Every summer, I talk with students who are trying to decide what to do with their break. Some worry about doing too little. Others feel pressure to do everything. But one question I hear again and again is this: “Do summer programs really help with college admissions?”
Let me say this clearly — yes, they can. But not in the way many students assume. Summer programs are not a magic ticket to Harvard or Stanford. They’re a chance to deepen your interests, show initiative, and grow in ways that admissions officers notice. I’ve worked with students who discovered their academic passion at a university summer camp, and others who used that experience to write powerful essays or find mentors who later wrote life-changing recommendations.
If you’re wondering whether a summer program is worth the time, money, or effort — or how to choose one that actually supports your goals — this guide is for you.
The Value of Summer Programs in College Admissions
Summer programs offer a focused way to explore academic subjects, leadership, or service in a structured environment. But not all programs are created equal, and not all admissions committees weigh them the same. So how can you make a summer program count?
1. Demonstrating Intellectual Curiosity
Colleges love to see students who go beyond the classroom. Attending a summer program in a field you care deeply about — whether it’s marine biology, creative writing, or robotics — shows that you’re investing time in your interests. That kind of self-directed learning is a key piece of holistic admissions.
I once worked with a student named Maya, who attended a summer neuroscience institute at a local university. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to pursue medicine, but that program helped her realize she loved research. She ended up writing a phenomenal Common App essay on a lab experiment that didn’t go as planned — and what it taught her about failure, resilience, and curiosity. Maya was admitted to several top universities with strong science programs.
2. Gaining Experiences That Fuel Essays and Interviews
Good stories make for great applications. Whether it’s your personal statement or your college interview, admissions officers want to hear about meaningful experiences — and summer programs often provide them.
Take Julian, one of my former students who attended a pre-college architecture program. He spoke in his interview about how building a cardboard model of a city block taught him to think spatially and collaboratively. He wasn’t just checking a box — he was living his interest. That authenticity shone through.
3. Building a Stronger College Application Resume
Summer programs can also strengthen your activity list. If you’re applying to competitive schools, it’s important your college resume shows depth, leadership, and engagement outside the classroom.
That doesn’t mean you need to attend a $5,000 Ivy League program. In fact, I often encourage students to consider local or free programs like:
- Research apprenticeships at state universities
- Community college summer courses
- Nonprofit leadership camps or service fellowships
- Virtual seminars run by universities or museums
Admissions officers care more about what you did with the opportunity than how famous the name was on the brochure.
Choosing the Right Summer Program for You
When students ask me which summer program they should choose, my first response is always a question: “What do you hope to learn — about the world or yourself?” That answer should guide your decisions more than any rankings or prestige.
1. Align It With Your Interests and Goals
If you’re interested in political science, look for programs that involve debate, civic engagement, or law. If you’re an aspiring engineer, consider hands-on STEM camps or coding bootcamps. Not sure what you want to study? That’s okay too. Try a general academic enrichment program where you can sample a few paths.
One of my students, Elena, was undecided between teaching and psychology. She joined a summer literacy program that paired high schoolers with young readers, and by the end, she knew she wanted to work with children. That clarity helped shape her college list and her major.
2. Consider Accessibility and Financial Fit
Not every great summer program costs thousands of dollars. In fact, many of the most valuable experiences are free or low-cost. Some even offer stipends. Here are a few trusted sources to explore:
- National Science Foundation REU Programs (for research experience)
- DoDEA Summer Learning programs (for military-connected students)
- CDC Disease Detective Camp (for public health interest)
- Harvard Pre-College Program (offers limited financial aid)
Also check out our guide on using summer activities to boost college applications for more ideas that don’t require travel or large fees.
3. Reflect on What You’ll Take Away From It
Before you commit to a program, ask yourself: Will this challenge me? Will it expose me to new people or perspectives? Will I walk away with something meaningful to talk about in my application or interview?
Remember, the best programs don’t just look good on paper — they help you grow. And that growth is what colleges are really looking for.
How Summer Activities Fit Into the Bigger Picture
While summer programs can be powerful, they’re just one piece of the application puzzle. I never want students to feel like they “have to” do one just to compete. What matters more is how your choices fit into your overall story.
If you’re not sure how to build that story, I recommend reading our guide on choosing reach, match, and safety schools. It’ll help you think holistically about your goals and how your experiences support them.
Also, be mindful of red flags. Attending a summer program just for the name, or listing one without context, won’t help much. As I explain in our article on what not to do in your college application, admissions officers can tell when an activity was passive or superficial.
Instead, focus on making your summer experience meaningful. That’s what will stand out — not just the title or location.
Be Honest With Yourself About Capacity
Some students need their summers to work part-time, care for siblings, or rest after a tough year. That’s valid. Colleges respect context. In fact, using your application to explain responsibilities or constraints can often be more powerful than a long list of programs.
One student I worked with, Luis, couldn’t afford a formal camp. But he taught himself Python using free online courses and built a budgeting app for his family. That initiative spoke volumes to every admissions committee he applied to.
FAQs: Summer Programs and College Admissions
Do colleges prefer name-brand summer programs?
Not necessarily. While prestigious programs like MITES or RSI are highly selective and impressive, what matters more is what you did, learned, and how it connects to your goals. Local or free programs can be just as impactful.
Can I still benefit from a summer program if I don’t know my major yet?
Absolutely. Exploring different fields can help you clarify your interests. Even if you pivot later, showing initiative and curiosity is always a plus on applications.
Is it better to work a summer job or attend a program?
Both are valuable in different ways. A summer job can demonstrate responsibility, time management, and real-world skills. A program may offer academic enrichment or mentorship. Choose based on your needs and what tells your story best.
Do I need to list every summer activity on my application?
No. Focus on the most meaningful ones. You typically have 10 slots on the Common App activity list. Choose the experiences that reflect your growth, leadership, or passion — not just to fill space.
Final Thoughts: Make It Count for You First
At the end of the day, summer programs should be about more than college admissions. They’re a chance to stretch, reflect, and connect — with ideas, with people, and with yourself. If you approach them with intention, they can absolutely enrich your application. But more importantly, they can shape who you become.
And that, more than any resume line or essay anecdote, is what will truly matter in the admissions process — and beyond.