parents want me to do a $5k harvard summer program. does it actually help

is NSLC or a pre-college thing at a big name school worth it for admissions or is it just expensive. they think it'll help me get into harvard specifically

AnonymousOP Aristo CEO4h ago

Mostly expensive. Pay-to-attend summer programs at big-name universities generally do not help admission to that university or elsewhere, and readers know the difference between a selective program and one anyone can pay for.

Go if it sounds fun and your family can afford it without stress. If the goal is admissions, cheaper options often look stronger: a job, a project you build, research or volunteering you do over months, or a free selective program (many are free or pay a stipend and admit by application).

AnonymousOP Aristo CEO4h ago

Look at the deadlines for free selective programs now. Many close in January to March.

Forum rules

Talk about anything in admissions

This is an unfiltered place. Ask the question you would not ask your school counselor, share what worked, share what did not. You can talk about whatever you would like in the admissions process.

No hate speech

Disagree as hard as you want, but no attacks on anyone for their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, disability or where they are from.

No spam

No repeated posts, link dumps, bots or anything posted only to sell.

No soliciting, unless you are a current Aristo counselor

If you would like to solicit, you must make an account with Aristo first, and you may only post your own booking link. Everyone else: no selling services, essays, tutoring or referral links.

parents want me to do a $5k harvard summer program. does it actually help

More on Extracurriculars