As teenagers reach the latter half of their high-school career, there is often a pressure to pursue summer programs, pre-college courses, and service work to improve and add interest to college applications. Summer programs come with lots of opportunities, allowing students to focus in on an academic and further their intellectual exploration. At these programs, students are given the chance to use the incredible facilities provided by high-ranking colleges. These programs can offer incredible opportunities. National Geographic supplies a program for students to travel the world to photograph, explore, and help underprivileged communities.
However, all these possibilities come with a price — quite literally. A two-week program can cost upwards of $5,000 (New York Times Summer Academy is one of these programs). This high cost may further the gap between students who have money and who are reliant on financial aid. Since scholarships and financial-aid are lacking in many of these programs, it seems that many of the students who have access and the opportunity to further their knowledge come from a similar economic background.
The high cost is not the only controversy over these summer programs. Many find that the stress students feel after being pushed for eight straight months during the school year should not be followed by more school and more work. The constant school-focused mindset is described as a “burnout” by many.
Despite the idea that summer programs give a leg-up in the college admission process, many believe that it is of little significance. One parent on a college confidential forum said, “Contrary to what their fancy brochures and high prices suggest, the programs also aren’t particularly competitive. The main selection factor is: can the family afford the program?” This comment is just one of the many things that bring up the economic disparity that exists within these programs.
Source: Brown University
For many colleges, these pre-college programs are not dedicated to assisting the college application process but giving students a taste of campus and college life. The hope is that if a high-achieving student enjoys their experience at the pre-college program, they will apply to the college as a serious applicant. Not only this, but some believe that by attending a pre-college program at one school may indicate an interest in that school rather than others. For example, if one was to complete a pre-college program at college #1, but apply to college #2, college #2 may interpret this as the student not being serious in their admission to their school.
Aside from the pros and cons of the pre-college and summer programs, students should apply if they are genuinely interested and find that their intellect could be furthered (depending on where they go). Like anything else, college programs are a perfect fit for some and not for others — it is simply important to examine all aspects of what you are getting yourself into.