Summer programs can be transformative high school experiences that shape your academic journey, build your resume, and help you discover new passions. From real-world internships to specialized research opportunities, these programs offer fantastic firsthand exposure that will set you apart on college applications. And with rising competition for limited spots, crafting a standout application is more important than ever.
So, how do you make sure you rise to the top of the applicant pool?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create a compelling summer program application that showcases your unique strengths and potential. Whether you’re eyeing a competitive STEM research program, an arts intensive, or a leadership development experience, these strategies will help you present your best self and increase your chances of acceptance.
Why summer programs matter
Are high school summer programs even worth it? Yes!
But before diving into application strategies, let’s understand why these programs are absolutely worth your time and effort. Summer programs offer benefits that extend far beyond just filling your summer calendar and having fun in the sun.
In organized summer programs, you can explore potential college majors and career paths in a low-pressure environment. In one sense, you’re “test-driving” your interest in engineering, creative writing, or international relations—wherever your interest lies—before committing to a college program.
Selective summer programs demonstrate to college admissions offices that you are proactive, intellectually curious, and willing to challenge yourself. They highlight your ability to pursue opportunities beyond standard high school offerings.
Any other benefits?
Certainly—these programs connect you with like-minded peers and mentors who share your interests, allowing you to start assembling your academic and professional networks early. In other words, making memories and friendships! When fostered, these relationships can last well beyond the summer, becoming an integral part of your personal and career paths later in life.
You’ll develop skills—technical abilities, creative techniques, or leadership experience—that translate directly to success in college and beyond.
But to reap these benefits, you first need to get accepted.
Seven tips for applying to summer programs
Tip #1: research & plan early
The most successful summer program applicants begin their planning months before deadlines. Ideally, you should start researching options in the fall or early winter for the following summer.
Begin by defining your goals. Are you looking to deepen knowledge in a specific academic area? Develop a particular skill set? Gain exposure to a potential career path? Having clear objectives will help you identify programs that align with your interests and aspirations.
Next, create a comprehensive list of potential programs.
Types of summer programs to consider:
Understanding the different types of programs can help students refine their applications for the most relevant opportunities.
- academic programs (e.g., MIT RSI, Yale Young Global Scholars, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Programs) – For students interested in exploring advanced coursework or preparing for college-level academics.
- research programs (e.g., Pioneer Academics, Garcia Summer Research, Simons Summer Research) – Provide hands-on experience in STEM and social sciences research.
- internships & career-oriented programs – Real-world work experience in business, law, medicine, or technology fields.
- leadership & civic engagement (e.g., Telluride Association, Boys & Girls State, National Student Leadership Conference) – Develops leadership skills through government, business, and policy-related activities.
- arts & creative programs (e.g., Interlochen Arts Camp, Iowa Young Writers’ Studio) – Allows students to refine skills in creative writing, music, theater, or fine arts.
Don’t know where to look?
Sources might include:
- your school counselor or teachers
- university websites (many colleges host academic summer programs for high school students)
- national databases
- online directories like the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC)
- social media and college forums
- professional organizations in your field of interest
For any program, note the eligibility requirements, application deadlines, required materials, and selection criteria. Create a calendar with all relevant dates to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
Be realistic about your qualifications. While it’s good to aim high, include a mix of reach, target, and safety programs based on your current achievements and the program’s selectivity.
Research goes beyond just finding programs. Take time to understand each program’s focus, curriculum, and values. This knowledge will prove invaluable when tailoring your application materials.
Tip #2: understand selection criteria
Different summer programs look for different qualities in applicants. Understanding what each program values helps you emphasize relevant strengths in your application.
For example, academic programs typically prioritize strong grades in related subjects, teacher recommendations that speak to your intellectual curiosity, and demonstrated interest in the subject matter.
A leadership program might prioritize evidence of initiative, community involvement, and the ability to work well with others. They want to see how you’ve impacted your school or community.
Arts programs generally request portfolios or auditions that showcase your technique and creative potential, along with evidence of your commitment to continue honing your craft.
Research or internship programs seek students who demonstrate analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the desire to collaborate and follow through on projects. Showcasing any prior experience with relevant tools or methodologies would be a plus.
Regardless of program type, selection committees value authenticity, genuine passion, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to their community. These qualities should shine through in all aspects of your application.
