Reply to What is the difference between a good and bad summer program?

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[quote=Anonymous]OP - don't expect any college admissions boosts.

If your child is interested in taking a class they don't have access to via HS, wants to explore an area they might consider for college, or simply just wants to take an extra summer class then these are good options.  Your child will include these as evidence of their interest in a certain subject, an previous exploration they decided to set aside, or simply to show curiosity and love of learning.

Some programs are more expensive than others (and some are VERY expensive).

When we were looking at these programs, DC had specific interests in mind. One program was to "explore" a future major (and they have decided to pursue that as a major/minor) and the other was to take classes in a topic not available in school (and will also pursue that subject as a major/minor).

The final choices were made based on program descriptions and content.  There were different programs available and they were definitely not cookie-cutter in our case; it was easy to see which ones covered more substance in what DC was looking for.  Both offered college credit potential but this was not a factor in DC's choice.  (One give future credit at the school running the program, the offered options to pay for credit via a school that teamed up with the professional organization that runs the program). One deciding factor was the length of the program was and when it happened in the summer.  In the subject area of "potential future major", there were several choices but not TONS - so I guess that helps too.

As for the various comments on CTY above - although this is an expensive option, the residential courses for 7-11th graders are really amazing and often quite unique. Our DC took CTY before HS. The courses were very rich in material, with great teachers, and a nice cohort of classmates. The counselors also were great and created a very unique set of activities for out of class time.  No course or camp has come close to what CTY offered for the 3 summers DC spent in the residential program.

However, you should NOT consider CTY as being affiliated with JHU undergrad.  It is run separately and they hire (very smart) graduate students that have nothing to do with JHU.

DC was not interested in attending CTY after 9th grade, which turned out to be a moot point because COVID canceled it anyway. They also have not expressed interest since (good thing given troubles this year). That said, the experience in those courses are still unique to any HS course, camp, or experience they've had since.

This is all to say, if your child is drawn to a course at CTY that isn't offered somewhere else, and if you can afford it or get FA, then it is still worthwhile to consider.  But in no way would I say this is a place to "start" your search if there are many options.

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