Best Summer Programs for Computer Science?

I'm really into computer science and want to use my summer to explore it further before college. What are some of the best summer programs for high school students interested in CS?

Here are a few high-quality summer programs in computer science that might interest you:

1. MIT Introduction to Computer Science and Programming: Using Python, this course offers a complete introduction to computer science as a discipline. This program covers key areas like general data structures, simple algorithms, as well as computational problem-solving. It's a great way to get a comprehensive introduction to the field.

2. Stanford University’s Summer Institutes: Stanford University offers the High School Summer Institute in Artificial Intelligence. This comprehensive three-week course offers a mix of engaging lectures and hands-on projects focusing on topics within AI, including machine learning, probabilistic models, robotics, and computer vision.

3. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs: Carnegie Mellon University offers a six-week pre-college program called the Summer Academy for Math and Science, which is designed specifically for students who wish to study Computer Science. This program involves workshops, project-based learning, and even research opportunities.

4. iD Tech Camps: iD Tech Camps offers a range of computer science-related courses at numerous college campuses across the U.S. These include coding, game development, robotics, and creative design, catering to all levels of experience. While iD Tech is not as academically rigorous as the aforementioned programs, it still provides an interactive, comprehensive exposure to computer science and technology.

5. Harvard’s CS50 Course: While not exclusively a summer program, Harvard offers its reputable introduction to computer science course, CS50, for free online. Although it doesn’t offer the structured environment like the in-person programs, it's a viable alternative if the other programs don’t align with your circumstances or schedule.

Remember, while these programs are beneficial in boosting your computer science knowledge, their impact on your college application ought to be nuanced. Indeed, some of these programs are quite selective which would denote accomplishment. But at the end of the day, it’s your developed interest, continual commitment, and tangible achievements in computer science (like personal projects or sustained involvement over the years) that colleges will find most impressive.