Plan Your Summer Strategically for College Applications

Summer may seem far away, but when it comes to college applications, planning now is key. Many competitive summer programs have deadlines at the beginning of the year, meaning students who wait too long may miss out on valuable opportunities. Whether you’re looking for an academic challenge, a research opportunity, or a creative program, scheduling early and strategically can strengthen your college applications.

Why Plan Your Summer Now?

For students applying to highly selective colleges, summer is a crucial time to explore interests and build a compelling application. Some of the most prestigious summer programs, such as research internships or writing workshops, have deadlines in the next few weeks. Waiting until spring to make a plan can mean missing out on the most impactful experiences.

What Kinds of Summer Programs Help with College Applications?

While many summer programs offer enriching experiences, they vary in how they impact a college application.

Highly Selective Programs

Programs with competitive admissions (often free or low-cost) signal strong academic talent. Examples include:

• Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS/TASP) – Humanities and leadership
• Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop – Creative writing

• Stanford Summer Institute – Various subjects
• Clark Scholars Program (Texas Tech University) – Intensive research across disciplines
• The Summer Science Program (SSP) – Astrophysics and biochemistry research
• Notre Dame Leadership Seminars – Social sciences and global issues
• Iowa Young Writers’ Studio – Creative writing (2025 Deadline Closed)
• MITES at MIT – STEM (2025 Deadline Closed)

• Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT – STEM research (2025 Deadline Closed)

University-Run Summer Programs

Schools like University of Michigan, Penn, Stanford, Northwestern, NYU, and MIT offer summer programs in a variety of subjects. These are often less selective but still provide valuable academic experience. Some notable programs include:

• Ross Mathematics Program (Ohio State University) – Advanced mathematics
• Stanford Summer Session – College-level coursework
• Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) – Interdisciplinary academic enrichment
• Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs – STEM, arts, and humanities
• LaunchX Entrepreneurship Program – Startup development for high school students
• Duke TIP (Talent Identification Program) – Online and in-person learning opportunities
• Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) – Online courses for advanced students

Pay-to-Play Programs

Many universities offer summer programs that are open to anyone who can pay tuition. These can be useful for exploring a field of interest but won’t necessarily stand out on applications compared to more competitive options. Some well-regarded programs include:

• Brown Pre-College Programs – Various academic subjects
• Columbia University Summer Immersion – College prep and academics
• Harvard Secondary School Program – College-level courses

Online vs. Residential Programs

Some students prefer residential programs for the immersive experience and networking, while others find online options more flexible and cost-effective. 

How to Choose the Right Program

• Consider Your College Goals: If you’re aiming for a selective STEM program, a research internship or rigorous STEM course will be more relevant than a general summer camp.
• Look at Application Deadlines: Many selective programs close applications in February and March—start applying now.
• Check Cost and Financial Aid: Some programs offer scholarships, while others are expensive and may not add much weight to an application.
• Think About Balance: Colleges value students who show deep interest in their field but also take time to relax. A mix of structured activities and personal projects (like independent research, volunteering, or creative work) can be a great approach.

Resources and Links for Summer Programs

Here are some programs with fast-approaching deadlines:

• Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop
  • Summer Residential Workshops – Deadline: March 1, 2025
  • Summer Online Workshops – Applications open in early March, Deadline: April 14, 2025
• Stanford Summer Pre-Collegiate Institute – Deadline: March 20, 2025
• Penn Summer Programs – Open now
• Northwestern CTD – Open now
• Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) – Deadline: February 20, 2025
• Ross Mathematics Program – Deadline: March 31, 2025
• LaunchX Entrepreneurship Program – Deadline: March 1, 2025
• Notre Dame Leadership Seminars – Deadline: January 22, 2025 

By planning summer early and strategically, students can maximize their college applications while also making the most of their break. Whether you’re aiming for a selective program or looking for meaningful experiences, the key is to apply now before deadlines close.

Need help choosing the right summer program? Mulholland Prep’s college counseling team can help you strategize your summer for the best possible application results.