Best educational summer programs?

Hey there! I'm a high school junior and I want to make the most out of my last summer before senior year. I'm looking into some educational summer programs that could help me develop skills or knowledge and boost my college application. What are some of the best programs you guys know of, and what was your experience like if you've attended any of them?

Hello! There are numerous high-quality educational summer programs that cater to a variety of interests and can have a positive impact on your college application. Here are a few suggestions of reputable programs across various fields:

1. Research Science Institute (RSI): This is a highly-selective and free six-week program held at MIT, where students have the opportunity to conduct research in various scientific fields like biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science.

2. TASP (Telluride Association Summer Program): This six-week, free program focuses on humanities and social sciences. It offers seminars led by college professors and encourages intellectual curiosity and engagement among participants through a highly collaborative atmosphere.

3. National High School Game Academy (NHSGA): Hosted by Carnegie Mellon University, this program is for students interested in game development. It involves hands-on experience in creating digital games, learning programming, animation, and game design from industry professionals.

4. HOBY (Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership): This is a selective leadership program that aims to develop leadership skills in high school sophomores. The program runs local, state, and world leadership seminars where students engage in workshops and hear from prominent speakers.

5. RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards): Organized by local Rotary clubs, this is another excellent leadership development program for high school students. The program usually lasts for a weekend or a week and involves team-building exercises, panel discussions, and community service opportunities.

6. PROMYS (Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists): This is a six-week summer program at Boston University for students who are passionate about mathematics. Students explore advanced mathematical topics, participate in research projects, and collaborate with like-minded peers and faculty.

Of course, there are many other fantastic programs out there, but these should give you a good starting point. While some of these programs are very selective, they offer great opportunities for personal and intellectual growth in addition to boosting your college application. Many require an application with essays, recommendations, and sometimes standardized test scores, so make sure to research the application requirements and deadlines for each. Good luck in your search, and I hope you find a summer program that aligns with your passions and interests!