15 Summer Programs For High School Students Still Accepting Applications

For high schoolers, the summer is one of the best times to gain hands-on experiences to build their resume, learn new skills and gain exposure to their potential career choices. By attending summer programs, students can get a taste of what college will be like while meeting peers from around the country. Summer programs can vary in length and cost, so students should do their research first to ensure that the program fits their interests and budget.

What To Look For In A Summer Program

Students building their resumes for competitive colleges might wonder what type of program will be the best option for them. Ultimately, they should follow their interests and ensure they can get hands-on experiences throughout the summer. Students sit in a classroom all year, so using the summer to participate in activities that allow them to utilize skills in a practical setting, while working with others, can be beneficial.

Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a rise in virtual programs, which can be an excellent alternative for students who don’t have the flexibility to travel to a summer program or have other commitments that make an in-person camp impossible. Many virtual programs have a high level of interaction between the students and the instructor. These options might also be less expensive because they don’t require students to pay for on-campus housing.

Is Paying For A Summer Program Bad?

Some competitive programs like Research Science Institute (RSI) or the Texas Tech Clark Scholars will offer their program free of charge to all their students, regardless of their financial status. Because of these programs’ prestige and price tag, they are extraordinarily competitive and will take only a select few students. Getting into a high-caliber program can help elevate the student’s college application and show the students advanced abilities in that particular field.

On the other hand, some summer programs can be prohibitively expensive: for example, numerous universities offer programs costing over $10,000. While they might be more costly because you are paying for the name-brand, you also get a hands-on instructor dedicated solely to teaching you over the next few weeks. Attending a top university’s summer program will likely not increase your chances of getting accepted to the undergrad, but it can still be a great opportunity for students to learn something new this summer.

Read the full article on Forbes here.