Our private school admissions office told us summer programs have no bearing on any college admissions. And that getting a job or pursuing a genuine interest would be more fun and useful for kid.

They most definitely do not help with admissions, in 90% of cases
If anything, they can hurt in two ways: they demonstrate privilege, which is a big admissions turnoff, and indicate a preference for the school whose program you attended.
Consider these programs if your DC is the kind of kid who has an insatiable need for enrichment like this. Just for the joy of learning. Or if your DC attends one of the few that are highly regarded (certain writing and Arts programs in particular). Just do not think any of these pay to play programs (which most are) will help with admissions. Don’t even report on the CA that you attended unless the few that are well regarded.
A summer job is always a great idea.
Demonstrate interest in many other ways.
Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:Having worked at a few colleges, OP - I would have to say that in most cases, the summer programs are a way to make money.

If you have the stats, and what the college is looking for, and the college is not too popular, then, maybe......

(PP here) - BUT that "maybe" is slim to none.

Donut hole families can't afford private K-12, expensive extracurriculars, fancy summer programs or school trips abroad. You need to save money for college.

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 $$.

No. Just drain money from your college fund. However, very good experiences so go for it if you are rich or can get aid.

Having worked at a few colleges, OP - I would have to say that in most cases, the summer programs are a way to make money.

If you have the stats, and what the college is looking for, and the college is not too popular, then, maybe......

Anonymous wrote:Any can anyone share their experience with the Brown or Wake Forest summer programs? Or others?

The only thing I can share about Brown from my son's friend who attended last summer is that the dorms and classrooms are not air-conditioned and it was really warm over the summer.

Anonymous wrote:I have no specific info on Barnard but, in general, kid’s college counselor said they were of no help in terms of the specific school. (In other words, “Going to to Harvard summer program does not help chances at Harvard” was the example she used.)

Yes, they appear to be moneymakers, so folks shouldn't assume it is a slam dunk. OTOH, I know two unhooked DCs in at same T10 school. Both attended a well-run summer program and incorporated the experience into their applications. They also went to great lengths to demonstrate interest. And it could have just been luck as it is so often in college admissions.

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!!

Hi there, any chance you might be able to share his experience with the program ? Are the instructors actually Wharton professors ? Does it help with admissions even a tad ?

No

I have no specific info on Barnard but, in general, kid’s college counselor said they were of no help in terms of the specific school. (In other words, “Going to to Harvard summer program does not help chances at Harvard” was the example she used.)

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 $$.

No. Don't waste your money. The only thing it signals to the school is that you have discretionary funds to spend on this luxury good, but she's nothing to improve your chances. Under grad admissions is totally cut off from the summer programs. Those are just money makers for the university

Anonymous wrote:Any can anyone share their experience with the Brown or Wake Forest summer programs? Or others?

I was very disappointed with Brown Summer Online. A master’s candidate, not graduate, taught the course most of which consisted of watching YouTube videos. They touted the class as having the opportunity to listen to all kinds of faculty within the department—not true. It was really expensive. It might be worth it to live physically in the dorms and get to know the campus. I was really soured on the program.

Any can anyone share their experience with the Brown or Wake Forest summer programs? Or others?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Yes. I think there are benefits. But all the info I've found says they generally don't help with admissions. Not everything has to be about admissions, though. I'd really like my kid to go to a college program this summer because he's not really been away from home before. Did not do sleepaway camp, and the last two years were total washes. He was going to go to CTY 2 summers ago and that got cancelled. So he's just done online summer school two summers in a row. I've been doing a lot of research on which programs actually seem to have some merit with colleges + what he wants and will enjoy + what he might get into. He's applying to some math and science programs.

Similar for rising jr. We just think he should have the experience of being away from home before going to college and we think that it may help him do a better job of assessing schools on college visits. We also think that it may help in rule in/rule out potential majors.

We are trying to identify ones that seem at least somewhat selective or at least not run by done outside for profit type entity. I don’t expect any program to help him get into a particular school.

Like another PP, the GMU research program looks great but we want DS to make friends and have fun as well rather than working a 9-5 type job without other same age peers.

Anyone here whose kid has done GMU program comment on their kid's experience?