If there is any single piece of advice I’d give to 10th graders right now, it is to research summer programs and apply to as many as they can. Back in 10th grade, I wanted to apply to SUMAC, TASS, YYGS, and other summer programs. Yet, I could only apply to YYGS because I didn’t start early and missed the deadlines.
Attending a summer program, be it online or offline, not only provides students with an opportunity to experience an international environment but also prepares them for college admissions through the application process prepares itself. Last year, I was waitlisted ,and eventually rejected, from YYGS. After reading my YYGS essays, I can clearly understand why I was rejected.
Anyways, start researching the various summer programs, research programs, and other opportunities as early as possible. I didn’t even know that opportunities such as the Lumiere Research Program existed when I was in 10th grade. Long story short, do not procrastinate and do your research kids )
