To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply.
Are expensive summer programs and paid research opportunities actually helping students get into selective colleges? Or are families spending thousands of dollars on activities that do little to strengthen an application?
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel tackles one of the most controversial topics in college admissions: pay-to-play summer programs and research opportunities. From university-branded pre-college programs to paid research mentorships, Thomas explains how admissions officers evaluate these experiences, why some impressive-sounding credentials carry less weight than parents expect, and when paying for an academic opportunity can genuinely make sense.
Paid research: Does paying for research actually strengthen a college application?
High school research: Do students need research experience for Ivy League admissions?
Summer programs: When are expensive pre-college programs worth the investment?
University prestige: Does attending a summer program at a top university give students an advantage?
Alternative experiences: Why might jobs, internships, and independent projects stand out more?
University of Chicago: What makes its summer program admissions pathway different?
The question isn't whether a program is prestigious or expensive. It's whether the experience helps your student develop genuine interests, take initiative, and build a more compelling college application.
To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply.