Extracurriculars

How To Apply (and Get In) to Top Summer Programs

How To Apply & Get Into Top Summer Programs
August 18

Summary

Top summer programs offer academically motivated high school students a great opportunity to get more from summer breaks. But admission to top programs can be very competitive, on par with getting into an Ivy League school. This guide explains just how competitive admissions to top programs can be, what kinds of aptitudes and skills different programs weigh most heavily, what to expect when you apply, and the application strategies students need to succeed.

As competition for admissions to leading universities increases, many students and families want to pursue the best opportunities for educational growth. During summer breaks in the Northern Hemisphere, summer programs at top US and UK universities offer outstanding opportunities for rewarding educational growth and building a strong admissions profile.

And there are summer programs for all kinds of growth —  with opportunities for pre-college academics, career exploration, supervised research, networking, and individualized capstone projects.
But the best summer programs are often in high demand. As a result, parents and students often want to know “What are these programs looking for?” as they weigh their chances for admission.
In this guide, you’ll learn just how competitive top summer programs can be and how to stand out when applying. 
Once you understand how to choose the right programs, what skills specific programs want to see on your resume, and what to expect when it’s time to apply, you’ll greatly increase your chances for success — turning summer break into a valuable stepping stone on your larger college journey.

How Competitive Are Top Summer Programs?

Just like top universities, elite summer programs are a magnet for motivated students eager to accelerate their learning and take on new challenges.

The upshot is that admissions to top summer programs are often more competitive than admissions to Ivy League schools and other leaders, such as Stanford, the University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins, and so on!

Portrait of an Elite Summer Program: RSI

RSI, or the Research Summer Institute, hosted by MIT, is one of the most elite summer programs in the US. Many STEM students are highly motivated to get a spot in the program reserved for rising seniors. Why? Because those who do get in are rewarded with high acceptance rates at MIT, Ivy League schools, and other Top 20 Universities in the US.

RSI reports that it accepts only around 80 students each year, 50 students from more than 1,500 US applicants, and 30 students from roughly 300 international applicants, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of roughly 4% — making a program like RSI as statistically as competitive for admission as an elite university, whether you’re a US or international student.

This means standing out as an applicant at an elite summer program will require more than good grades alone, because 
  • Applying to top summer programs often involves a holistic assessment (spanning a range of application components)
  • Elite summer programs have a specialized academic focus that will typically favor applicants with matching aptitudes and skills: for example YYGS emphasizes global citizenship and leadership potential, while a program like SIMR is focused on equipping students with laboratory research skills. 

While getting into the Ivy League often demands a top-notch resume across virtually all application components, the criteria that most matter for summer programs will likely vary, depending on the program focus.

What To Expect When Applying To Your Chosen Program

When it comes time to apply to a top summer program, be prepared to submit a range of application components, similar to those typically required for a holistic university admissions process. Common application materials include:

  • Academic transcripts
  • Personal essays
  • Letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors
  • Supplemental materials such as a resume or portfolio
  • Language proficiency test scores and student visa for international students (if applicable)
  • Interviews for more selective programs
Pro Tip

Use a spreadsheet to manage materials and track deadlines for your chosen programs.

Sample List of Application Requirements: Research Science Institute (RSI)

  • Stellar Test Scores: PSAT math Score 740 or higher and reading Score 700 or higher, or ACT math score 33 or higher and language score 34 or higher (recommended qualifications)
  • Essays detailing student’s goals in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics
  • Two to three letters of recommendation (math/science teachers and/or a research supervisor)
  • Official high school transcript
  • All scores from nationwide standardized tests (including PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP)
  • Students planning to apply to RSI are strongly encouraged to take the PSAT

For more information on standardized tests, including AP exams, check out our free online resources:

The Application Timeline

Understandably, busy students and parents often don’t think to start researching summer programs until the spring semester.  Unfortunately starting in the spring time is often far too late. 
In fact, many parents and students come to us for help finding and applying to top programs — sometimes several months in advance of summer — only to discover that application deadlines have already passed for some of the best programs or that they simply don’t have enough of a runway to submit a strong application.
Believe it or not, a good number of top summer programs have application windows in the winter or late fall.
Admissions Planning for Global Applicants

For top summer programs, global applicants may face additional challenges because application deadlines for US summer programs often compete with crucial periods in different educational systems.

