My little sister is in middle school and she’s already thinking about getting into a competitive high school. What are some summer programs that would give her an edge in her applications?
Hello there! I totally understand wanting to give your sister the best head start. My own child, who is now in college, went through a similar process aiming for a competitive high school. It's great to start early!
Look for programs that are aligned with her interests but also push her to develop new skills. For example, if she's into science, find a summer science camp like the ones offered by local museums or universities. They often have hands-on projects and sometimes even mentorship opportunities with professors. You can find a well-respected camp for just about any interest she might have.
It's not just about the prestige of the program but what she gets out of it. Encourage her to reflect on her experiences in these programs and think about how she can apply what she learns to her school or community. This reflection can make her applications stand out as she can demonstrate growth and learning, not just participation. Keep in mind to balance it out with some fun activities too—after all, it is summer break!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.