Summer is a time for rest and recovery after the challenges of the academic year – but it can also be a time for self-discovery, personal growth, academic enrichment, and leadership development. The college admissions landscape is more competitive than ever. As a result, college admissions officers are looking not just for students’ ability to excel in the classroom, but also for their “spike” – uniquely strong particular talents, interests, or achievements – and even their character.
The Power of “Spikes”
College admissions officers strive not to accept a full class of individually well-rounded students, but rather a student body filled with students who have a broad variety of “spikes,” and together create a well-rounded student body. A well-rounded student body might include everyone from a first-chair violinist to a Mathematics Olympiad winner to a record-breaking tennis player.
For high school students, that means developing a “spike” is really important – and summer is a great time to do it. When the admissions officer reads your file, how will they envision you contributing to campus? Help them see you conducting scientific research in the lab, founding a startup in the college accelerator program, or leading your peers in volunteering in the local community.
Showcasing Character
In addition to academic or extracurricular talent, college admissions officers are trying to get a read on applicants’ character: are you passionate? Hard-working? Generous? Compassionate? College admissions officers are trying to predict how you will interact with the campus community and represent the college through your academic program and beyond.
Summer is a chance to truly show college admissions officers your character, rather than just telling them about it in your application. With summer programs spanning liberal arts, scientific research, business, and community service, students have many options to identify an opportunity that excites them, and which will help them craft their narrative in the college admissions process.
Choosing the Right-Fit Summer Program
As summer programs become table stakes, perhaps the hardest decision for students and families is not whether to participate in a summer program, but which one! Below we describe a few of the options available to students.
Academic Pre-College Summer Programs
For students who want to try out college life and pursue academic enrichment, pre-college summer programs are a great fit. Students will often live and study on a college campus, pursuing a subject of their choice, whether it’s literature, data science, biotech, or anything in between. Students may consider several programs:
Boston University High School Pre-College Summer Programs
Georgetown University Summer Academies
Harvard Pre-College Summer Program for High School Students
Scientific Research Summer Programs
For students considering careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, scientific research summer programs give them an early chance to contribute to scientific research, discover their interests, and prepare to engage in research in college. While these programs are extremely competitive – the MIT Research Science Institute has an acceptance rate of 3.3% – with support, students can find an opportunity that’s a mutual match. Top programs include:
MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
National Institutes of Health High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
Business and Other Professional Summer Programs
For students interested in business careers spanning finance, management, investment banking, consulting, and entrepreneurship, business summer programs can help them test out different careers and carve their path. Business summer programs include:
Wharton Global Youth Program
Boston College Business and Leadership Institute
Babson Summer Study for High School Students
Leadership and Social Justice Summer Programs
For students dedicated to making a difference in the world, summer programs centered around leadership and social justice are a chance to start developing their world view and thinking deeply about the change they hope to have. Students may consider several programs:
Tufts Leadership for Social Change Program
Georgetown Bridges to Social Justice Academy
Penn Social Justice Research Academy
Choosing the right summer program is crucial; whether it's an academic pre-college course, a scientific research internship, a business and leadership program, or a social justice initiative, find one that aligns with your goals. Use your summer strategically to develop your spike and demonstrate your character, strengthening your college application and preparing you for future success. Embrace these opportunities to shape the unique story you'll bring to your college journey.
Book a consulting session on summer program applications with one of our consultants today!
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