Summer Program
