We found that doing one of these summer courses at Cambridge where the academic staff of that same university actually taught the course, was a direct benefit in terms of admissions. The dept knew its applicant. I have no idea if that would even be possible in the USA.

But like a poster already said. Applying for and completing a college level course away from home at your college of interest can't hurt. You would be smart to mention it in the application, obviously.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pre college programs are great for getting kids interested in the college experience. Just remember that they are largely insignificant in the college admissions process.

Who the hell are you and what do you know about it? I would guess you know zero, in reality.

Wow. Defensive much?
I am a parent, who has now toured over 15 colleges with my senior. Many of these colleges have popular pre-college programs (UVA, Georgetown, Brown, JHU, etc) and parents asked in the information sessions if participating in these programs provided an edge in admissions. The answer was always no, the admissions office doesn't know who participated and doesn't give weight to students who participated in such summer programs. They are intended for exposure and fun (and moneymaking). Most of these programs cost over $5k and have relatively low admissions standards

On the flip side, there are some exceptional and very hard to get into summer programs that do look good, but they are generally only taking the kids with 4.0s and 1500+ on the SAT.

Do some research.

Anonymous wrote:Pre college programs are great for getting kids interested in the college experience. Just remember that they are largely insignificant in the college admissions process.

Showing the initiative to go out and do a college level class (and living away from home etc.) would certainly do more for a college application than indicating that you spent your summer playing video games and uploading selfies. But I don't think anyone is under the delusion that you go for a 3 week program and then suddenly, Harvard opens up to your 3.3 GPA student.....

Pre college programs are great for getting kids interested in the college experience. Just remember that they are largely insignificant in the college admissions process.

Anonymous wrote:William and Mary has a program in American history. Kids spend a lot of time at historical sites in the Williamsburg area and less time in lectures. May or may not be what you are looking for. My DC benefited from experience of being away from home, writing assignments, and had a great time socially.

My DC also did this program, had a great time and got him excited about going to college.

My son did one in CA and it was the best thing we could have done. He had a lot of anxiety about college and this quelled it. He did a program at USC.

William and Mary has a program in American history. Kids spend a lot of time at historical sites in the Williamsburg area and less time in lectures. May or may not be what you are looking for. My DC benefited from experience of being away from home, writing assignments, and had a great time socially.

Another vote for UMd Young Scholars. There are lots of fancier programs out there but YS gets the job (3 credits living on campus) done for about $3500.

Hey, check out Columbia University's Summer Program!

Anonymous wrote:UMD COllege Park Young Scholars

My son did this one before junior year. Good experience. And not a big travel deal.

GW has an established program - residential or commuter. Residential is a better college experience, overall. It's 2 weeks and the intervening weekend.

UMD COllege Park Young Scholars

Barnard runs a variety of summer programs for high school students.

My DS had fun at U Rochester.

For a variety of reasons, I think a "pre college" 3-4 week program would be good for my will-be a rising junior next summer. I mentioned it to her and she loves the idea. Looking for something "challenging yet fun" at a good school. She would particularly like history, poli sci or maybe even something like a philosophy course. Any recommendations and/or experiences?