Drawing from my experience as the former Director of the Leadership in the Business World pre-college program at The Wharton School, I understand the profound impact that a well-chosen summer program can have on a student’s development and college applications. While there’s no direct correlation between participation in these programs and university admission, the benefits are undeniable. These programs offer more than just academic enrichment; they foster lifelong friendships and provide crucial insights into a student’s academic and career interests.
One of the most significant outcomes of these programs is the clarity they offer students regarding their future college and career choices. In my years of reading admissions applications and through my college counseling practice, I’ve seen many students struggle to articulate why they want to pursue a certain major or career. Often, their reasons are centered around the perceived prestige of a field, lacking personal depth. An intentionally-selected summer experience can fill gaps in a student’s college application. By allowing students to explore academic options, bolster their extracurriculars, and boost their intellectual vitality, the right summer experience enables students to articulate compelling, personalized reasons for their academic and career paths.
Boost Academic Performance
A summer program should extend beyond surface-level engagement and genuinely deepen a student’s commitment to academic in a subject that is relevant to their intended field of study. For example, if a student wants to pursue an Anthropology major but has not been able to pursue anthropologic coursework, pursuing a structured campus-based experience, ideally for credit, can make for a compelling asset to the student’s profile. A caution to pursuing a campus-based, for-credit program means that the student has pressure to do very well in this program given that college admissions will require all transcripts, including of credit-bearing summer programs.
Enrich The Extracurricular Profile
Extracurricular activities are essential in shaping a well-rounded individual. Ideal summer programs should provide opportunities that align with a student’s interests and push them towards personal and leadership growth. For instance, Beaverworks at MIT offers project-based learning, which enhances collaborative and practical skills. In addition, students can pursue deep and meaningful volunteer experiences such as hospital volunteering. Another great way to enrich the extracurricular profile is by getting a paying job as it will support the student in developing a stronger sense of personal responsibility and mutual accountability.
Foster Intellectual Vitality
Intellectual vitality, a critical element in college admissions, is nurtured when students engage deeply with subjects they are passionate about. Summer programs should stimulate this passion and encourage exploration and creativity. This aspect is vital for students to develop a genuine love for learning and a curiosity that goes beyond the classroom. Programs like the Research Science Institute at MIT exemplify this, offering immersive experiences in STEM that challenge and expand students’ academic horizons.
The Pitfalls Of ‘Pay-to-Play’ Programs
It’s important to approach ‘pay-to-play’ programs with caution. These often costly programs may not provide the depth of experience necessary to truly enhance a student’s profile. Rather, they are a source of edutainment and may distract the student (and family) from focusing on more meaningful summer experiences. Students and families should keep their focus on opportunities that offer substantive learning and growth opportunities.
Making the Right Choice
The choice of summer experience should be a strategic one, aimed at enhancing a student’s academic strength, extracurricular profile, and intellectual vitality. This choice is a significant inflection point in the college admissions process and should be approached with careful consideration.
The right summer program can be a transformative experience, providing students with a clearer understanding of their academic and career aspirations. As educators and parents, guiding students towards programs that genuinely enrich their profile and align with their interests is pivotal in preparing them for college and beyond.