Summer Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Useless
If you’ve spent any time on college admissions blogs (or, let’s be real, Reddit), you’ve probably seen people arguing over whether summer programs are “worth it.” Some say they’re a waste of money, others act like getting into a fancy one is an instant Ivy League ticket. The truth? Well, it’s the same advice we find ourselves circling back to time and time again when it comes to college admissions: It depends.
Summer programs won’t single-handedly get you into college, but they can be a great way to build skills, meet interesting people, and open doors to bigger opportunities down the line. So instead of thinking, Will this impress an admissions officer? ask yourself, What am I actually getting out of this? Because let’s be real: a summer program is only as useful as the skills, experiences, and connections you walk away with.
How to Tell If a Summer Program Is Worth It
Not all programs are created equal. Some are just glorified summer camps with a fancy university name slapped on them, while others can actually help you grow. Here’s how to tell the difference:
Is it selective? If anyone with a credit card can get in, it’s probably not that impressive. If you had to apply and actually compete for a spot, that’s a good sign. Programs that require an application tend to offer stronger learning experiences and better networking. However, this isn’t a definitive way to assess a program’s selectivity—some summer programs have students write essays and fill out an application, but the program’s acceptance rates are high. Check for programs with GPA requirements and applications that require thoughtful essays, teacher recommendations, or interview processes.
Who’s teaching? Look at the instructors. Are they professors? Industry professionals? Researchers? If so, you’ll probably learn something useful. If not, you might just be paying for a brand name. If it’s mostly grad students trying to make extra cash, maybe not. Again, even in this case, it depends. For example, UMass Amherst holds the Juniper Institute for Young Writers each summer. Having had first-hand experience with this program (including vetting the high school students who applied and selecting who got in and who didn’t), even though this one is taught by UMass’s MFA candidates, it’s still worth it.
Will you meet cool people? The best part of these programs is often the connections you make. A strong peer group and guest speakers can lead to mentorships, research gigs, or even startup opportunities down the road. One of my students met a guest lecturer at a summer program and later landed a research opportunity because of that connection. The research they did with that professor was a huge factor in their college admissions success—and they never would have done that research without having met that guest lecturer.
Does it offer something unique? If a program teaches something you can’t just learn at school—like sports analytics, social justice law, or niche research topics—it’s probably worth looking into. Also, programs that require you to create something tangible (a research paper, a case study, a startup idea) are far more valuable than those that just have you sit in lectures.
Programs We Actually Like (and Why)
Here are a few summer programs that pass the test:
UC Santa Barbara Summer Research Academies
Not many summer programs focus on research skills, especially in subjects like history and humanities. UCSB’s program stands out because it lets students conduct their own research projects with faculty mentorship.
Good for: The interdisciplinary nature of the research tracks makes it perfect for students who are bright but still figuring out what specifically they want to study.
Why it’s worth it: It’s one of the few programs that teaches actual research methodology—not just in STEM, but also in history, social sciences, and the humanities.
Harvard Ventures Tech Summer Program (HUVTSP)
Unlike most summer programs, this one pairs you with a real startup, giving you an internship-style experience. The application requires several essays and short answer questions, and students who make it past the first applicant round are invited for an interview.
Good for: Future entrepreneurs, engineers, and students who love building things.
Why it’s worth it: Internships in high school can be hard to find—this program matches you with one that fits your interests.
Wharton Moneyball Academy
If you’ve ever argued about why advanced stats prove your favorite player is underrated, this is your dream program. Hosted by Wharton at UPenn, it teaches students how to use real-world data and statistics to analyze sports performance. The best part? It ends with a research project, so you walk away with something tangible.
Good for: Students interested in sports, math, and data analytics.
Why it’s worth it: Sports analytics isn’t something high schools usually teach, so this is a rare chance to explore a niche field.
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)
Imagine TED Talks, but interactive, and taught by Yale professors. YYGS is an interdisciplinary program where students dive into global issues through discussion-based learning and hands-on projects. There’s an emphasis on applying academic knowledge to real-world problems—perfect for students who want to use their skills for social impact.
Good for: Future policymakers, activists, and students who love debate and global issues.
Why it’s worth it: It’s selective, focuses on both knowledge and action, and builds strong writing, research, and public speaking skills.
UChicago Summer Session
Think of this as a crash course in “learning how to think like a UChicago student.” This program lets you explore different subjects—philosophy, science, econ, whatever—and encourages you to approach them with UChicago’s trademark intellectual curiosity. You get the intellectual intensity of UChicago—expect lots of reading, discussion, and analysis.
Good for: A wide variety of students—their course offerings range from computer science to law to literature.
Why it’s worth it: This program is especially good for students who want to attend UChicago because of their Summer Session Early Notification (SSEN).
So, Are Summer Programs Worth It?
If you’re choosing between an expensive summer program and, say, starting a project or getting an internship, think about what you’ll actually gain from each option.
Good reasons to do a summer program:
You’re actually interested in the subject and want to build skills.
You want to meet like-minded students and mentors.
You can use the experience as a launchpad for something bigger (research, internships, personal projects).
Bad reasons to do a summer program:
You think it will guarantee college admissions (it won’t).
You feel pressured because “everyone else is doing one.”
You’re picking the program just for the brand name.
What If You Can’t Afford These Programs?
Not everyone can drop thousands on a summer program, and that’s completely okay. Some of the best summer experiences don’t cost a dime. Here are some prestigious, fully funded programs that offer incredible opportunities:
Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) - A free, highly selective program for students from low-income backgrounds interested in journalism. You’ll work with professional journalists, write real articles, and even publish a piece by the end. If you’re into writing or media, this is a must-apply.
Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) - A completely free program where you dive into college-level discussions on topics like Critical Black Studies and Anti-Oppressive Studies. Amazing for students who love history, social justice, or debate.
Research Science Institute (RSI) - Arguably the best free STEM research program out there. Hosted at MIT, it offers top-tier research opportunities in math, science, and engineering. Highly competitive, but if you get in, it’s a game-changer.
Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) - A free biomedical research internship for students interested in medicine and biology. You’ll work with real Stanford professors on cutting-edge medical research.
Clark Scholars Program (Texas Tech) - A free, intensive research program that covers STEM, humanities, and social sciences. You’ll work on an actual research project with a mentor and present your findings at the end.
DIY - Can’t find a program that fits your interests (or budget)? No problem. Some of the most impressive summer experiences aren’t tied to a formal program—they’re self-driven projects that show initiative, creativity, and real-world impact. In our next post, we’ll dive into how to make the most of your summer without stepping foot onto a college campus.
Final Thoughts
Authenticity is more important than prestige. Don’t stress about summer programs just because you think they’ll “look good” for college. Instead, focus on how they can help you grow. Admissions officers can tell when a student is genuinely excited about their experiences versus just checking a box.
So, whatever you do this summer, make sure it’s something you actually care about. That’s what will truly stand out.
