How to Prepare for Summer Program Applications
We recommend the following family preparation in pursuing experiences on the Programs Guide.
- Know your family's plan: what kind of time will your student have this summer? Will they be home all summer? Working? Traveling? Caring for siblings? These elements all affect a students' eligibility for a program. Often summer programs will halt your application if you cannot commit to the full duration of a program.
- Gather important documents: your student may need Working Papers, an ID, proof of residency, copies of their birth certificate and/or social security card or immigration papers for applications. Not all programs ask for these documents, but many will.
- Have a conversation about finances: Determine if your student can apply to programs that have tuition attached to them. Be clear about what you are willing to spend, if anything, taking into consideration travel, food, and supplies or other expenses.
- Decide on the type of experience your student wants to have: is there a subject they love? A passion they want to explore? Every type of experience comes with its own pros and cons. We offer access to a variety of experiences but the list of experiences is never-ending- consider our guide an entry point.
- Set aside time: completing application materials can be time consuming- some require teacher recommendations, essays or interviews. Be prepared to devote time and energy to this pursuit. December Break and January Regents Week are excellent times to pursue this task.
- Apply to multiple experiences: many of these experiences are competitive and require timely completion of application and materials. In case you are not accepted into one experience, be sure to have back-ups!