For example, applying to a summer program in the Northern Hemisphere may interrupt Southern Hemisphere students’ summer holiday season. Likewise, UK students are likely to be navigating A-Level preparation.

This makes strategic planning even more essential for many global applicants!

Top Programs & Application Deadlines

Summer Program
Deadline to Apply
Yale Young Global Scholars
Early December
Telluride Association Summer Seminar
Early December
Research Science Institute (RSI)
Early December
Brown University Pre-College Programs
Application window opens in mid-January (many courses fill quickly)
Stanford Institute of Medicine Summer Research Program
Mid-February
Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)
Mid-February
NASA (Summer) High School Internships
Late February
NYU Career Edge Program
Mid-March
And, don’t forget that an even more generous headstart is needed if you want to build out your academic resume before it’s time to apply.
Ideally, therefore, start thinking at least nine months in advance and closely monitor for program updates and application requirements once the program application window opens in the fall or winter. 

Want to learn more about the types of summer programs out there and application timelines?..

Check out our online article: Summer Programs for High School Students to get started. You'll get an overview of what's out there and find links to more articles with lists and resources based on the type of summer learning you're interested in.

Why It’s Hard To Start Too Early

  • Finding the best programs especially on your own can demand lots of time for research.
  • Application deadlines often fall in the mid or late winter months, long before many families. and students are used to making summer plans
  • Completing a stand out application for a top-tier summer program takes time and a disciplined approach.

If you are starting later… Keep in mind that Crimson advisors are still a great resource, they’ll have a ready list of programs with later deadlines and can quickly help you find the best ones, in terms of academic rigor and your interests and learning preferences.

How To Stand Out as an Applicant

Here are some of the crucial application components you’ll need to be a top applicant for many elite summer programs:

  • A compelling personal essay that grows out of sophisticated self-reflection and demonstrates genuine intellectual curiosity in areas that align with the program focus
  • Strong letters of recommendation that speak to your intellectual curiosity and your readiness to make the most of the program opportunities while contributing positively to the learning environment 
  • Strong alignment between the program focus and your goals and interests, across your application components

Extras To Enhance Your Summer Program Application

For the most competitive programs, top applicants may also be expected to submit other required or recommended components highlighting both high levels of interest and prior engagement, such as:

  • Independent research or self-initiated projects
  • Relevant supplementary coursework (e.g., college bridge courses or online courses)
  • Academic competitions
  • Published writing or creative portfolios
Application Reminders

Some application components are likely to carry more weight than others — such as the components that align with the academic focus of the program you’re applying to. Giving these components more attention and emphasis should help you stand out.

Quality is likely to matter more than quantity as admissions committees can distinguish between genuine intellectual pursuit and resume padding. If you’re applying to a highly selective STEM research program, for example, one substantive, self-directed research project with clear methodology and meaningful conclusions will far outweigh multiple superficial science fair entries.

More Ways To Make Your Application Standout

Crimson advisors know from experience: students most likely to get accepted into top summer programs are ones who demonstrate high levels of authentic motivation, interest, and engagement — in addition to overall academic readiness.
This means, beyond submitting records of your grade, overall GPA, and relevant test scores, you’ll want to present a unified and compelling profile that’s well aligned with the program you're applying to:

Express strong interest and motivation:

Use relevant application components to convey a high level of genuine academic curiosity, initiative, and engagement — aligned with the program focus.

Convey a unique story:

Don’t just say you’re motivated and interested, show how the summer program you’re applying to naturally aligns with other active interests and aspirations.

Ensure a coherent and compelling applicant profile:

When aiming for an elite opportunity, your application requires careful preparation — every aspect will reflect on your level of interest and engagement and each component needs to work in harmony with the others to make the biggest impact.
For this reason, students who simply think in terms of getting into a summer program for “mere prestige” or simply to “add more shine to their resume” may struggle to present a truly compelling profile.
In fact, we often remind students and families that programs like RSI and TASS have extraordinary success rates in placing alumni at top universities. 
Why do top programs open doors in this way?
Because the most highly respected summer programs select applicants who demonstrate authentic intellectual passion and curiosity, not strategic maneuvering.
At these competitive summer programs, admissions officers are remarkably skilled at detecting manufactured interest! That means these students who get into these top summer programs are often green-lighted for admissions to top universities down the road.
This makes it crucial to take stock of your goals and interests: consider how your summer plans fit into your larger college journey in order to choose the right summer program.

