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I was just wondering if attending summer programs make any sort of significant impact no college applications. I was nominated to Governor's School this year, but I had the bad luck to be nominated to the school of music (the most competitive), and though I'm a pretty good musician, I'm no where near the level that it would've required. Right now I'm stuck between either getting a job for the summer, or going to one of those three-week summer program things at Brown University for the sake of college apps. Would colleges care at all if I attended the program, especially because it wouldn't be a very competitive program or extremely merit-based? Would getting a job make me look more well-rounded?

By Northstarmom (Northstarmom) on Sunday, May 11, 2003 - 12:51 pm: Edit

My strong suggestion is that you figure out which summer option would help you best become the type of person whom you want to be. Don't pick summer options to look good to colleges. Pick them based on your skills, interests and needs (thus, if you need $ for college, pick the summer job).

And for what it's worth: Students who pick summer options based on their passions and needs are the type of students who impress colleges.

By Shennie (Shennie) on Monday, May 12, 2003 - 11:13 am: Edit

Great advice, Northstarmom!