They don't necessarily help with an admission. But there are so many benefits. I did one. I made lifelong friends, enjoyed the rigorous classes, loved living on a college campus, made connections with professors, etc.

Everything I've read says that most do not help if they are "pay to play," meaning that it's not hard to get into them if you have the money. I would say that if a kid has a really intense desire to go to a specific school or type of school, it couldn't hurt because at least it gives the kid a chance to really be involved in the campus. But even a program like the Yale Global Scholars Program, which I think IS competitive and is considered sort of prestigious is not getting your kid into Yale.

If you look at places like college confidential or the insane applyingtocollege subreddit on Reddit, you will see lists of programs that supposedly do help with college admissions. A lot of the ones listed are in math and STEM but there are a few that are in the humanities.

There are also numerous programs involving research that look good. A lot of them are free. Some aren't, but they are known as being selective. My kid is applying to a few of the math/science ones this summer. We will see if he gets in. But I decided against having him apply to some of the other college programs that were really just expensive because he's not interested in any particular college.

We looked at the George Mason research program, which is basically where the student does research ALL summer--literally ALL summer from 9-5. That would probably look good, but I decided I didn't want my kid to spend all summer doing work to go back to school and do more work. Some students might really love that.

Any summer programs to recommend that do help?

I don’t think they help at all at a particular school but if the program is in marine biology or whatever and the application makes the case that you have an abiding interest in marine biology I think it can be a minor positive, the same as volunteering in something related to marine biology. But that would be at any school not the school where the kid did the program in particular.

Anonymous wrote:Cash cow targeting desperate suckers…….complete scam.

^^ this

Anonymous wrote:Friends dd did a summer program at Cornell, which was her first choice school and received an A in the class. Applied ED that fall and was flat denied.

My nephew did a summer program at Cornell, applied later and got in.

The general opinion among professionals is that they do not help, and can in fact harm if the program is pricey. They will tell you that pursuing a real passion or working a regular job is much more beneficial.

I realize this goes against instincts but that is what I have learned.

My personal and unsupported opinion is that they do not help influence admissions people at competitive colleges at all but they can help the aspirant decide if a campus is worth using an ED slot. However I do feel a regular job is both better and obviously has financial benefit rather than expense.

YMMV as always.

My niece - top private hs - excellent stats - did two summers in a PIP program of her dream school. No dice.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it helps show interest in the school.

But she’s applying ED so DI is already proven. I’d try to do something more creative next summer.

Very good point, assuming the decision to apply ED remains solid.

Anonymous wrote:I think it helps show interest in the school.

But she’s applying ED so DI is already proven. I’d try to do something more creative next summer.

Anonymous wrote:My junior is passionately interested in Barnard. Would like to ED next year. It's 150% her first choice. She wants to attend a woman's college.
She's a top student at a top DC private so her chances are probably as decent as they can be (but still very much a lotto).
Would it help her application at all to do a summer program there? They have a 7 week pre-baccalaureate program (for college credit with Barnard faculty) but it is $$.

Yes! Barnard’s summer program is one of the few that actually do help with admissions.

Great luck to your daughter! Barnard is a great school.

Anonymous wrote:It can help in writing a good essay if Barnard has a prompt asking why Barnard as part of the supplemental essays. My son did the Leadership in the Business World program at Penn and it really helped him write a good why Penn essay. Good luck yo your daughter!!

I was going to respond similarly.

It can help in writing a good essay if Barnard has a prompt asking why Barnard as part of the supplemental essays. My son did the Leadership in the Business World program at Penn and it really helped him write a good why Penn essay. Good luck yo your daughter!!

I don’t think it could hurt if your DD would enjoy the summer program. But I thought they were cash cows for the schools. There are plenty of worthwhile summer activities and programs out there. I highly highly doubt they provide and edge though.

Friends dd did a summer program at Cornell, which was her first choice school and received an A in the class. Applied ED that fall and was flat denied.