What are the best summer programs for college applications?

I'm a high school student planning my summer and want to make it count for college applications. What summer programs stand out to admissions officers? I'm interested in options that boost my extracurriculars and help prepare for college.

Firstly, great to see you're planning ahead for your summer! It's crucial to remember that not all summer programs are seen as equal in the eyes of admissions officers. Your focus should be more on selective summer programs that are known for their rigorous selection process and not those that anyone can join if they pay a fee.

If you're interested in STEM, one of the top programs you might want to look into is the Research Science Institute (RSI). It’s a free five-week residential program and it’s extremely competitive. There's also the Summer Science Program (SSP) which involves studying either astrophysics or biochemistry in detail.

If politics or government is your passion, you should consider the Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP) - a free, six-week educational experience for high school juniors that offers seminars led by college and university faculty members.

For the humanities and social sciences, check out the LaunchX, which is an entrepreneurial program for high school students, or the highly competitive Boys/Girls Nation organized by the American Legion.

In case you prefer the arts, the Interlochen Summer Arts Program or the Iowa Young Writers' Studio could be a good fit for you.

Also, it's very important to keep in mind that you don't need a fancy summer program to stand out. Developing your own project, starting a local initiative, or obtaining an internship or job related to your career interest, can be just as impressive, if not more. Your goal should be to pursue your passions and grow as a person and a student through your summer activities, rather than checking off a box for college applications.