My Summer at COSMOS
When I look back on my high school summers, one stands out: the summer before junior year when I attended the California State Summer School for Math & Science (COSMOS) at UC Davis. At the time, I thought I was just there to study chemistry, but in hindsight, that summer was so much more than academics.
Sure, I sat in classes and learned about chemical reactions, but what I really took away was a glimpse of college life. I biked across campus with my cohort of 20, ate in the dining halls, and spent afternoons working out at the ARC or grabbing boba in downtown Davis. One memorable moment was learning the Taeyang "Wedding Dress" dance and struggling to teach it to my groupmates as a non-dancer. Spoiler: I was terrible. But I loved the camaraderie, the laughter, and the relationships we built.
That summer wasn’t just a “program” for me—it was a mirror. I saw my strengths and weaknesses more clearly and realized STEM wasn’t where I thrived. Fast forward to today, and I’m now a college coach helping students like you or your child make meaningful, intentional decisions about their summers and beyond.
So, why do summer programs matter? Let’s dive in.
Why Summer Programs Are Worth It
Summer break is a critical 10–12 weeks for high schoolers—a lot of time to grow or a lot of time to waste. Here’s why summer programs can make all the difference:
1. Academic Enrichment
Programs like COSMOS, YSP, or MIT Women’s Tech give students the chance to explore advanced academic subjects in ways that go beyond textbooks. These experiences can spark new passions or deepen existing ones.
2. Personal Growth
When students live away from home and work alongside peers, they gain independence, confidence, and real-world skills like managing their time or collaborating with others. For many students, summer programs are their first glimpse of life beyond high school.
3. A College Admissions Edge
Admissions officers aren’t just looking for grades—they want to see intellectual curiosity, initiative, and personal growth. A thoughtfully chosen summer program can set your child apart by showing their passion and drive - plus many of their responses can be the foundation for their college essays.
4. Building Connections
From mentors to like-minded peers, summer programs can open doors to meaningful relationships. These connections often inspire students and sometimes even lead to mentorship opportunities or stellar recommendation letters.
How to Pick the Right Summer Program
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to finding the “perfect” program, but there are some guiding principles to keep in mind:
1. Align with Interests
If your student loves robotics, start with STEM-focused programs. If they’re unsure of their interests, consider general education programs on college campuses. A summer at UCLA or UC Berkeley can help them experience campus culture while exploring a range of fields.
2. Assess the Program’s Credibility
Popular programs often come with flashy marketing. To cut through the noise, seek out firsthand accounts from students or parents who’ve attended. If that’s not an option, admissions representatives are a great resource—reach out with targeted questions.
3. Think Logistically
Cost, location, and application deadlines matter. For example:
- Local options: Look into nearby college campuses for accessible programs.
- Travel plans: If you’re visiting family abroad, explore opportunities in that area—like teaching English or community service projects.
4. Consider Examples
Here are a few programs I’ve seen students thrive in:
- STEM: COSMOS, YSP, MIT Women’s Tech
- Humanities: Urban Design Lab at Columbia, Pre-Law or Writing Camps
- General: UCLA/UC Berkeley Pre-College Programs
Crafting a Winning Application
Writing an impactful summer program essay can be challenging, and certain common pitfalls can weaken an otherwise strong application. Below are some frequent mistakes students make and why these issues matter to summer program admission committees.
1. Writing Generic or Vague Essays
- Issue: The essay lacks specificity and feels like it could be written by anyone.
- Why it matters: Admissions committees are looking for individuality. Generic essays fail to show who the student truly is, making them forgettable.
2. Focusing Too Much on Achievements
- Issue: The essay reads like a list of accomplishments without insight into the student’s personality, motivations, or growth.
- Why it matters: Committees already have access to a student’s resume. Essays that only highlight achievements miss the opportunity to showcase depth and character.
3. Choosing Overused Topics
- Issue: Essays focus on common themes, like managing a busy schedule, that don’t offer a unique perspective or memorable narrative.
- Why it matters: Admissions reviewers read hundreds of essays. Overused topics blend into the crowd and fail to differentiate the applicant.
4. Lacking a Personal Connection to the Program
- Issue: The essay doesn’t clearly explain why the student is applying to this specific program or how it aligns with their goals.
Why it matters: Programs want to admit students who are genuinely interested and will contribute meaningfully. A lack of connection suggests the student may not fully understand or value the program.
Strong vs. Weak Application Essays
To see the difference, let’s look at how two students might answer this prompt: "Why did you choose your first choice (COSMOS) cluster?"
Weak Essay
I’ve always been interested in science and how it can help people. Ever since I took biology and learned about how the body works, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of improving lives through science and technology. When I came across this cluster, I realized it was the perfect fit for me. This program combines biology, chemistry, and engineering, which are all subjects I’ve enjoyed in school. I’ve always been the kind of person who likes to solve problems and think about ways to make the world a better place. This cluster focuses on creating innovative solutions for medical issues, and I know that’s something I’d love to learn more about. The interdisciplinary approach of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine really excites me because it shows how different fields can come together to solve big problems. The idea of working on things like repairing damaged knees, treating burns, or even replacing organs is inspiring. I want to learn how to use these tools to make an impact and explore the endless possibilities that come with this type of research.
Why is it Weak?
The weak essay falls into several common traps that weaken its impact. It’s generic and vague, relying on broad statements like “I’ve always been interested in science,” without diving into any personal stories or specific motivations. It also focuses too much on achievements and interests (“I’ve enjoyed biology, chemistry, and engineering”) without any deeper reflection, making it feel more like a list than a meaningful connection to the program. On top of that, it chooses a basic topic, talking about the interdisciplinary nature of the program without tying it back to the student’s unique experiences or goals. Finally, it doesn’t give a broader view of the student, staying too focused on academics and missing an opportunity to show traits like resilience or passion.
Strong Essay
Basketball was my refuge, and I found comfort in the sounds of the game—balls hitting the floor, shoes screeching, and the swish of the net. But as I continued to play, I began to experience persistent joint pain that worsened over time. After months of uncertainty, I was diagnosed with a rare connective tissue disorder. It was bittersweet—while I finally had a diagnosis, it came with the reality of frequent doctor visits, missed school, and the heartbreaking possibility of giving up the sport I loved. With my doctors’ help, I did everything to get my life back to normalcy, but I remained frustrated because I had to cut back on the sport I was so passionate about. Basketball used to be my escape and peace, but as I struggled with my new limitations, the sounds of basketball became more of a prison, constant echoes of what I could no longer do. The Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine cluster is a perfect fit for my goals. I want to learn how biology, chemistry, and engineering come together to develop innovative therapies—like replacement tissues for joints—so athletes don’t have to choose between their health and the game they love. By working with doctors and researchers in this program, I hope to contribute to breakthroughs that restore not just tissue, but the confidence and freedom athletes like myself feel playing their respective sports.
Why is it Strong?
On the other hand, the strong essay avoids all of these issues by telling a personal and reflective story. It’s specific—the student shares their experience with a connective tissue disorder, which helps us understand their motivation for applying to the program. Instead of just listing accomplishments, it connects personal challenges to the program’s goals, showing exactly how their interests align with their desire to make a difference. Plus, it gives us a well-rounded view of the student, showing traits like resilience, determination, and a genuine passion for helping others. The result is a narrative that feels authentic, memorable, and perfectly aligned with the program’s mission.
Let’s Build an Unforgettable Summer Together
Helping your student choose the right program and craft a standout application can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Together, we can turn your student’s achievements, passions, and story into a memorable application that stands out.
Ready to get started? Schedule a free consultation today and let’s make this summer the foundation of your student’s success. Click here to book now!