Competitive Summer Programs for High Schoolers

I'm aiming for a strong college application and I've heard that participating in competitive summer programs really helps. What are some of the most competitive ones out there that you guys know of?

Competitive summer programs can indeed provide a valuable experience, as they often offer specialized learning opportunities, networking, and experiences that can help distinguish your college application. Here's a list of a few competitive programs for high school students:

1. Telluride Association’s Summer Program - This is a free, six-week educational experience for high school juniors that covers topics in the humanities and social sciences.

2. Research Science Institute (RSI) - RSI is a free, six-week summer research program for top science, mathematics, and engineering talent.

3. MIT Launch Summer - This is a four-week entrepreneurship program for students interested in starting their own businesses.

4. Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS) - Held at Boston University, PROMYS is a challenging program designed to encourage ambitious high school students to explore the creative world of mathematics.

5. Summer Science Program (SSP) - SSP is a five-and-a-half week summer program where students complete a research project from start to finish, either in Astrophysics or Biochemistry.

6. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio - A two-week summer residency program for national and international high school students who are passionate about creative writing and want to hone their skills.

Remember, the best summer program is one that aligns with your academic interests and shows colleges your devotion to a certain area of study. Being dedicated and committed to a field of study and demonstrating initiative, depth of knowledge, and ability will be far more impressive. Take your academic interests and career aspirations into account when deciding which program to apply to.