Part #1: Academic Programs
Parents often ask me me this question.
First off, summer programs that do not require acceptance are no more valuable than summer jobs, which help students earn money rather than cause parents to spend it. Jobs teach students valuable skills: independence, how to deal professionally with people of all ages, on-the-spot problem solving, time management, and sometimes mastering new technology. The opportunity to see how a business is run and even come up with creative suggestions to present to an open-minded supervisor is better stiil. Over the years, these experiences have yielded many engaging Common App personal statements and college-specific supplemental essays.
But there is a prevailing belief that a summer program, especially at a college, is better. These programs, while housed at colleges, are usually not connected to them, thus not enhancing chances of admissions (with a few exceptions). So while I don’t agree that pay-to-play programs, which are those that do not admit students based on their credentials and application, grab attention in the admissions office, they can personally benefit students who seek major/career direction while in high school, or those who have interests they would like to foster. The best programs allow students to produce something, which may include research, design, writing, working with a group on a presentation, or videos. Programs that are more passive (listening to speakers and lecturers, touring) have less value; students would do better to learn about 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 happens in it. Choose one that is project-based. There’s still plenty of time for summer fun and exploration! Next week, I’ll focus on travel programs.
Outside of the U.S., all future SATs are in the new digital adaptive format. However, SAT will change to the adaptive digital format in the US starting in spring 2024. It is hard to prepare for both forms of the SAT. Colleges might superscore between the two formats or not, but we don't know for sure yet.
Sophomores in the US should plan ahead. As a general rule, those who next fall will be in Pre-Calc or a higher level of math should plan to take the ACT or the old format of the SAT in the fall of 2023. Those in Algebra 2 or a lower math level should take the ACT or the new digital SAT in the spring of their junior year. However, we know that most students achieve their highest scores in the spring of junior year or summer of senior year. That's why there is no pat answer and I will advise my students one at a time.
It's smart to take a mock exam of both SAT formats as well as the ACT test to compare which is right for you.
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation/practice-tests
Students working with me can access free SAT (current) and ACT tests. Free ACT tests are available online from many sites.
Though my students still apply to dream schools in the northeast and midwest that admit <15%, the collective gaze has shifted south. Colleges in these states attracted the most applications (increasing in order). Since decisions are still coming in, I’ll report on that later.
Students submitted 10 applications to schools in Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Texas, and West Virginia. Along with the usual enthusiasm for the Crimson Tide, I saw my first applicant to Ole Miss. The Texas privates: SMU, TCU, and Baylor prevailed, since the state system admits <10% out-of-state students. West Virginia University and the University of Kentucky offered significant merit aid, and super-selective Tulane admitted two students ED.
Next came Virginia, with 19 total applications to JMU (most popular), Virginia Tech (very selective for STEM), the University of Richmond, the College of William & Mary, and UVA (ED for any edge).
North Carolina colleges received 22 applications (many to annual favorite and increasingly selective Elon). NC State gets more attention each year, as does UNC Wilmington. Two were interested in East Carolina (admitted), and a few were UNC-Chapel Hill hopefuls (denied–no surprise there).
Florida followed, with a total of 26 applications. Most applied to Florida’s few test-optional colleges: the University of Tampa, which checks many students’ boxes, the University of Miami, which uniquely blends selectivity and merit aid, and Eckerd and Flagler, two small beachside colleges. Students reached for the University of Florida, Florida State (both very selective), and the University of South Florida, which all require test scores.
Finally, South Carolina tops the list with a grand total of 27 applications divided between Clemson, the University of South Carolina, and the College of Charleston. (No wonder so many were deferred.) Add to that Coastal Carolina, a growing favorite offering interdisciplinary majors and resort-like atmosphere.
This southern trend continues as I build my juniors’ lists (LSU is another new addition). I’m visiting more of these schools (I’ve done Florida and Georgia tours, and am heading to North Carolina later in March), so I can help my southern-hopeful students more. South Carolina is next!