AP Notes, Outlines, Study Guides, Vocabulary, Practice Exams and more!

Summer Programs... Advices Needed QUICK!

5 posts / 0 new
Last post
Anne-Claire's picture
Offline
Joined: Mar 2008
Summer Programs... Advices Needed QUICK!

Hi, it's me again.

I recently received a letter from Lead America inviting me to go to a ten day conference. I REALLY want to go, but there are always several things to consider, right?

One, the whole thing is around $2000 and that is a little bit too much than I wanted.

Two, I am right now a freshman, and I don't really know if it helps me to get into a good college (like Stanford). Is this "chance of a lifetime"? Will they not invite me next year if I don't go this year?

Three, how good is this program really? It sounds awesome but I would like some more opinions.

And the same thing with the COSMOS from UC, which one should I go when these aspects are considered.

:) I need advices, quick!

pianogirl2422's picture
Offline
Joined: Mar 2005

Well, first off

1) I don't actually know much about these programs - how much they cost, how often you get chosen, how many people they choose, etc.

2) This is a personal choice - ultimately it's up to you which you want to go to.

3) Any summer activity will look good on transcripts.

So, from what little I know, it looks like the Lead America is more focussed on political leadership whereas COSMOS looks more like it's focussed on science and math leadership. If you're looking more for a career in science and math then the COSMOS might be better, but if you're looking for a career in politics or other government stuff or management or stuff where leadership experience is really helpful then he Lead America might be better. But like I said, I'm not sure how often these opportunities come, but do remember you've got three more summers left to do these types of activities.

I do highly recommend that you talk about it with your parents and your school's career or guidance counselor as they will know more about you personally and more about what the programs entail.

[=RoyalBlue][=Comic Sans MS]
"I refuse to prove that I exist," says God, "for proof denies faith, and without faith I am nothing."
"But," say Man, "the Babel fish is a dead giveaway, isn't it? It could not have evolved by chance. It

Shadow's picture
Offline
Joined: Sep 2005

$2000 is major investment, and you should be damn sure you want what you're buying before you spend it. I shelled out $2000 for a summer jazz program, and while I sometimes wish I still had $2000, I know that was money darn well spent.

Also, I don't think you want to hear my rant about how I hate the whole "get into a 'good college'" mentallity. I just end up getting angry.

Greenlover17's picture
Offline
Joined: May 2008

Do not fear, once your start getting these invites, the program will continue to send you invitations over the years, I should know. If this is stuff you're really interested in, ask your guidance councilor about HOBY, or the Hugh O'Brian seminar. One junior out of every school is invited to go as that school's ambassador; supposedly, the school will pay for the trip. Once you're in, a lot of these committees will begin sending you seminar information, and yes, all will be just as expensive. They are fun, and you will learn quite a bit. If you can, I suggest you go to at least one.

Luck to you, Greenlover17

Just Breathe...

A relationship is like a shark; it needs a constant current, or it stops living.

Curiouser and curiouser. ~ Alice, from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Rainfall may make

alceste12's picture
Offline
Joined: May 2008

You'll continue to get invites for these. I have several friends who have been to these "conferences", and they've generally found them to be pretty boring, overall. The organizers definitely put a lot of "hype" into the brochures. Additionally, it'll never do anything for your resume - admissions counselors don't care about programs you can buy your way into (provided you're a half-decent student). Just ask an admissions counselor.

Need Help?

We hope your visit has been a productive one. If you're having any problems, or would like to give some feedback, we'd love to hear from you.

For general help, questions, and suggestions, try our dedicated support forums.

If you need to contact the Course-Notes.Org web experience team, please use our contact form.

Need Notes?

While we strive to provide the most comprehensive notes for as many high school textbooks as possible, there are certainly going to be some that we miss. Drop us a note and let us know which textbooks you need. Be sure to include which edition of the textbook you are using! If we see enough demand, we'll do whatever we can to get those notes up on the site for you!