Time to Start Thinking About Summer Programs

First, which summer programs will matter in your future college application? Which ones warrant the high cost?

Applying to competitive summer programs requires completing an application indicating GPA, test scores if available, essays, and extracurriculars. In the best programs, students do a combination of hands-on research, design, writing, and/or group work on a project or presentation. These garner attention in the admissions offices of highly selective colleges.

Alternatively, summer programs that offer, rather than require, acceptance to all or most students are considered "pay to play" and therefore not as valuable in a college application. Some, while housed at colleges, are even not connected to them. However, these programs can still benefit students who seek major/career direction while in high school, or those who have interests they would like to foster. They still can have a high ticket price.

Want to save money on a pricey "pay-to-play" program? Curious students would do better to explore a topic of interest by taking a free or inexpensive online course. Colleges are impressed by students who have academic curiosity, and with an online course, the point is developing knowledge.

If you want to choose a program with an eye towards admission, read about what you'll be doing in it. Choose one that is project-based. There is a range of selectivity, so apply to more than one. We provide guidance on a range of summer programs for 9-12th grade students and even some for middle schoolers. All have been recommended and vetted by admissions professionals.

Some applications for summer 2026 are beginning to open. Contact lesscollegestress@gmail.com for sound advice and recommendations.

Make Thanksgiving A College Free Zone

Scott Anderson, Senior Director for Access and Education at The Common Application, wrote this in November 2015. Ten years later, these words are even more important.

“This week, as you gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, be mindful of the high school seniors seated at the table. Odds are they don't want to talk about their college applications any more than you want to talk about work...

...Teens are thinking about college but don't necessarily want to talk about it over mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie...ask them about the things they love to do and the challenges and ideas that intrigue them (instead of) inquiring about what they plan to major in, how they intend to make a career of it, and what that career will be. It also invites them to ask you the same kinds of questions, which creates a space for real conversation, not one-directional interrogation.

So please do the high school seniors in your life a favor. Help make the Thanksgiving table a college-free zone. They (the kids) are going to be fine.”

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Pamela

Sophomores and Juniors: Where to Start?

I am excited to help my sophomores and juniors begin making college visit plans and list building. But where to start?

Before booking the proverbial trip to Boston (MIT, Harvard, and Northeastern have single digit admit rates), why not start smart, go online, and see what you can learn for free? (There is a lot of misinformation, so please stick with these sites.)

Less College Stress families:

Go onto your page in the Less College Stress system. If you haven't already, students should complete the Roles & Identities Exercise and 16 Personalitites, both in the Personality Assessment file. Use the links in the Researching/Visiting colleges file. Explore all your files...there’s much to be discovered about every aspect of the college process. While you are college shopping through through the Less College Stress system, try these:

Fiske Guide: Read about colleges I have suggested or you are considering here. It's the most comprehensive college guide, offering information about every feature of a college, plus possible overlaps and top programs. (free through my system, not outside it.)

College Navigator: Play with exploring schools by Geography, Major, Type of degree and Institution, Undergraduate Student Enrollment, Tuition, Campus setting, % of applicants admitted, Test Scores, Varsity Athletic teams, and Religious Affiliation. (under Research within any College Profile) College Navigator.

Campus Reel: See great videos of campuses and follow students through their days at school.  (under Research within any College Profile) https://www.campusreel.org/

Rather than booking a major trip, visit a few campuses in your area on a Saturday or Sunday. Think about what "driving distance" means to your family. Not sure if you are open to an urban campus? Walk the campus at a large state school, a mid-sized college (app. 4,000-10,000), and a small liberal arts college to get a sense of what you prefer. Explore, talk to students, and keep an open mind. If you can see yourself in every scenario, that’s fine. Rule out what you don’t want. I am here to fill in all the details, provide the data, and refine the list later!