As summer approaches, you might hear about prestigious (and often very costly) pre-college programs hosted on university campuses. There’s often pressure to attend expensive summer programs college admissions committees might see as impressive. But are they truly necessary? And what is the real summer program value college admissions teams assign compared to more accessible alternatives? Let’s take a critical look.

The Pressure to Have an “Impressive” Summer

Students often feel they need a jam-packed summer schedule filled with high-profile activities to stand out in college applications. Slick brochures for expensive programs promising college-level experiences and campus life can seem very appealing. But this pressure can create anxiety and financial strain for families.

Instead of overextending your budget, consider showcasing your skills and accomplishments on platforms like Cirkled In — a smart way to stand out without breaking the bank.

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What Are These Expensive Pre-College Programs?

These programs often involve:

• Living on a college campus for several weeks.
• Taking non-credit “college-level” courses taught by faculty or grad students.
• Participating in workshops or activities.
• Getting a taste of campus life.
• Costing thousands of dollars for tuition, room, and board.

They are marketed as ways to explore interests, experience college, and boost applications.

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Potential Benefits of Costly Summer Programs

These programs can offer some benefits:

• Exposure to a Subject: Deep dive into an academic area you’re passionate about.
• Campus Experience: Get a feel for living away from home and navigating a college environment.
• Networking: Meet other motivated students and potentially faculty members.
• Personal Growth: Gain independence and maturity.

However, these benefits aren’t exclusive to expensive programs.

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Do Colleges Really Care If You Attended One?

Here’s the crucial point: Attending an expensive pre-college program generally does NOT give you a significant advantage in admissions at that host university or other selective colleges.

• Admission officers know these programs are costly and participation often reflects access to resources more than exceptional merit.
• They are often seen as “pay-to-play.” While you might learn something, the selection process for the program itself isn’t usually highly competitive based on merit alone.
• What you do there matters more. Simply listing attendance isn’t impressive. Did you excel in the coursework? Did you complete a significant project? That might add some value, but often less than other experiences.

Don’t assume expensive summer programs college applications need. The summer program value college admissions recognize is often limited unless tied to significant, measurable achievement within the program.

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The Downside: Cost and Equity Concerns

The high cost makes these programs inaccessible for many families, raising equity issues. Colleges are increasingly aware of this and try not to give undue weight to experiences only available to wealthy students. Spending money you don’t have on such a program is rarely a good investment solely for admission purposes.

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Powerful and Accessible Alternatives

Colleges are often more impressed by students who show initiative, responsibility, and impact through accessible experiences. Consider these free summer activities high school students can do or affordable summer experiences:

• Get a Part-Time Job: Shows responsibility, time management, real-world skills. Earning money is valued.
• Meaningful Volunteering: Consistent commitment to a local cause demonstrates character and impact.
• Independent Projects:  Shows initiative, passion, and self-directed learning. Build something, research something, create something.
• Community College Courses: Take an actual college course for credit at a fraction of the cost.
• Family Responsibilities: Significant caregiving roles demonstrate maturity.
• Less Expensive Local Camps/Workshops: Explore options at local universities, community centers, or museums.

These alternatives to pre college programs often demonstrate more initiative and real-world engagement.

These alternatives to pre college programs often demonstrate more initiative and real-world engagement.

And when you’re ready to present your story, Cirkled In helps turn those unique experiences into a compelling student portfolio colleges will notice.

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What Truly Matters: Impact and Initiative

Colleges want to see how you spend your time meaningfully. They value:

• Initiative: Did you seek out or create opportunities yourself?
• Commitment: Did you stick with something and make a real contribution?
• Impact: Did you make a difference, learn new skills, or achieve something tangible?
• Passion: Did you pursue something you genuinely care about?

These qualities can be demonstrated far more effectively through a challenging job, a dedicated volunteer role, or a self-driven project than by simply attending an expensive program.

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Final Thought: Make Your Summer Meaningful (On Any Budget)

Don’t feel pressured to attend expensive summer programs college applications don’t necessarily require. Focus on finding affordable summer experiences that genuinely interest you and allow you to learn, contribute, or take initiative. Whether it’s working, volunteering, creating, or exploring locally, free summer activities high school students pursue with passion are often more impressive than costly, pre-packaged programs. Make your summer meaningful for you.

Need more tips on college applications, scholarships, or just how to survive this whole process? Cirkled In has your back—check out Cirkled In resources to help you through every step of your college journey!

Check out Cirkled In and start owning your future today!