How To Choose The Right Summer Program 

Summer programs offer near limitless options, but choosing the right summer program is key. In addition to working to boost your college applications, think about the kind of experience you’re looking for and what you want to get out of it:

Students who pursue programs that match their genuine interests will more often stand out because these programs are more specialized. When the program goals match your goals, your application is sure to be more compelling.

While providing a potential boost for college admissions, top summer programs also offer amazing intrinsic benefits sparking real academic growth and exploration if you choose one that aligns with your genuine interests.

Because there are summer programs for every kind of academic growth from skill building and vocational exploration to networking, demonstrating institutional fit, and more summer programs, selectively chosen, can be important pillars of a winning four-year admissions strategy.

Put another way, you don’t want to let your university aspirations eclipse your genuine interests and motivations or fall into the trap of focusing only on a program’s “brand” and notoriety. 

Instead, maintain a healthy focus on your immediate and longer term goals, your personal academic interests, and your own learning preferences and focus on applying to the programs that match these.

Why Choosing the Right Program Is the Right Strategy

To choose the right program, consider how your summer plans fit your individual passions and contribute to your individual college journey.

Students who pursue genuine intellectual interests and demonstrate authentic growth are often the ones best prepared to create truly compelling narratives for both summer programs and eventual university applications.

Whether applying to a top summer program or an elite university, the best strategy is most often the least “manufactured” one: demonstrating authentic growth in areas of genuine intellectual interest and curiosity.

Summer Program Designs To Choose From

You’ll find there are a near infinite array of summer program designs and options so students can:

  • Engage in discovery and exploration, such as exploring a career field or specializations within a larger field
  • Engage in authentic, hands-on research, often with close mentoring relationships
  • Benefit from a highly personalized academic support  — to help qualify for advanced placement in a coming school year or for support achieving a personally tailored capstone project, for example
  • Get a taste of university life and university coursework by enrolling in any number of pre-college summer school programs offered by leading universities
  • Strive alongside peers to win a prestigious academic competition while sharpening academic skills along the way
  • Enjoy opportunities for connecting with highly motivated students with similar interests and build new peer networks

This means there’s a lot to think about before it’s time to apply to a summer program. Doing so will save you time and energy as you find the right program for your circumstances.

  1. Take stock of what you want from your summer and summer learning — not just in terms of academic challenges, but also in terms of what will inspire, excite, and refresh you along the way!
  2. Consider your availability and potential scheduling conflicts, and what level of accessibility you’re looking for in a program — in terms of location and travel, program cost and duration, etc.
  3. Create a shortlist of your best options and begin tracking application timelines and requirements

Finally, start your planning as early as possible and connect with a Crimson advisor if you feel overwhelmed or to be confident you’re leaving nothing to chance. Working with a Crimson expert will help you find the best summer programs out there — including those that connect with your interests — improving your odds for being a competitive applicant.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Even with good planning and good intentions, motivated students and zealous parents can make missteps that compromise their chances for success in getting into competitive summer programs.

The truth is, there are more ways to miss out on the best opportunities than you might think.

Here are just some mistakes and misconceptions that Crimson advisors often help applicants avoid:

  • Applying to the “best” summer programs without enough regard for personal fit
  • Overlooking programs that are both high quality and great matches for your circumstances
  • Underestimating or undervaluing “safety” programs for interest exploration (especially for younger students)
  • Believing that summer programs aren’t accessible if you have limited finances
  • Assuming that attending a precollege program at a specific university will give you a boost for getting into that university
  • Getting overwhelmed by the search or application process and failing to take action
  • Getting started too late — resulting in missed application deadlines or not having ample time to prepare a strong application
  • Producing overly generic essays or recycling content from other essays
  • Submitting application materials that don’t convey a clear goal or memorable story

As you can see, it’s easy to go astray!

However, by starting early and having a clear-minded approach, you’ll greatly improve your chances for success. In fact, partnering with Crimson experts is a sure way to get the most nuanced insights and feedback for your own summer planning, both for finding the best and best-fit programs and for ensuring your application is as strong as it can be.

