NYLF Engineering Program Worth It?

So I got an invite to the NYLF Engineering program, and I've been thinking about attending. Can anyone who's been to this program tell me if it was a valuable experience for them? Is it helpful for college admissions?

Congratulations on receiving the invite to the NYLF Engineering program! I'd be happy to provide you with some insight into whether it's worth attending, both in terms of your personal experience and college admissions.

First, from the personal experience perspective, programs like NYLF Engineering can be valuable if you are genuinely interested in engineering and want to explore the field further. It's an opportunity to learn more about different engineering disciplines, meet like-minded peers, and gain hands-on experience through workshops, simulations, and field trips. If you have true passion and curiosity for engineering, you will likely find the experience valuable and enjoyable.

Regarding college admissions, attending such a program in itself won't necessarily give you a significant advantage in terms of acceptance rates. However, it could serve as a valuable Tier 3 or Tier 4 extracurricular activity (you can read more about extracurricular tiers on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities), depending on your level of involvement and any leadership roles or accomplishments you may achieve during the program.

Additionally, participation in an engineering-focused program could reinforce your interest in engineering when applying to colleges, especially if you also have other related extracurriculars and/or intend to major in a STEM field.

That said, it's essential to consider the cost of the program and if the experience justifies the expense. There may be other less expensive or even free opportunities available that could provide a similar educational experience, such as online courses, local workshops, volunteering opportunities, or internships.

In conclusion, attending the NYLF Engineering program could be a worthwhile experience if you're passionate about engineering and can cover the associated costs. However, keep in mind that participation alone won't significantly boost your college admissions chances, so if that's your main motivation, you're likely better off seeking out other, more accessible experiences that you can use to showcase your passion, dedication, and potential in the field.

Best of luck with your decision!