Summer Programs for High School
High school summer programs for college admissions? Indeed, it’s a big area of focus for our students—all the way up to the senior year. Staying engaged in learning at Harvard summer camps, for instance, demonstrates that a student is quite accomplished in their field. After all, your summer application is like a test run of your college applications. Like for university, the process to attend these Ivy League summer programs begins with honing in on a passion and culminates in pursuing it full-time (in this case, at immersive competitive summer camps). Alongside the intellectual stimulation, students learn valuable skills of time management, independence, and accountability. Reflecting on the experience and personal growth is a key part of the iterative process here at Empowerly.
Having seen thousands of summer programs for high school students, our expert counselors know how to get into competitive summer programs. We also know that students who actively pursue interests (regardless if they actually end up focusing on that field) end up doing very well—and even more importantly, learning more quickly who they are as a person.
However, the deadlines are fast approaching. We recommend starting this process in December at the latest! There’s no time to waste.
So how do I find summer programs?
While you might be initially drawn to the idea of Ivy League summer programs’ prestige and exclusivity, the campus matters less than the actual structure. Certain variables will help you narrow down the field. While there are many different types of summer programs, the main categories include competitive, paid, and local. We see these three as the primary buckets that most programs fall into. Let’s talk about each one, and college admissions officers evaluate their input to your application.
1. Competitive
Competitive summer programs like some of those at Stanford require a full application… and sometimes even an interview! MIT LAUNCH is another example of a competitive summer program. These exclusive camps often take place at top college campuses with world-class resources available but are quite demanding in return. For students of Empowerly, we can compile a tailored list of the best opportunities and resources to apply, which increases your odds of acceptance. Another helpful note is that while competitive programs may charge tuition, many are also free or offer financial aid. The main criteria to filter students are your dedication to the topic and proven aptitude and thirst for knowledge. Academic merit and teacher recommendations go a long way with these summer programs for exceptional high school students.
2. Paid
If you’re struggling with how to get into summer camps, consider a more reliable pathway. Paid summer camps, like ID Tech, and paid summer classes, like Harvard Summer School, primarily filter student candidates by cost. That means there is up-front tuition, in exchange for a less rigorous selection process of applicants who pay in full. These opportunities are often still very good-quality experiences and expose students to various fields with like-minded peers. It’s true, college admissions officers view these as less competitive than others, but nonetheless respected. Weigh the potential value of attending to determine your budget for extracurricular experiences on a college campus. In addition, many of our students appreciate that Harvard summer camps and programs of that tier offer an especially wide variety of subjects to study.
3. Local
Local summer programs are usually provided by local companies which students know firsthand from their communities. Typically, these are larger companies like biotech firms, technology companies, or financial services. Additionally, they usually have formal programs for 11th and 12th-grade students. Not only are these experiences usually free, but sometimes, they even offer internship credit! Keep in mind that finding these local summer programs for high school students may require steady research and networking to get your foot in the door.
How can I prepare?
Write
There is almost always a written component to your summer applications. Whether a cover letter, letter of intent, or just a regular “statement of purpose” essay, readers see writing as central to their application. Your writing should be clear, succinct, and insightful. If personal writing intimidates you, don’t fear. Empowerly has developed specific tools to help students write and prepare for summer programs. Our Ivy League and Stanford editors return essay edits within 24 hours and have helped thousands of students through this process!
Research
You should also do research on what kind of attributes the program looks for in student candidates (by reading the “About” page, for example). Seek to understand the kind of attributes the program wants to cultivate. Knowing whether you are a good fit for the program will help you decide your eligibility.
What’s more, research will help you put together your timeline of due dates. When applying to more than one program and juggling other responsibilities, planning is your friend. Another good way to handle the research is to contact the Empowerly research team! We have a highly-educated, experienced staff that will return information requests like this within 3 days, with evidence and data-backed responses to help you decode your next step.
Apply shrewdly
Finally, to find the best possible summer programs in your area, the Empowerly Portal has a whole Opportunities Database where you can start your search. Working with a personal counselor who knows your academic and personal goals will help you prioritize what matters and make the most of your time. That means you can skip the endless scrolling through Google, or even Facebook, just to apply to the same programs to which your friends are applying. Instead, focus on finding the right program that will help YOU thrive, expand your skill set, and broaden your intellectual and social horizons.
Ready to take the plunge?
From figuring out how to finance your summer, to decide what kind of program and subject would be the most beneficial to your student’s growth, there’s a lot to think about.
So, if you want to get support feel free to book a complimentary consultation with one of our enrollment team members to discuss whether Empowerly would be right for your summer search. We believe in you!
