Over the years, I’ve worked with a lot of students planning out their extracurriculars and summer programs, and there’s one misconception that keeps coming up: the idea that attending a summer program at a particular school will give you a “competitive edge” when it comes time to apply. While it’s true that summer programs can definitely add value to your application—especially if you’re earning college credits—the real benefit is what you’ll gain as a student.
The Prestige Myth
Summer programs are a fantastic opportunity to experience life at a school you might be dreaming of, to explore potential majors, and to get a taste of college life. But here’s the thing—I always tell my students to choose a summer program based on genuine interest, not just because they think it will help them get into a specific school.
What Admissions Officers Actually Notice
Highly selective schools are incredibly competitive, and as a college admissions consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how much admissions officers value authenticity. They can tell when an application feels "crafted" to impress, rather than being a true reflection of the student’s passions and interests. When I look at successful applications, what stands out is that they come from students who are genuinely passionate—not just about the school they want to attend or the major they applied to, but about the activities they’ve chosen to pursue, summer programs included.
Start With What Excites You
When it comes to choosing a summer program, my advice is simple: start by thinking about what truly excites you, and then consider how it might fit into your overall application down the road. I’m not saying to completely ignore the admissions perspective, but your genuine interest should always come first. It’s easy to feel like every decision you make in the final years of high school is all about getting into college, but I think it’s important to remember why you wanted to apply to these schools in the first place. It’s not just about getting in—it’s about finding a place where you can explore what you love and shape the future you want.
For example, one of my former students once started a blog to track the growth of a single tomato plant on her windowsill. What began as a way to stay accountable for daily care turned into a real passion for botany and agriculture. Over three years, she shared lessons learned, small wins, mistakes, and eventually built a niche online community around her plant.
When planning her summer, we decided she would stay home and start a small community food garden while prepping for standardized tests. It wasn’t a traditional path—there were challenges, and the results weren’t perfect—but the experience was transformative. She learned about food deserts, local policies, and how to engage with her community. Most importantly, she discovered a deeper sense of purpose.
That summer became the foundation of a compelling personal statement—one that showcased her curiosity, growth, resilience, and heart. It helped her stand out in a sea of applications and ultimately gain admission to her dream college.
The takeaway? Impactful summer experiences don’t have to come with a certificate or happen in a prestigious program. Sometimes, the best stories—and the clearest sense of direction—grow from the simplest seeds.
Long-Term Payoff: Beyond the College App
Admission into college shouldn’t feel like your end goal because it is only the beginning of your journey, and when you think about how to spend your time now, the question shouldn’t only be “Will this help me get into my dream school?” but more so, “Will this help me become the person I want to be?” If you can answer that, you’re already on your way to creating an application that truly represents who you are—and that’s the kind of application that will make a real impact.
So, as you explore summer programs, I encourage you to ask yourself what truly excites you. Follow your passions, and everything else will fall into place. I’ll admit, when I was in high school, I heard this advice and thought it sounded a bit cheesy. But after years of working with students, I can say with confidence—it’s absolutely true. Admissions officers can spot authenticity from a mile away, and in the end, that’s the best way to stand out.
