Is NYLF Business Innovation worth it?

I've been selected for the NYLF Business Innovation program, but I'm unsure if it's actually legit. Has anyone here attended it? What was your experience like? Is it worth the time and money? Any pros and cons would be super helpful so I can make an informed decision. Thanks!

Congratulations on being selected for the NYLF Business Innovation program! I can understand why you might be hesitant about whether the program is truly worth it, so I'll share some insights.

NYLF Business Innovation is a summer program designed to expose high school students to the world of business innovation through hands-on experiences and professional mentoring. Attending this program may help you explore your interest in business and develop leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills. However, when it comes to the college admissions process, programs like NYLF are generally not considered as selective or prestigious, and despite the high price tag, they don't have a significant impact on your application.

Here are some pros and cons of attending the program:

Pros:

- Opportunity to learn about various aspects of business innovation.

- Develop valuable skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, communication, and leadership.

- Network with other motivated students from around the country.

- Experience college life, as the program is often held on a university campus.

Cons:

- Expensive – the program can be quite pricey, and financial aid may be limited.

- Not highly selective – due to the relatively relaxed admission criteria, attending this program may not particularly impress college admissions officers.

- Time-consuming – depending on your schedule and other commitments, the program duration might take away time from other summer opportunities that could have a more significant impact on your application.

Ultimately, it depends on what you're looking for in a summer program. If you're genuinely interested in business innovation and can afford the fees, attending NYLF Business Innovation may be an enriching experience that helps you explore your passion. However, if you're seeking a program that will significantly boost your college application, you might want to consider more selective summer programs or focus on developing a strong "spike" in another area of interest. Good luck with your decision!