Summer College Courses for High School Student?
I am planning on applying to some Summer Courses at a few very prestigious universities, such as Brown, Georgetown, Cornell…etc. However my parents are a bit worried about shelling out 2-3 thousand dollars for a 1-2 week course. So my question is whether a Summer course at a high ranking university really makes that much of an impact on your application, does it really make you stand out and is it really worth it? If not, then is taking courses at my local community college just as good?
It seems as though a lot of people think that an Ivy-League Summer School is worthless, or at least unimportant, but this simply isn’t true. People also say that they are easy to get into. While it may not be as nail-biting an experience as applying to the actual university, getting admitted is not a simple task. The acceptance rate is around 50%, which sounds great, but again, you’re competing with some very intelligent people. Generally speaking, people with PSAT scores in the highest three percentiles have a really decent chance, so long as their grades match and they have a decent letter of rec.
The program will only make an impact if you do well in it. It shows you are motivated, have a love of learning, and (if you apply to the same school you attended for Summer School) are enthusiastic about that particular school. Also, almost all of the Summer School programs include college seminars, mock interviews, etc., to help prepare you for the college admission process. I guess you could say it helps you in a tangible (grade) and intangible (experience) way. Also, they give you college credit which is always a plus.
As to taking community college classes, I would say that most Ivy Leagues aren’t overally impressed with them. For instance, if you choose Harvard, which I chose, this is the scenario: Harvard has a fierce pride in itself, and they think they provide the best summer school. Hence, they will almost always give your app. at least a second look if you did well in the summer program.
Basically, it gives you an edge, in the same way that being a class officer or student council member does. It adds a dimension to you that the admissions officers may otherwise never see. However, if you have terrible grades etc., summer school won’t help you too much.
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