Tip #3: craft a compelling personal statement
The personal statement or essay is often your best opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants. This is where you can highlight your personality, passion, and unique perspective.
Start by carefully reviewing the essay prompt. Many programs ask specific questions about your interest in the program, your relevant experiences, or your goals. Answer the prompt directly while weaving in your personal story.
Common summer program essay prompts:
- “Why do you want to attend this program?” In your response, be specific about what gets you excited for this program’s structure, faculty, or focus.
- “Tell us about a challenge you overcame.” Use this to highlight perseverance, problem-solving, or intellectual curiosity.
- “Describe a project or experience that shaped your interests.” As you write, show how past experiences connect to your future goals.
Ready to get writing?
Open with a hook that captures attention. This could be an anecdote that illustrates your passion for the subject, a thought-provoking question, or a vivid description of a formative experience.
Connect your experiences and interests to the program’s focus. Explain not just what you’ve done, but what you’ve learned and how this particular program fits into your larger educational journey.
Be specific about what you hope to gain from the program and what you can contribute. Programs want students who will both benefit from and enhance the experience for others.
A piece of writing advice you might have heard before is “show, don’t tell.” Instead of stating “I am passionate about environmental science,” share the water quality testing project you initiated at a local creek or the hours you’ve spent researching renewable energy solutions. Why was it important to you? Did it change your perspective? How did you feel while conducting the research?
End with a strong conclusion that reinforces your interest and readiness for the program. Bring it full circle to your opening if possible, creating a cohesive narrative.
After drafting your essay, revise for clarity, conciseness, and flow. Ask teachers, parents, or mentors to review it and provide feedback. A fresh perspective can help identify areas for improvement.
Here are some further tips on how to write an engaging college essay that are totally applicable to summer program essays.
Tip #4: secure strong recommendations
Many summer programs require one or more letters of recommendation. These letters serve as references that provide external validation of your abilities and character, making them crucial components of your application.
Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak specifically about your strengths in relation to the program. For academic programs, select teachers in related subjects who have seen you excel. For leadership programs, consider coaches, club advisors, or community leaders who have observed your initiative and interpersonal skills.
You’ll want to approach potential recommenders well in advance of the deadline—at the very least 3-4 weeks, preferably more. Ask in person if possible, and be prepared to explain why you’re interested in the program and why you’ve chosen them specifically as a reference.
Provide your recommenders with the information (or a recommendation packet) they need to write strong letters.
This includes:
- a short, polite email request with the program details and what qualities the program values (and why you’re excited about it)
- your resume or a list of accomplishments and activities (bullet points are fine)
- a summary of your academic/career interests
- specific projects or experiences from their class or organization that you found meaningful
- deadlines and submission instructions
Providing this information makes the process easier for your teacher and leads to a more personalized, detailed letter.
Send a thank-you note after they’ve agreed to write for you, and follow up with a gentle reminder as the deadline approaches. After the process is complete, don’t forget to update them on the outcome of your application.
Tip #5: highlight extracurriculars & achievements
Activities and achievements help paint a picture of who you are beyond grades and test scores. When describing your extracurriculars, focus on quality over quantity.
Rather than listing every activity you’ve participated in, highlight those that demonstrate your commitment, growth, and leadership. Depth of involvement generally impresses more than casting a generic wide net.
Be specific about your role and contributions. Instead of simply stating “Member of Science Club,” describe projects you led, initiatives you started, or specific responsibilities you held.
Quantify your impact when possible. Numbers provide concrete evidence of your accomplishments. For example: “Organized a fundraiser that collected $2,000 for local food banks” or “Recruited 15 new members, increasing club participation by 40%.”
Connect your activities to the program’s focus area when relevant. If you’re applying to a civic engagement program, emphasize your community service work. For a writing program, highlight your contributions to the school newspaper or literary magazine.
What about self-taught activities—do those count?
You bet! Informal activities or self-directed projects can be fantastic extras to highlight. Independent research, learning a programming language on your own, or creating a YouTube channel to teach math concepts can demonstrate initiative and passion.
Remember: unusual or distinctive activities can be a secret weapon that helps you stand out. If you’ve pursued an uncommon interest or taken on a unique project, be sure to highlight it!
Tip #6: be prepared for interviews
Some competitive programs include interviews as part of the selection process. These conversations allow programs to assess your communication skills, enthusiasm, and fit with their community.
