The fact of the matter is that more college admissions officers are starting to pay attention to how high school students spend their summers and not just what they do during school months. The more competitive a university is, the more you need to pad your student profile to stand out from the crowd. So does that mean a college summer program should be on your radar?
The good news is that some summer programs can really impact your profile. However, this isn’t true about just any college summer program. How can you determine what will actually impress an admissions officer?
- Look for programs that are selective and merit-based – A summer program that lets in anyone won’t be as impressive.
- Don’t focus on the price – Some exclusive programs may be expensive, but others are free. So don’t base your decision on price alone.
- The university you are applying to matters – The more elite the university you are trying to get into, the more a summer program will factor in.
On the other hand, there are other things you can do with your summer that will also benefit your profile. For example, you could search for an internship (or any summer job, really), take an online course that provides a certificate, do some volunteer work, etc.
The Support You Need for the College Admissions Process
College Planning Source is here to help you get through the college admissions process. Check out all of our free webinars that can answer many questions students and families have. Then call 858.676.0700 or request your one-on-one assessment online.
