Anonymous wrote:UMd also has a program for HSers. My DD has enjoyed it for the last few summers. We did not so it as a college ap boost but for the reasons listed above. It is hard work though. A kid should not do it if they are not prepared to be studying and writing during the summer. I would think a low grade in a summer class is more of a ding than a high grade being a help.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any suggestions for summer programs that you think might be more worthwhile?

in what way? to enhance a particular interest? to aid in admission?

Good question and my original request was vague.

I would like our rising junior to consider a pre-college summer program for a variety of reasons:

1) explore and deepen her interests and abilities in a particular area.

2) experience living in a college dorm, seeing how she enjoys the freedom and friendships.

3) start the process of discovering what type of college campus she might enjoy: urban, rural, big, etc.

4) live away from home and enjoy some independence.

Those are the priorities. We want her to learn more about herself and her interests. Of course, it would be great if a pre-college program helped in admission. I'm less interested in summer programs at schools that I suspect will be way out of her reach. If she goes to a place like Cornell for the summer and loves it, great - she can apply there. But I don't see the point of her falling in love with Harvard, Stanford, or Yale, as I think she is unlikely to be at all competitive at those colleges.

She does not enjoy math, so many of the free and very competitive summer programs that I have seen thus far would not be a good fit for her. I think she might enjoy taking a course in literature, history, feminist studies, politics, psychology, etc.

Thanks for any ideas!