How to Get Into Top Summer Programs for 2027
Daniel MarkHow to Get Into Top Summer Programs for 2027
Most families think a prestigious summer program name is what impresses admissions officers. It's not — and chasing the wrong programs can actually hurt an application. Former Brown admissions officer Daniel reveals what selective summer programs actually signal to readers, and how to choose (or build) a summer that strengthens your student's story instead of just padding a resume.
Speaker Info
Daniel Mark
Daniel M. brings five years of experience in undergraduate admissions to Empowerly. Most recently, he served as a Senior Admissions Officer at Brown University. Before his time at Brown, Daniel was an Assistant Director of Admissions at Connecticut College, where he earned his B.A. in Economics. Over the past five years, Daniel has reviewed over 5,000 college applications, interviewed hundreds of prospective students, and played a key role in more than 50 admission committees. He has evaluated applicants from across the country, representing a variety of school systems and academic interests, including Computer Science, Engineering, the Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Visual Arts.
Additionally, Daniel has made decisions on students applying to Brown’s BS/MD program (PLME), recruited athletes, and those pursuing the Brown/RISD dual degree program. Throughout his time in admissions, Daniel has had one-on-one conversations with prospective students about building competitive application profiles. He’s also volunteered as a college counselor, where he’s reviewed essays, helped students build college lists, and educated students on standardized testing. What excites him the most about college counseling is the chance to build genuine relationships with students and serve as a supportive guide during this pivotal time in their lives.
About this Webinar
Most families think a prestigious summer program name is what impresses admissions officers. It's not, and chasing the wrong programs can actually work against strong students. Join Daniel, a former admissions officer at Brown, for a candid look at what selective summer programs actually signal to a reader and where families waste time and money chasing the wrong ones. You'll learn how admissions officers actually evaluate summer activities, why a $10,000 pre-college program often reads no better than a self-directed project, and how to choose or design a summer experience that reinforces the story your student is already telling. Whether your student hasn't planned their summer yet or already has offers in hand, this session will help you make the choice that actually moves the needle.
In this webinar, you'll learn:
- What "Prestigious" Actually Signals: A big-name program logo doesn't carry the weight families think it does. Ben breaks down what readers really look for in a summer activity, and it's rarely the brand.
- The Expensive Program Trap: Paying for access isn't the same as building depth. Learn why self-directed or lower-cost summers often outperform costly "pre-college" programs on an application.
- Making It Fit the Story: The best summer activities connect to something bigger in a student's narrative. Get a framework for choosing a summer that strengthens — not distracts from — their overall application.