NYLF Engineering Program

Hey there! I recently got an invitation to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) on Engineering. Has anyone attended this program before? How valuable is it for college admissions and my overall experience?

Hey! The National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) on Engineering can be a fun and educational summer program if you're interested in the engineering field. It provides opportunities to learn about various engineering disciplines, meet professionals, and work on hands-on projects. However, keep in mind that NYLF programs often come with a high price tag, which might be a consideration for you.

In terms of college admissions, NYLF falls into the Tier 4 category of extracurricular activities, meaning that it doesn't carry much weight or impressiveness by itself. This is because NYLF is not exceptionally selective and requires you to pay to participate. Admissions officers are generally more impressed by selective and/or free programs that demonstrate a significant accomplishment or participation in an area of interest.

That being said, the value of the program is more about what you gain from the experience and how you leverage it to advance your interests in engineering. If you attend the program and use the knowledge and skills you gained to start a school engineering club, work on a significant engineering project, or demonstrate your passion for engineering through other means, it can still be valuable for your college application.

Ultimately, whether the program is worth attending depends on your goals, your financial situation, and the other options you have available. If you're mainly looking to improve your college application, it might be more beneficial to focus on more in-depth and prestigious opportunities, such as research internships, science olympiads, or engineering competitions. Alternatively, you might look into free or low-cost engineering-related programs that are more selective and provide long-lasting benefits.