Summer Camp - What to Do in the Summer?

During the summer vacation period, many people may be preparing for summer camps. At this time when preparations for summer camp applications are starting, we'd like to take this opportunity to share the types of summer camps and our A-One Institute's opinions on various camps.

If you're considering summer camps for the long summer break, it's time to start preparing to meet early deadlines. We hope today's post will help you decide which program to choose from the various summer camps offered by many universities.

Summer camps can be broadly categorized into three types:

• Competitive No cost

• Competitive, Cost

• Not competitive, Cost

Regarding these camps, here are our thoughts from A-One Institute:

• Competitive No cost - If the opportunity arises, definitely participate! For camps that are both highly competitive and free, if the opportunity arises, do participate. They can greatly assist in college admissions.

• Competitive, Cost - Good to do, but if it's burdensome, don't do it! These camps involve university professors, increasing costs and competitiveness as many high school students seek valuable experiences. While participation is recommended, if the cost is burdensome, it's not necessary to attend.

• Not competitive, Cost - Don't do it! However, if considering a specific topic-related major, participation might be fine. These camps, not involving university professors but primarily led by instructors or alumni on specific topics, aren't highly competitive. They are essentially pay-to-attend camps. We suggest avoiding them, but if planning a major related to the specific camp topic, considering it as an activity might be feasible.

Now, let's discuss camps that are both highly competitive and free: RIS Research Science Institute

• US Residential, International Students

-Junior Year

-PSAT, ACT

-Mathematics, Sciences, and Verbal arts

-Essay, Recommendation

This is a highly competitive camp admitting only 80 students annually, including U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students. It involves intensive research on one topic throughout the summer, and most applicants have high GPAs and PSAT scores. Students who excel in STEM fields at their schools are encouraged to apply as attending this camp often leads to admission into prestigious universities.

• Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)

-Biomedical Research Program

-7 weeks

-16+

This program, founded by Rockefeller University, offers high-level biomedical research. It's highly competitive, but participation can significantly aid university admissions.

Telluride Association Summer Seminars (TASS)

 -TASP has been discontinued.

-Critical Black Studies, Anti-Oppressive Studies

-Sophomore, Junior

-Essay

This program focuses on studying topics related to Black civil rights or anti-oppression studies, attracting students interested in liberal arts. A well-written essay is crucial due to the competitive nature of applications.

• Women's Technology Program (WTP)

-Computer Science (EECS)

-Mechanical Engineering (ME.)

-Junior year

Associated with MIT, this camp offers programs related to Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering and is highly competitive as all expenses, including accommodation, are covered.

• Beaver Works Summer Institute

-4 weeks

-Quantum Software & AI

A STEM-oriented camp focusing on software and AI-related programs.

let's talk about camps that are competitive but require payment: Though participating in these camps doesn't guarantee admission to the respective universities, excelling at such camps demonstrates a high level of competition, potentially impacting college admissions. Here are some camps to consider:

• Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS) - UChicago

-STEM research

-4 weeks

-$13,200

A STEM research program offered by UChicago for four weeks. Despite the high cost, students gain valuable research opportunities with UChicago professors.

• Leadership in the Business World (LBW) - Wharton

-Essay

-EC

-Recommendation

-11th, GPA 3.5+

-4 weeks

-$8,999

Conducted by the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, this program involves lectures from prominent figures and Wharton professors. It's highly competitive and costs around $8,999.

• Summer Science Program (SSP)

-Astrophysics or Biochemistry

-< $7,950

Affiliated with MIT, this camp focuses on Astrophysics or Biochemistry-related programs and costs less than $7,950. It might be worth considering for students interested in these topics.

There's a list of university-led summer camps below. They offer programs in Mathematics, Science, and Research.

-Math Summer Program

• AwesomeMath

• Canada/USA Mathcamp

• Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSiM)

• Texas State Mathworks Honors Summer Math Camp

• MathLy

• Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)

• The Ross Program

• Standford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)

• Prove It! Math Academy
  

  
  

-Science and Research Program

• BU Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)

• Clark Scholar Program

• Garcia Summer Scholars

• High School Honors Science/ Mathematics/ Engineering Program (HSHSP)

• International Summer School for Young Physicists (ISSYP)

• Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP)

• Summer Program on Applied Rationality and Cognition (SPARC)

• Standford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

• Student Science Training Program (SSTP)

-$2,000 to $5,000

-*** Summer Camp, *** Summer school (program), *** Pre College

These are summer programs where one can participate by paying fees. However, since the university's faculty aren't involved, attending these by paying might not be advisable.

Today, we discussed summer camps. To participate in competitive yet free summer camps, excellent GPAs and high standardized test scores are required. It's crucial to focus on maintaining a competitive profile if adequately prepared. If not, prioritize working on your GPA and SAT/ACT rather than forcefully applying for summer camps.

Hope this translation helps! Let me know if you need more assistance.

If you've found a particular summer camp or program that piques your interest, it's advisable to start preparing your application materials well in advance. These competitive camps often require strong academic records, compelling essays, and sometimes letters of recommendation.

Remember, while summer camps can offer enriching experiences and bolster college applications, they're not the sole determinant of your academic success. Prioritize maintaining a strong academic record, preparing for standardized tests, and engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities alongside considering summer camp applications.

Additionally, don't hesitate to explore local opportunities or community programs if the highly competitive camps seem overwhelming or financially burdensome. Sometimes, local internships, volunteer work, or skill-building workshops during the summer can be just as valuable in showcasing your interests and abilities.

If you have any specific camps or programs in mind, I can offer more targeted advice or information.

Thank you.