Most universities offer high schoolers the opportunity to study on campus over the summer. Typically via weeks or months-long residential programs, younger students are given the opportunity to play at being college students, walking across the quad to their advanced level courses as any other student would do during the school year.
This is debatably their intended purpose. Publically, most colleges maintain that their prestigious-sounding summer programs are meant to give high schoolers a taste of the college experience. They eat in the dining halls, sleep in the dorms, and most importantly take the kind of challenging academic courses that they’d encounter as a matriculated student. It’s a learning experience.
This opportunity may seem like a dream for most students, particularly those that may feel understimulated or underwhelmed by the standard high school course load. There are definite advantages to exposing high schoolers to other subjects, greater challenges, and areas of study that break the boundaries of their current learning environment. Most high schools don’t offer classes in global health, film studies, journalism, modern art, or public policy and a summer program is a perfect opportunity for your student to explore those subjects.
Moreover, accepted students are treated like Scholars and not merely Campers. A summer spent at a big-name university with like-minded peers may be what a student needs to really spark their interest in something and propel them into their college career.
However, although this may seem like a great investment for high schoolers that are eager for that next chapter of their academic career, there are some misperceptions and setbacks to these programs that parents need to be aware of.
Pay-To-Play
First, the majority of these programs are outright expensive. Even for those with the means, there is an undeniable cost. With a price tag anywhere between $3,000 and 7,000 (more if you include travel, board, food, and other expenses), families are basically paying college tuition.
While some may be willing to see this as a chunk of change well spent, the amount of money most summer programs charge changes the dynamic and diversity of the programs themselves. The high cost of admission creates a “pay-to-play” scenario, meaning only those with means can participate and are basically paying for the privilege to do so. Everyone else regardless of talent is left out.
No Guarantees
Families should also be aware that most of these programs, while educational in nature, are still for profit. They exist to make money. Moreover, not every program is organized by the host institution. Some are run by companies that are simply renting classroom/dorm space while relying on the sway of a big name to attract participants.
Those programs that are run by the universities in question maintain that no preference is given to summer program attendees. Participation in a summer course on their campus only shows an admissions committee that the applicant had an early interest in a subject. They do not guarantee entry or preference.
The way most colleges see it, the main advantage of these programs is social experience and academic growth. Your child will graduate from their summer program with some new friends and a rudimentary understanding of advanced chemistry. They may be a stronger student and a more confident person, but they will not have earned themselves a spot at that institution.
So what’s the point of attending a summer program if it won’t help with admissions? With competition steeper than ever and students having to compete tooth and nail to appeal to admissions committees, why spend a whole summer (and a whole lot of money) on something that won’t set your child apart?
There are still definitely advantages. While a summer program at a top tier university may be expensive and not guarantee your child’s admittance to their top choice school, there is still a chance that that summer is otherwise impactful for them. Your student may attend that astronomy lecture or group debate on ethics that changes the course of their academic career. They may discover their passion for a new subject or meet a similarly inspired peer that becomes a lifelong friend.
A summer course may prepare them to be more competitive in school or give them the leg up they need to apply to more rigorous programs down the line. Keep in mind, there are programs that will turn an admissions officer’s heads. They are incredibly competitive and spaces are limited. But outside of those truly competitive programs, spending a summer studying debate or college-level physics may be the stepping stone your child needs to get to that level.
The important thing to remember is that there are both advantages and disadvantages. And again: no guarantees. Whether or not that’s “worth it” is ultimately up to the student and their family.
If you are interested in speaking with one of our Advisors about summer opportunities, you can schedule a free consultation here.
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For additional information and insights, check out our blog:
Most Prestigious Summer Programs
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