Starting Your Summer Program Research The Right Way

Hey there! Coach Tony here, and I'm excited to share this week's college admissions insights with you. After helping thousands of students get into their dream schools, I've learned that families need clear, actionable advice - not more confusion.

That's why every Tuesday, I hand-pick the most important updates, opportunities, and tips your family needs to know right now. No fluff, just real strategies that work.

In today’s email:

• What to Do This Week: Creating Strong Organizational Systems for Second Semester

• Lesson of the Week: The Right Way to Research Summer Programs

• Success Story: How Our Coaching Student Got into UPenn

• Training Replays: Breaking into Tech + Sports Recruitment

• Scholarship Alert: Three Upcoming Deadlines You Don't Want to Miss

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

Week of January 21st

This week is all about staying organized and maintaining momentum. Take time as a family to review your student's class schedules and upcoming deadlines.

Are assignments being tracked effectively? Is there a system in place for managing projects and tests?

Building strong organizational habits now will pay off throughout the semester!

Middle School Families

• Middle school is your time to explore - focus on developing good study habits and time management skills while staying engaged in activities that interest you.

9th Grade Families

• Create a balanced schedule for the semester that includes regular check-ins with teachers about expectations, dedicated study time, and space for activities you enjoy.

10th Grade Families

• With summer program applications due soon, create a tracking system for deadlines and requirements while also meeting with your counselor to discuss preliminary course selection for 11th grade.

11th Grade Families

• Finalize your standardized testing timeline, dive into college research with the goal of having a preliminary list by spring break, and schedule a planning meeting with your counselor.

12th Grade Families

• If you received early acceptance, carefully review your portal and email for required next steps, while continuing scholarship applications and maintaining strong grades through your final semester.

LESSON OF THE WEEK

The Right Way to Research Summer Programs

With many deadlines approaching in February and March, now is the critical time to research summer opportunities. But with thousands of programs available, how do you find the right fit?

Here's your step-by-step guide to smart summer planning:

Start With Your “Why”

The most successful summer experiences begin with clear intention. Take time to reflect on what you really want to gain from your summer - whether it's exploring a potential college major, developing specific skills, or diving deep into a passion project. This reflection will help guide your entire search process.

Many students make the mistake of applying to programs simply because they're prestigious or their friends are applying.

Instead, think about your academic interests, career goals, and personal growth areas. What skills do you want to develop? What experiences would complement your current activities?

The summer after sophomore and junior year can be particularly impactful for college applications. Consider how each program might help tell your story and demonstrate your authentic interests. Programs that align with your existing activities and future goals often make the most compelling additions to your profile.

Know Your Categories

Pre-college programs at universities offer a taste of college life while studying a specific subject. These programs typically range from 1-8 weeks and can include both residential and commuter options. They're excellent for experiencing a potential college and demonstrating interest, though they often come with significant costs.

Research opportunities, whether through formal programs or individual outreach, allow you to work alongside professionals in a field that interests you. These experiences can range from structured lab programs to more independent projects under a mentor's guidance. While sometimes harder to find, they often provide more substantive hands-on experience.

Internships and volunteer positions, while sometimes harder for high school students to secure, can provide real-world experience and professional connections. Look for organizations that have a history of working with high school students, and don't be afraid to reach out to local businesses or non-profits in your area of interest.

Research Smart, Not Hard

Begin your search with resources you already have access to.

Your school's college counseling office often maintains lists of vetted programs, complete with past student reviews and application tips. This can save you hours of uncertain internet searching and provide a solid foundation for your research.

Expand your search by investigating programs at colleges on your preliminary list.

Many universities use summer programs as a way to identify interested students, and participation can demonstrate genuine interest in the school. These programs often provide unique access to professors and facilities that might not be available elsewhere.

Use professional organizations and academic societies as another layer of research. Fields like engineering, medicine, and business often have youth programs or summer academies designed specifically for high school students. These specialized programs can provide focused experience and valuable networking opportunities.

Evaluate Programs Strategically

When examining potential programs, look beyond the glossy brochures and impressive names.

Research the actual day-to-day activities of participants. Will you be actively engaged in learning and doing, or simply observing? The best programs offer hands-on experience and real responsibility.

Consider the program's track record and outcomes. How long has it been running? What do past participants say about their experience?

Look for programs that have clear educational objectives and can point to specific skills or knowledge students gain. Be wary of programs that seem more focused on social activities than substantive learning.

Financial considerations should be part of your strategic evaluation. Beyond the stated program cost, factor in travel, materials, and living expenses.

Many prestigious programs offer financial aid or scholarships, but application deadlines for aid often come earlier than regular admission deadlines. Create a realistic budget that includes all potential costs.

Create Your Action Plan

Start by creating a comprehensive tracking system. Whether it's a spreadsheet, digital planner, or physical notebook, record every detail about programs that interest you. Include application components, deadlines, recommendation requirements, and any specific essay prompts.

