Planning for College: What to do Over the Long Summer Break?

Spending your summer break

If you are finishing grades 9 and 10, then the summer is the time for you to delve into your interests and explore new ones. Good grades will only get you so far in the college application process, colleges will also want to know about activities you have been a part of, and the long break provides the perfect opportunity for you to put time into these activities.

Top Summer Programs: Summer Science Program (SSP)

Summer Science Program

The Summer Science Program (SSP) is a non-profit organization that provides hands-on research experience to high school seniors. It is one of the oldest pre-college enrichment programs that is run and supported by its alumni.

Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA)

The Yale Summer Program Logo

The Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA) is a research and enrichment program hosted at Yale’s Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium (LFOP) for 36 rising high school seniors. YSPA students learn practical skills in computer programming, data analysis, statistics, writing, and other research methods.

Top Summer Program: National History Academy

The National History Academy holds a noble mission: to inspire students in their quest to comprehend the foundations of American democracy and the duties of citizenship through immersive and experiential learning.

Top Summer Programmes: Mathcamp

Guide to Canada/USA Mathcamp | Five-Week Summer Programme

Although generally known as just ‘Mathcamp’, its full title is Canada/USA Mathcamp and describes itself as ‘an immersive summer experience for mathematically talented students ages 13-18 from all over the world.’ The programme provides a challenging and stimulating environment where students can learn and explore mathematics beyond the standard school curriculum.

Wharton Global Youth Online Program

Wharton Global Youth Program

The Wharton Global Youth Program provides a plethora of educational programs. The programs inspire pre-collegiate students to explore business practices, analyze the world’s complex challenges, and take the first steps in becoming leaders who will transform the global economy.

Top Summer Programme: Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)

“Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)” is an excellent educational program for exceptional high school students worldwide. Every summer, participants from more than 150 countries, including all 50 states of the US, take part in a two-week interdisciplinary session at Yale University’s historic campus.

Top Summer Programmes: Harvard Summer School

Harvard University

Are you a high school student who wants to experience an Ivy League education? If yes, Harvard Summer School might be a great option for you. Harvard summer school gives you an insight into college-level courses and helps enhance your profile. Your classes are held at the Harvard campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. You also get the lifetime experience of being a Harvard student.

Top Summer Programmes: Summer Research Academies

summer Research Academy

The Summer Research Academies provides a stimulating summer program for eligible high school students. The program is offered by the University of California, Santa Barbara. Is designed to introduce students to the research process in STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences fields.