The “it” being the important and yet vague pronoun here! Here are a few pro-tips to help define the value of an on-campus or online edifying experience for your student:
Are Summer Programs Worth the Price?
Some students are intellectually burned out after a school year while others crave additional stimulation. Depending on your high-schooler’s interests, an on-campus or online academic session could initiate or increase curiosity around a particular discipline that could then develop into a college major and/or life-long passion. I had a student once tell me that their pre-med summer program sealed the deal on their wanting to be a doctor.
Worth the Content?
Most students use their summer program experience as Supplemental Essay fodder. Having fresh material to augment high school classroom teachings can support a student’s academic or career story, deepening knowledge in an area that they might want to continue exploring in college. One of my students used his online course to “check out” astrophysics; his goal now is to work for NASA and he’s using the content from his summer class to bolster his college application.
Worth the Networking?
Many of my students told me that they’ve connected via social media, particularly LinkedIn, with people they met in summer programs. Because these students may share an interest in a similar field, they can then pass on information regarding internships and graduate study, thereby forming their own mini-Reddit! Other students have leveraged opportunities only available for those who completed a particular school’s summer intensive; these applicants are invited to use an “early” Early Decision strategy.
JAN