Build a timeline working backward from application deadlines. Many competitive programs have deadlines as early as January or February for summer participation. Factor in time for requesting transcripts, securing recommendations, and drafting thoughtful essays. Remember that teachers and counselors often need 2-3 weeks to write recommendations.

Develop a drafting schedule for application materials. Start with programs requiring the most extensive applications. Many essay questions overlap between programs, so creating strong foundational essays that can be customized for different applications will save time and maintain quality.

Don't Forget Plan B

Competition for established summer programs can be intense, with acceptance rates sometimes lower than those of selective colleges. Develop backup plans early, considering multiple types of experiences that could help you reach your summer goals.

Consider creating your own opportunity if traditional programs don't work out. This might mean designing an independent research project, starting a community initiative, or developing a skill through online coursework. Self-directed projects can demonstrate initiative and entrepreneurial spirit to colleges.

Local opportunities often get overlooked but can provide equally valuable experiences. These might include working with a local business, conducting research at a nearby college, or developing a project with a community organization. The key is to find ways to make the experience meaningful and aligned with your interests.

Remember: The "best" summer program is the one that aligns with your goals and helps you grow. Sometimes the less obvious choice can provide the most meaningful experience.

SUCCESS STORY OF THE WEEK

How our Coaching Student Got Into UPenn

Meet Simran, who earned acceptance to UPenn's unique dual degree program in Nursing and Economics. Her journey showcases how authentic interests and strategic planning can lead to exceptional outcomes. Want to hear her full story? Watch our in-depth interview where Simran shares her entire college admissions journey.

Her Academic Foundation

In the video interview, Simran shares her academics - the classes she took, the grades she got and the tests she took.

One of the aha moments in this section is that you find out that she did not have a perfect GPA. Instead, she actually had several B’s on her grades. But overall, she did maintain very strong grades all throughout high school.

Another aha moment was that her test scores were in the 1500s either. She scored in the 1400s and still made it into one of the Ivy League colleges.

Her Activities Journey

Simran reveals something fascinating about her activities - she actually started high school thinking she wanted to do computer science! Her early years were filled with activities like Girls Who Code, robotics, and programming competitions.

One of the biggest aha moments comes when she explains how her interests naturally shifted towards medicine and healthcare over time.

The key takeaway? It's completely okay to change directions. Simran started with computer science activities but ended up in a healthcare-business program at UPenn. You don't need to have it all figured out early on - let your interests evolve naturally.

The most authentic part was hearing her say she "wasn't just doing things to get into college." Her activities changed because her genuine interests changed.

Finding Her Perfect Match

Simran shares an illuminating moment about her college search. While most students start with "I want to go to an Ivy League," her approach was different.

One of the biggest aha moments is when she explains discovering UPenn's unique dual degree program in Nursing and Economics. As she puts it, "there's no other program like that in the US."

Instead of forcing herself to fit into a traditional pre-med or business track, she found a program that matched her evolved interests perfectly.

What's particularly inspiring is hearing her explain how this program opens doors to multiple careers - from consulting to nursing to healthcare management. It wasn't about the prestige; it was about finding the perfect fit.

Working With Our Team

In one of the most authentic moments of the interview, Simran opens up about how coaching helped shape her journey.

A particularly eye-opening moment is when she describes working with Coach David. Unlike typical "do this to get into college" advice, he helped her take her existing interests and activities to the next level.

The surprising revelation? She didn't need to start new activities or create projects just for college applications. Instead, our coaches helped her dig deeper into what she was already passionate about.

What's especially meaningful is hearing her describe how multiple coaches helped with her essays - not by writing them, but by helping her tell her authentic story in a way that showcased her genuine fit for UPenn's unique program.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING VIDEOS

Watch Last Week’s Most Popular Training Replays

Did you know that every week our coaches host live training sessions to help families navigate the college admissions journey? Here are two of our most-watched sessions from last week:

• Breaking Into Tech: A Step-by-Step Guide for High School Students

• The Student-Athlete's Path: Understanding Sports Recruitment and College Admissions

Watch these replays to get actionable strategies you can implement right away. Our coaches break down complex topics into clear, practical steps your family can follow.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships of the Week

Each week, we handpick a few scholarships that are currently accepting applications. Here are this week's opportunities:

Edison Scholars Program

• Award Amount: $50,000

• Deadline: January 23, 2025

• Eligibility: Must be a high school senior with at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA, plan to pursue studies in the STEM fields at a four-year accredited college or university and show financial need.

Princeton Prize in Race Relations

• Award Amount: $2,500

• Deadline: January 31, 2025

• Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled in grades 9-12 and be sponsored by either a teacher, adviser, community or religious leader, or any other adult who is not related to you.

Student Essay Contest (Sponsored by Association for Women in Mathematics and Math for America)

• Award Amount: There is a monetary award, but it doesn’t have to be used for schooling.

• Deadline: February 1, 2025

• Eligibility: This essay contest is open to students in the following categories: Grades 6 – 8, Grades 9 – 12, Undergraduate

ONE QUICK FAVOR

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