Are summer programs at top schools worth it?

Sure! Attending a summer program at a renowned university such as Harvard, Stanford, or MIT might be quite worthwhile. These programs let you network with like-minded individuals, help you look into academic interests, and introduce you to college-level curriculum. Although they cannot ensure admission to elite universities, their intellectual curiosity and initiative will help to boost your application. Remember, though, some programs are quite selective and others mostly call for funds. Explore programs depending on their quality, not only the name of the university. If a program is costly, try for financial assistance or take into account free or less expensive substitutes such as online courses or research internships.