Male: Here to explain the differences between summer programs and internships is a college consultant Sherry Lou. Sherry is the former Associate Director of Admissions Department of college in Barnard College of Columbia University.

Female: What are summer programs?

Sherry: Summer programs are opportunities for high school students to experience college classes for summer. The programs are for students who just finished 10th and are going into their Junior year and those are rising singers. Students should select summer programs based upon their interest not necessarily because they think attending that particular school summer program will give them an advantage in the freshmen applicant for the particular school.

Depending on the program you maybe able to earn college credit or take none credit classes participate in social activities create a programming travel and recreation and sports. Some programs offers study abroad. Columbia for example offers programs not only through their New York campus but also campuses in Barcelona and in the Middle East. Summer programs have applications for admission and usually take place from June to August. Keep in mind as an applicant but the admission criteria for these programs don’t near the admission criteria for freshmen applying to the school.

Some programs require specific classes based on your interest such as engineering or business. Oftentimes students stay in on campus student housing for the duration of the program. Some programs however such as NYU’s are only available to local students who can communicate.

Female: What are summer internships?

Sherry: Summer internships allows students to obtain work experience for college during their Junior or Senior year of high school. Some programs offer a four or five with assignment at a firm in New York City or Boston for example. Some colleges also sponsor internship programs—for example offers student housing at Christopher Newport University and an internship opportunity for assistance with the Marine Science project. Keep in mind, similar to some summer programs. This opportunity is available only to Virginia high school students.

Male: If you’re wondering how your summer activities will play into your college application, give us a call and we can assess your chances at 703-242-5885.