Do summer programs help with college admissions?

Yes, but not as one may believe. Attending a summer program alone does not ensure admission to an Ivy League university. Participating in a selected, academically rigorous program, on the other hand, demonstrates to universities how serious you are about learning and your ability to manage demanding courses. Whether by research, internships, or noteworthy extracurricular activities, admissions officials especially appreciate students who maximize their summer. The secret is to use what you discover in the program—perhaps by launching a similar club at your university, working on a research project, or writing an essay. Colleges are more concerned with your application of knowledge than with the program name.