As a parent of a college-bound student, you’re likely aware that summer offers a valuable opportunity for your child’s growth and development. Drawing from my experience as the former director of the Leadership in the Business World pre-college program at The Wharton School, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the right summer program can profoundly impact a student’s development and strengthen their college applications .
While there’s no direct correlation between participation in these programs and university admission, the benefits extend far beyond a line on a resume. These experiences foster lifelong friendships and provide crucial insights into your child’s academic and career interests, often bringing clarity to their future college and career choices at a critical decision-making time .
Understanding Your Child’s Academic Trajectory
The most valuable summer programs deepen your child’s commitment to academics in subjects relevant to their intended field of study. If your student has expressed interest in a discipline they haven’t been able to explore in high school—such as anthropology, neuroscience, or international relations—a structured summer experience can fill this gap meaningfully .
When considering credit-bearing programs, remember that colleges will require all transcripts, including those from summer courses. This creates an opportunity for your child to demonstrate their academic capabilities, but also means they should be prepared for the rigor these programs demand .
Building A Well-Rounded Profile
As you guide your child through program options, look for experiences that align with their interests while encouraging personal and leadership growth. Project-based learning environments can enhance collaborative skills and practical knowledge application in ways traditional classrooms rarely offer .
Many parents find that encouraging their teens to pursue hospital volunteering provides valuable insight into healthcare professions while demonstrating commitment to service. Others have seen tremendous growth when their children take on paid employment, which develops personal responsibility and accountability—qualities highly valued by admissions officers. If your child shows academic promise, research opportunities with faculty mentors can be particularly transformative, allowing them to explore interests at a depth rarely available in high school .
Nurturing Intellectual Curiosity
Selective colleges consistently seek students who demonstrate intellectual vitality—a genuine enthusiasm for learning that extends beyond grade-seeking behavior. The best summer programs nurture this quality by engaging students with subjects that ignite their passion and encouraging exploration beyond prescribed curricula .
As a parent, you can identify programs that will foster this intellectual curiosity by looking for opportunities that challenge your child while aligning with their interests. Programs like the Research Science Institute at MIT exemplify this approach, offering immersive experiences that expand academic horizons while connecting students with like-minded peers.
Navigating Program Types With Your Teen
When exploring options with your child, you’ll encounter three main categories of summer programs. College-sponsored programs, often led by professors from the institution, provide valuable exposure to campus life and academic expectations. Private school programs typically offer structured academic experiences with excellent resources, while specialist programs created by educational companies focus on specific experiences designed to develop particular skills or interests .
Online programs have become increasingly sophisticated and typically cost significantly less than in-person options since they don’t include room and board expenses. This accessibility has made quality summer experiences available to more families, regardless of geographic or financial constraints .
Making Decisions Together
The most successful approach to summer program selection involves genuine collaboration with your teen. Begin by exploring their specific interests—whether music production, ceramics, aerospace engineering, or astronomy—and use these as starting points in your search .
As a parent, you might be drawn to prestigious names or impressive-sounding opportunities, but be wary of costly “pay-to-play” programs that promise prestige without substantive experiences. Instead, focus on programs offering significant learning and growth opportunities with meaningful academic rigor.
Consider pre-college programs at institutions your child might want to attend, as these can provide valuable insight into campus culture and academic expectations. When evaluating options together, look beyond flashy marketing to assess program length, cost, and academic focus.
Supporting Long-Term Success
Remember that the most valuable summer experiences will help fill gaps in your child’s college application while providing opportunities for them to articulate their academic and career interests with greater clarity and conviction . This clarity often becomes invaluable during the college application process, particularly when writing personal statements and interviewing.
As you guide your child through this decision-making process, consider how each opportunity might contribute to their growth not just as an applicant, but as a person. The right summer program can be truly transformative, providing your teen with clearer understanding of their academic and career aspirations while developing skills that will serve them throughout college and beyond .
By approaching summer program selection with intentionality and strategic thinking, you help your child develop a compelling, personalized narrative about their academic journey. This authentic story will both strengthen their college applications and set them on a trajectory for future success built on genuine interest and meaningful engagement—perhaps the greatest gift you can offer as they prepare for their next chapter.