Benefits of Summer Programs

Last summer offered no in-person programs and few virtual opportunities; however, the summer of 2021 already sees some exciting options opening up. Some well-established summer programs are offering both on-campus courses and online courses. One example of this is Summer@Brown, on the campus of Brown University. Stanford University is now open for summer 2021 enrollment with special advanced online coursework, and the Phillips Academy Summer Session has a hybrid option with both boarding and online opportunities. Columbia University has a wide range of program types, and Barnard, Smith, University of Connecticut, Cornell, Emory and Harvard offer a variety of summer programs.

What do summer programs offer?

• An opportunity to explore or deepen interests and spark new academic passions.

• A much greater understanding of college life in general and better preparation for the ‘home away from home’ time coming up

• Topics and material for students to use in writing vibrant, appealing essays on the college application and in interviews.

Keep in mind that the ‘right’ summer program at a prestigious Ivy League institution will not gain ‘points’ in the student’s college application process; colleges’ admission office and summer programs offices are in NO way connected. The reason behind the selection of a specific program should be an opportunity to demonstrate interest in exploring areas of academic inquiry. In that spirit of exploration, students should not feel bound to complete a STEM program if they are fascinated with the study of Chinese, or embark on a Marine Biology course if they are really yearning to learn how to write poetry. Be ready to write about academic interests on the application and show a desire for knowledge. That is, after all, what colleges are seeking in applicants.