“Summer” and “break”, two words that parents and students can disagree about the meaning. Parents worry their teens will sleep through the day, binge video games or streaming services, and procrastinate on completing summer homework. Students, eager for a break, yet also concerned about their “competitiveness” for college admissions compromise—participating in camps or other immersions to “demonstrate their interest” in a particular subject.
In the perceived race for college admissions, many students and families seek any advantage to stand out. As a high school student recently asked, “If every kid looks the same, how do you distinguish yourself?” Since academics are standardized (only a few electives each year from a limited curriculum), students can show their unique interests in their extracurricular activities. Thus, some families spend thousands of dollars on summer programs, believing a necessity to “pay to play” for college admissions. Others, unable or questioning the need to pay such costs, worry a student will be disadvantaged.
A common misconception is that attending a summer program—especially one hosted on a highly selective college campus—will increase the chances of admission to that school. However, many university-hosted programs are simply leasing out dorms and classrooms to external organizations, with no direct connection to the school’s admissions process. With the exception of University of Chicago, which implimented an Early Decision program for pre-college attendees, college admissions officers do not give a preference to applicants who attended a college-sponsored summer program.
So, here’s some advice about choosing summer programs:
Rather than focusing on what might “impress” an admissions officer, students can explore interests beyond what’s available in school—whether academic, creative, or leadership. Choose an activity basd on one’s curiosity. Learning to trust one’s intuition is essential.
But meaningful self-discovery isn’t confined to structured programs. In the unstructured nature of summer, students can meander, reflect, and develop self-awareness—a crucial skill for college and beyond. Get bored. Then, students seek activities which are naturally interested, questioning their motivations and interests, rather than simply checking a box for college applications.
Ultimately, when an admissions officer reviews an application, they’re looking for a cohesive story—evidence of motivation and curiosity reflected in transcripts, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, and essays. Summer should be a time to explore one’s story—not fabricate one.
Jill Yoshikawa, EdM, a proud UC San Diego and Harvard alumna, helps families decode the college and transfer admissions process—focusing on maximizing their educational investment.