When More Accessible Programs Are a Good Fit

Just as with university admissions, students need thoughtfully selected programs across selectivity levels.

Some excellent programs like Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes or Summer@Brown have later deadlines and offer outstanding experiences while being more accessible.

And remember, these programs can prove valuable for admissions too — especially if the experience sparks a research paper idea or capstone project direction.

How Crimson Can Help

Whether for a top summer program or a leading university, getting in requires a holistic and very disciplined approach.
Our experts not only leverage a vast pool of data and insights to guide students to the right programs and opportunities, they also help students manage timelines, refine their application strategies, and optimize every application component.

1. Finding the Best Summer Programs

Figuring out what opportunities are out there, how they all differ, and which ones offer the right level of accessibility for admissions and for your summer calendar… all of this can quickly get overwhelming. 
The solution? 
Crimson advisors have years of insights from helping other students navigate summer opportunities, which they can put to work for you, saving you time and stress.
A personalized approach supported by Crimson experts means greatly reducing your chances for missed opportunities and quickly finding the best programs for your goals. 
With our team approach and 1:1 guidance, you’ll be absolutely certain you’re finding the best opportunities and on track to be a highly competitive applicant.

Advising That Gets Results

Every year, high-achieving, qualified students won’t make it into the summer program they most want to get into — despite having great grades and strong test scores, their applications don’t stand out.
The good news is that working with our experts really does turn things around: Crimson students are 7x more likely to gain admission to top programs and universities, as independently verified by one of the big four US accounting firms.

Ivy League Success

Our team members have delivered more than 1,300 Ivy League offers alone — more than any other college admissions consultancy in the world — highlighting our ability to help students get into the world’s very best universities.

Demonstrated Trust & Satisfaction

Crimson stands out with an impressive average of 4.74 out of 5 stars across more than 100,000 Trustpilot reviews — a testament to our personalized approach, exceptionally qualified advisors, and unwavering commitment to getting results.

2. Tracking Application Requirements and Tailoring Application Strategies for Your Circumstances

Without a clear and compelling application story highlighting an authentic fit and motivation for the program you’re aiming for, your application is not likely to stand out.
This is where our experts, including former admissions officers, can help. They’ll guide you in crafting an application that speaks to more than your overall academic strengths, so admissions officers see a truly strong match between you and the goals of their program. 

3. Personalized Support and Encouragement  (Every Step of the Way)

In addition to highly personalized support, a Crimson advisor will also be a reliable source of personal support and encouragement.. Sometimes this support — while it may seem like a mere “warm and fuzzy” is what really makes a difference. 
Tackling your to-do list for a highly competitive summer program application while juggling your regular school-year activities is a tall order. Under pressure, you may be tempted to take unwise shortcuts, miss deadlines, or simply give up altogether along the way. 
This is why, having an expert who is also invested in your success can be a game changer, helping you stay on track, fielding your questions, and even keeping your spirits up! 

With admissions to top summer programs so selective, the odds for rejection are incredibly high, so why leave your efforts and aspirations to chance?

Just some of the benefits of applying to summer programs with Crimson experts in your corner include:

  • One-on-one essay support — to make sure your essays highlight authenticity and a strong fit with your program of interest
  • Personalized interview coaching — so you can be confident you have a strong finish to your application process
  • Expert advising — for navigating  and streamlining the student visa process and your travel logistics, avoiding unnecessary delays and missteps
  • Specialized guidance — so you get just the right support from strategists and mentors for every application component, to submit the strongest application possible while avoiding common pitfalls

Final Thoughts

Applying to an elite summer program takes effort and discipline, and getting in is tough — even if you have a strong overall record of academic accomplishment.

To be a top applicant also requires a high level of fit between the program focus and your most authentic goals, passions, academic interests, and larger educational aspirations.

Fortunately, there are ways you can approach your goals with more confidence, by finding programs that are truly a strong fit, by planning well in advance, and by getting personalized, 1:1 support and guidance from a Crimson expert. In fact, Crimson advisors and mentors can boost your odds for success 7x or more.

If you already know which programs are a top fit for you — or think you do — why not schedule a free feedback session and to learn more about the ways we can improve your odds for being a top applicant for summer programs and beyond?

Book a free consultation with one of our expert advisors.