Research the program thoroughly before your interview. Understand its mission, curriculum, and unique features. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your genuine interest.
Practice common interview questions with a teacher, parent, or mentor.
Possible questions might include:
- Why are you interested in our program?
- What relevant experience or skills do you bring?
- How does our program fit into your long-term goals?
- What do you hope to contribute to our community?
During the interview, be authentic and engaged. Make eye contact, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully. It’s okay to pause briefly to collect your thoughts before answering.
Share specific examples that illustrate your strengths and experiences. Personal stories make your answers more memorable and convincing.
Express enthusiasm for the program without seeming desperate or insincere. If you can show your genuine interest and eagerness to learn the subject matter, you’ll make a positive impression.
After the interview, follow up with a brief thank-you email within 24 hours to reiterate your interest in the program and express sincere appreciation for the interviewer’s time.
Tip #7: review your entire application
As you prepare to submit your application, attention to detail is crucial. Avoid making simple errors or omissions that can undermine what is otherwise a strong application.
Create a checklist of all required materials and review it carefully before submission.
Here’s a list of common requirements:
- Application form
- Personal statement or essays
- Transcript
- Test scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Portfolio or work samples (for arts programs)
- Financial aid forms (if applicable)
Proofread everything multiple times, checking for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. We strongly suggest asking someone to review your materials as well—fresh eyes often catch mistakes you’ve overlooked. Consider a trusted teacher, mentor, or school counselor.
After ensuring your entire application is in tip-top shape, it’s time to hit send. Submit your application well before the deadline if possible. Last-minute technical issues or unexpected delays can derail even the most carefully prepared application.
But wait! Keep copies of all submitted materials for your records. If questions arise about your application, you’ll be prepared to address them promptly.
I’ve submitted my application—now what?
Once you’ve sent everything in, the waiting game begins. Use this time productively rather than anxiously checking your inbox.
First and foremost, continue excelling in your current academic and extracurricular commitments. Some programs request mid-year updates when conducting final transcript reviews.
You’ll also want to consider your finances and make any preparations for gaining acceptance. You could research scholarship opportunities, payment plans, or fundraising options if the summer program costs are a concern.
If waitlisted, send a brief letter reaffirming your interest and update the program on any new achievements or experiences since sending in your initial application.
Regardless of getting accepted or not, remember to reflect on the application process, so you can be even stronger the next time around. What went well? What would you do differently going forward? Setting aside time for reflection is an opportunity to gain insights that will help you be a stronger candidate in the future.
Finally, if you’re accepted, respond promptly and complete any required follow-up steps. If you aren’t accepted, it’s normal to feel discouraged, but don’t let it demotivate you. Instead, use any feedback to continue strengthening your profile for future applications. Summer programs, college admissions, even some professional tracks involve a similarly comprehensive application process—you’ll gain valuable experiences for future opportunities.
Review: what to do while waiting for a decision
- Follow up on recommendations: if your teacher hasn’t submitted your letter, send a gentle reminder
- Check your email regularly: some programs request additional materials or invite you for interviews
- Keep improving your profile: if rejected, you’ll be a stronger candidate next year with more experience!
A proactive approach ensures you’re always moving forward, even if you don’t get your first choice.
Conclusion: your summer awaits
Securing a spot in a competitive summer program requires thoughtful preparation, authentic self-presentation, and attention to detail. By starting early, understanding selection criteria, collecting strong application materials, and showcasing your unique strengths, you can maximize your chances of acceptance.
As you plan your summers, remember:
- Start researching programs in fall/winter to stay ahead.
- Tailor essays to highlight your authentic interests and skills.
- Ask teachers for recommendations well in advance.
- Prepare for possible interviews with detailed responses.
- Apply to multiple programs to increase acceptance chances.
No matter what happens, remember that the application process itself provides immense value. The skills you develop—self-reflection, persuasive writing, interview preparation—will serve you well later in college applications and everything after.
Needing extra help?
At Empowerly, our large team of experts supports students in everything from essay writing to sourcing extracurricular programs (check out our Research Scholar Program and Startup Internship Program) and from test prep to reviewing college applications. We even have a research team where students can ask questions and seek support in finding summer programs and scholarship opportunities. If this sounds like a great fit for you, schedule an intro call and we can start strategizing ways to improve your applicant profile.
