Summer Programs for High Schoolers: What, Why, + How to Apply
It’s March, which means that summer program application deadlines are well under way. Many parents wonder what value summer programs can add to their child’s prospective career. Summer programs for high school students provide pivotal opportunities for students to not only discover more about their area of interest and what they may pursue in the future, but also offer opportunities for networking with potential professors, skill building, and deepening their personal growth. Here is the What, Why, and How of Summer Programs for High School Students.
Edify is an educational consulting organization that guides students and their parents every step of the way. From pre-high school to graduate admissions, Edify is there to develop a student’s strengths and goals to develop a personal plan to succeed in their academic journey.
What Are Summer Programs for High School Students?
Summer programs are opportunities for high school students to not only learn more about their topic of interest, but to get a real feel for various colleges across the country. There are in-person and online programs, so students can get a feel for not only curriculum, but what it would be like to attend either class on campus or remotely.
Colleges or organizations often offer summer programs. Some are application-based, requiring multiple steps, application fee, and letter of recommendation. However, any tuition-based summer programs also offer financial waivers, though those deadlines are usually a few months ahead of the start date. Other programs simply require registration.
Summer programs exist across all types of interests, including STEM, art, music, language, and more. You can apply for several types of programs to see what suits you, but it’s recommended to pick summer programs that most closely align with what you wish to pursue in college.
Why Choose a Summer Program for High School Students?
Summer programs are a great way for students to also beef up their application, connect with other students in their field of interest, and meet potential professors. If a student performs well in a summer program, they may even get the opportunity to ask for a letter of recommendation for future college applications.
Additionally, summer programs can provide details about a certain field for personal statements and essays when college applications roll around. College applications may ask about what draws a student to a certain program – if a student already attended a similar program or a summer program in their field of study, they can go more in-depth about why a particular college program interests them. It shows colleges that students are dedicated to their field of interest, and are willing to grow and innovate in that field.
How Do You Apply for Summer Programs?
Colleges with summer programs often have step-by-step breakdowns of how to apply for a summer program linked on their website. However, there are often multiple steps and require essays, letters of recommendation, and selecting the appropriate program of interest. That’s where an educational consultant comes in.
Educational consultants help students and their families not only choose appropriate summer programs, but also walk them through every step of the application process. Summer program applications do not have to be overwhelming – we’re here to make it easy for you, so your student can focus on their schoolwork, extracurriculars, and personal development.
Book with Us!
Book a free, comprehensive evaluation with Edify Educational Consulting for more information on applying to summer programs and colleges. We’re here to help!
