Applications to Summer 2024 Programs are Open!

The fall semester is (finally!) almost over. Now is the time to start looking into summer programs for next year. It might seem a little early, but did you know that many programs, including a few selective ones, have already made their applications available? If your student wants to participate in any quality, selective summer programs, they should research and apply before all the slots are filled.

Summer programs are a great way to have a productive season while increasing your student’s chances of admission into their first-choice college. But you might be asking: what makes a good summer program? Here are a few tips to help your student find a good summer program:

Choose a summer program that aligns with your student’s interests.
While you might think that studying a new subject will look good on your student’s resume or application, it does no good if they’re not interested in the subject. Colleges are looking for advanced yet focused students. As such, students should be positioned to excel in what they do in a summer program. If students choose a program primarily to impress a college, even though they have no interest in the subject, it’s likely they will not achieve excellence in that subject. Excellence in the form of measurable accomplishments is what elite colleges are seeking from their applicants. If a student is interested in science, then find a science program. If they plan to discover the next great mathematical equation that will change how we see numbers, then find a program that will help them advance in math. This isn’t rocket science, unless they’re into that, in which case, find a space program!

Choose a program that aligns with their talents.
In addition to interests, you must also consider their talents. Where does your student excel? Find a program where they can cultivate and show off those talents. Channeling your student’s interests and talents into measurable accomplishments will not only contribute to their personal growth but also lead to some great letters of recommendation and stand-out college applications. If your student hasn’t discovered their talent yet, don’t stress. Now is the time to find out! At Ivy Link, we work directly with students to help them discover and hone their talents to build a strong academic profile. In fact, the vast majority of Ivy Link students do not know their talents or have discovered their passions when they first start with us. However, nearly all will have discovered their strengths and a niche where they can transform their interests into passions.

Choose a summer program with a tangible output.
A good summer program gives your student a chance to actually do some work that they can add to their resume (i.e., the Activity List on their college applications). Look for programs where they will create a project, contribute to research, write a paper, or produce something tangible. For example, if they are interested in science, look for a program in which they will create and run an experiment from which they will write a series of lab reports. Or, if they want to be a journalist, look for a program where they will dive deep into a news event where they will research the topic, interview experts, and write an in-depth report as if they were writing for a newspaper. This output can be used for college applications to show experience – and importantly, accomplishments – in the field in which they intend to study.

Choose a summer program that offers and encourages leadership roles.
While colleges are looking for students with focused studies, they are also looking for leadership experience. Strong leadership experience gives your student a leg up in the admissions pool. Leadership shows motivation, dependability, problem-solving, and it shows that they are a team player. These are all qualities that will help them succeed in both a college setting as well as in post-graduate life.

Watch out for useless college programs.
There are several colleges and universities out there that offer your student a chance to stay in the dorms and take a class here or there. But the truth is that these are basically extended college tours. They don’t actually do much to benefit students in any meaningful way. They don’t offer focused studies or experience that will help them stand out when it comes time to submit their applications. And be wary of colleges that lead you to believe that a summer program at the school will increase your chances of admissions there. More often than not, these are marketing techniques that won’t really pay off. Though chances are you will pay greatly for these programs.

Hopefully, these tips will help you get started in finding the right summer program for your student.

Ivy Link works with students at every grade level to secure meaningful summer programs, internships, and other opportunities that boost a student’s profile. If you or your student would like guidance on this, and any other aspect of the college admissions process, contact us below to learn more.