Welcome! When applying to college, admissions officers consider how a student spent their summers.
The good news? There’s no magic bullet or single answer for how a student has to spend their summer. The important thing is that something gets done.
One of the choices that many parents make is to send their children to a formal summer program. The thought is that these programs are structured, offer educational opportunities, and may even offer some college credit that students can use. But summer programs are not all the same.
Part 1: What is a summer program?
A summer program is any set of formal activities geared toward students, predominately focused on academic endeavors. They typically fall into one of the following categories:
Academic interest (e.g., coding camp)
Athletic camps (e.g., tennis camp)
College simulation (e.g., Governor’s School Summer Programs)
Foreign studies (e.g., study abroad)
Non-Academic interest (e.g., high school community service programs)
Each of these programs is typically designed to expose or enhance a student’s understanding in one of these areas.
Typically, the summer program is structured as follows:
Student pays (or receives financial aid in some cases) to attend the program
Program takes place over a fixed amount of time (could be a few days or could be several weeks)
Program may be offsite or a day camp
Typically culminates in some way (e.g., a presentation, completion of a class, etc.)
Usually involves interaction with other students of similar ages and interests
Part 2: Why do a summer program?
A summer program is a formalized way to show a student’s interest or focus on a particular interest. Every college application will include some reference to extracurricular activities that the student engaged in, and summer programs are great ways to add to that list.
One of the most common questions: is a summer program worth it?
It depends.
To know if a summer program is worth it, you have to be clear on the purpose it serves.
The best summer programs will do the following:
Hone or enhance a given interest area
Expose students to a college-like environment, preferably away from home
Surround a student with like-minded individuals to connect with
First and foremost, a summer program needs to enhance your college application. How it enhances the application is up to you. For example, a summer program that involves study abroad will look very differently to two different applicants:
Applicant A studies French in school and does a summer program in Morocco, demonstrating fluency in French - this makes sense.
Applicant B does a summer program in Spain, but does it just to go to Spain - this will not enhance the resume or application on its own.
Secondly, you want to use a summer program to get a sense for a college. For example, a summer program at Columbia University will very quickly show you whether you want to live in New York City. If the city feels too large, you may realize you need a different environment. You can only get these types of experiences in summer programs. Even a college visit will not provide that exact same feeling because what may feel intimidating on Day 1 may not feel intimidating by Day 10.
Finally, you get an opportunity to meet like-minded students. Here’s why that matters: college is as much a social endeavor as it is an academic one. You want to have the opportunity to meet people and befriend them, much the way you would in college. But beyond that, meeting people from different backgrounds with different interests gives you an opportunity to learn more about yourself, and even be exposed to different opportunities. We cannot stress enough how many students go to summer programs and come back with new ideas of what they want to study or do with their lives.
Part 3: When is a summer program not worth it?
Summer programs almost always cost money, so you need to be sure that you are getting something out of the program.
In our experience, any program can be useful, as long as you are clear on why this program makes sense for YOU.
But in general, avoid the following:
Programs that offer college credit for cash - the college credits may not always transfer, and you often sacrifice on the academic front for something that can is more suitable for the masses
Paid programs with no clear academic or interest connection - you do not want to be a part of a program that is not going to enhance your academic story. Volunteering is good, but you do not need a summer program to volunteer, especially one where you have to pay out of pocket for the opportunity.
Programs offering you an “inside track” to specific college or job outcomes - these programs are often scams and you should beware of them
Part 4: Conclusion
Summer programs are very useful for students to enhance their college resumes, but they need to be tailored to fit your unique story.
Harvard summer school is a good program, but if it does not fit what you want to do, you are better of not doing it.
When evaluating summer programs, here is a list of questions to ask:
Is there an application process?
When is the application due?
How much does it cost?
How long is the program?
What will my son/daughter get out of this? How does this directly influence your admissions?
If you can answer these questions and feel confident, then the program may be useful to you and enhance your child’s chances in getting accepted.