Best STEM Pre-College Summer Programs for High School Students?

I'm a high school junior interested in STEM and looking into pre-college summer programs to boost my skills and experience. Can anyone recommend some top options for STEM pre-college programs? Would love to hear about any personal experiences too!

Sure, there are several summer programs that focus on STEM for high school students. Just remember that while these programs can help you further your STEM knowledge and give you a glimpse of college-level academia, it's your passion and consistent engagement with STEM activities that will complement your college application the most.

1. Research Science Institute (RSI): This program is free and selective. It's a six-week residential program where students conduct original, cutting-edge research in state-of-the-art university labs, hospitals, and corporate research facilities.

2. Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS): This is a six-week summer program at Boston University. It's designed to encourage strongly motivated high school students to explore in-depth the creative world of mathematics in a supportive community.

3. The Ross Mathematics Program: This intensive summer experience is designed to encourage motivated pre-college students to explore mathematics. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum, exploring fundamental concepts in abstract algebra and number theory.

4. MITES (MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science): This is a rigorous six-week residential program that helps promising high school juniors who aspire to study and work in science, engineering, and technology fields.

5. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC): SUMaC is a highly selective residential summer math program offering two different programs for talented rising high school juniors and seniors.

6. COSMOS - California State Summer School for Math and Science: Held in several UC campuses, COSMOS is a month-long intensive STEM program for talented high school students who demonstrate an aptitude for academic and professional careers in STEM fields.

7. University of Wisconsin–Madison USTEM Scholars Program: This residential program is for underrepresented students from Wisconsin aiming to prepare them for STEM careers. It focuses on research, academics, graduate school preparation, and community building.

These are just some examples. Many local universities and colleges may also have pre-college STEM programs available, so don't forget to look into those too. Enjoy your summer experience!