Looking for something to do this summer? Below you will find both generic lists of opportunities that are ongoing as well as specific "limited time offer" events. Whatever you choose to do, make sure that it is something that means something to YOU...not your parents, friends, or relatives. Since summer is supposed to be your time to relax, whatever you choose to do should be something that truly inspires, motivates, and interests you. If you are thinking of using your summer experience "to look better on a college application," think again. Colleges value students who are individuals...who do things because they have a genuine interest in them, not because they expect to be rewarded. If you do something this summer and have become clearer about what you hope to be in life, or are in some way a better person, you will have done it for the right reason. If you decide to eventually mention it in your college application as an "extracurricular activity," just remember that the spaces on the application are limited and that the colleges expect whatever you put in those spaces to represent activities that are genuinely important to you. While activities such as Johns Hopkins and Stanford summer programs may sound impressive, they are not uncommon or unique. Before you start clicking on the "summer links," read Stanford's "summer session" statement:
Would attending Stanford’s Summer Session before the senior year improve one’s chances for freshman admission? Not in terms of signifying added interest in Stanford. But what taking enrichment and advanced courses might do, wherever they are taken, is indicate to us your enthusiasm for a subject area, or your excitement about discovery. The fact that you are taking summer or enrichment programs is not in and of itself the value-add to your application; it is what you take from that experience, how you share that experience with us through your essays, and how that experience has enhanced your intellectual life that is of importance.
Cool links:
Making the Most of Your Summer (article by Dave Berry)
Value of summer Programs (from "ask the Dean")
Will On-Campus Summer Program Boost Admission Odds?
Now that you have educated yourself about the value of summer programs, and how to best make use of your time, here are some useful links:
Generic:
Peterson's Guide to Summer Programs
