Considering how cost and time constraints play into whether programs are worthwhile or not
Staff Writer
As the second semester begins, high school students rush to apply for summer programs, most of which promise academic enrichment and new opportunities. Oftentimes, these programs are associated with prestigious universities, marketed as required experiences for students that will boost their college applications and serve as the foundation for future academic success. But really, they aren’t worth all the attention they are given. Although some programs offer unique experiences, most are overpriced and don’t provide much that a student cannot achieve themselves using the same amount of time.
The price tag is a major factor to consider. Many programs charge thousands upon thousands of dollars for only a few measly weeks of participation, making those without financial aid programs immediately inaccessible to families that cannot afford them. These programs are, in nature, pay-to-win, creating a boundary between those who can and cannot afford it under the guise of selecting only the most talented of students. A summer camp should foster learning and exploration, yet most programs choose wealth over merit, creating financial barriers limiting access to true enrichment. Jacob Wang (11), a student who has attended multiple programs, said, “A lot of the programs I attended weren’t as rigorous as I expected. It felt like they were created more for the reason of making money rather than teaching meaningful lessons. I forced my parents to pay so much money for this cause, yet I didn’t learn or achieve much at all.”
The other major selling points include the unique opportunity to work with experts, sometimes even college professors, while creating networks with other students around the country. While it certainly is appealing, the reality is that most students leave without establishing lasting major connections. Many programs cover material that can be learned from YouTube videos and textbooks, and as for networks, the few weeks of collaboration rarely leads to long-term professional connections.
Even though most students are conscious of the downsides of applying to summer camps, and even though some of these students understand that it isn’t the best use of their time, societal pressure and the fear of falling behind their peers often force them to anyways. The competitive nature of college admissions causes students to feel they must always be doing something productive, even if they understand that they can better spend their time on other activities.
Still, some programs are worthwhile. In particular, those which are free or, even better, provide pay can be valuable to students in terms of experiencing professional, job-like settings which provide valuable experiences for future careers while simultaneously respecting participants’ time and personal goals. However, students need to think carefully before automatically assuming a summer program will benefit them. Ultimately, students should focus on accumulating meaningful experiences that align with their interests and goals, since the best summer is one which promotes the type of growth that really matters.
While summer programs promise academic enrichment and opportunities to establish career-changing networks, many are too expensive for most and don’t provide much value. Students may find more benefit from volunteering, internships, self-studying, or even just spending time with family and friends (Photo Credit: Ryan Liu (10)).
Eagle Era 
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