Are summer programs worth the money, or should I find other things to do (specifically U of I Architecture)?

Question

http://www.arch.uiuc.edu/programs/discoverarch/

I wanted to apply to a summer program for architecture, journalism, and or advertising because I wanted experience in those fields to help me decide what I really want to major in (I'm a high school junior right now), and what things I actually would not enjoy studying/doing.

I also wanted to attend a program to just give my college application a little boost.

But as I researched, I realized that college programs are pretty expensive. The cheapest ones I found were 5 day, $500 camps. I also read a lot of peoples' opinions, and from what I gathered, college programs are minimally helpful to your app, and you should only do them if you're interested in the subject matter. Also, apparently there are a lot of bad summer programs that aren't even run by full time teachers, just grad students or part time teachers. 

So now I'm wondering if there are other options for me. I could do volunteering or find a part-time/full time summer job, but my concern isn't just having a productive summer- I want a summer that helps me decide my major, and I don't think I'll be finding a volunteer/pay job for architecture/advertising/engineering. And internships are probably even more unlikely....

so any guidance on the summer program/what other things I can do to help decide my major?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

You have the perfect reason to go to a summer program.  It can be a *great* way to see if it is what you want to major in, when you go to college. 

A lot of people who go to summer college programs do it because they think it will impress colleges.  It does, but only a little.  Others go because they think it will make it easier to get into that particular college.  It's worthless for that.  Most people go because they have to find something to do and they don't want to work or can't find a job.

But you are different.  You want to explore the things you would be studying.  That's a really good use of a summer program.   It's especially valuable for architecture, because going to an architecture school can be really difficult.  Make sure it is what you want, before you go to all that hassle.

I hope this helps, and I wish you well.

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Are summer programs worth the money, or should I find other things to do (specifically U of I Architecture)?

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