Can you picture your teen as a Business Development Intern at a Harvard/Wharton-founded venture firm creating a new credit card? This is exactly what a Blue Stars student did last summer and continues to do virtually now that the semester has started.
Or maybe your child wants to join a coding team for a UN-backed startup founded by UC Berkeley and University of Waterloo alumni who are building a gamified adaptive learning interface to accelerate youth learning in developing countries. Another Blue Stars student was lucky enough to secure this global tech opportunity.
Perhaps a chance to work with MIT graduates and NASA engineers on AI-powered medical-grade air purifiers might seem exciting to your college-bound student.
This is just a small sampling of the exciting, elite opportunities Blue Stars finds for families!
Over the years, Dr. M and her team have built a special collection of exclusive partnerships with industry colleagues who provide state-of-the-art, hands-on opportunities for students to gain impressive experiences, build their resumes, and strengthen their case for admission to a top college.
If you are interested in a unique internship for your child aligned with what top schools expect, get in touch with us to talk about summer planning!
Elite summer programs, too, can help lead to top school admission. In fact, no matter what your child is doing over the summer, as long as they are engaged in what they love, are productive, and learn from their experiences, your child will be well on the way to a great school.
In today’s highly competitive college admissions landscape, simply excelling in the classroom is not enough. Top-tier institutions are consistently looking for students who demonstrate initiative, depth of interest, and real-world experience in their chosen fields. This goes beyond the standard high school curriculum and enters the realm of specialized endeavors, like internships and academic summer programs.
For a student aspiring to major in a specific area or pursue a particular career, engaging in an internship or deep academic exploration during the summer can be a game-changer. Not only does it provide a practical understanding of the field, but it also signals to colleges that the student is deeply committed, proactive, and ready to contribute to their campus community from day one. Such experiences highlight a student’s dedication and can set them apart in a sea of talented applicants.
Some of the pre-college programs we’re particularly impressed by are:
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Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) – EA deadline of 11/1: A globally diverse, two-week summer program that unites over 2,000 students from 150+ countries and all 50 U.S. states, fostering collaboration on innovative topics and providing a unique international perspective.
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COSMOS – This flagship program offers a wide range of clusters in courses ranging from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects where talented and motivated students have the opportunity to work with renowned faculty, researchers, and scientists in state-of-the-art facilities while exploring advanced STEM topics far beyond the courses usually offered in California high schools.
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Wharton Data Science Academy – The ultimate summer experience for students engaged in or passionate about data science, equipping them with crucial skills, while also fostering proficiency in the R language, favored by professional data scientists across academia and industry.
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B-BAY – Students learn from UC Berkeley faculty and mentors, combining online classes, independent research, lab work, and team projects, culminating in the development and presentation of an original business plan.
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Penn The Neuroscience Research Academy – Led by Penn’s experts, the Academy delves into the biological underpinnings of the brain, from neurons to cognitive functions, offering insights into mind and health in a residential program.
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University of Chicago RIBS – An immersive four-week program where students gain hands-on experience in molecular, microbiological, and cell biology techniques, developing vital skills for future research endeavors, all in a dynamic lab environment.
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Sci|Art UCLA – In the dynamic Sci|Art Studio + Lab, students embark on a transformative two-week journey fusing the worlds of science and art while also honing analytical and creative prowess to forge a solid foundation for interdisciplinary thinking before their undergraduate pursuits.
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RISD – Rising high school juniors and seniors immerse themselves in a transformative five-week experience, follow a college-level curriculum in day-long studio classes, collaborate with creative peers from around the world, and gain access to renowned resources, ultimately redefining their approach to art and design.
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SSP – Provides hands-on experience in experimental science for high school students, fostering teamwork, research, and lifelong connections, with 2023 marking the operation of six diverse programs in Astrophysics, Biochemistry, and Genomics, all celebrated as ‘the educational experience of a lifetime’ by its passionate alumni.
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BU Rise – This six-week immersive program, offers an opportunity for students with a deep passion for science to engage in hands-on laboratory research under the guidance of distinguished mentors, or to delve into structured group research in the field of computational neurobiology.
These are just a sample of the elite internships and summer programs available to you because of Blue Stars’ special relationships with premier partners. You can explore some inspiring success stories from our alumni here.
If you’re ready to plan a summer experience that aligns with what top schools expect, contact our experts for personalized assistance in summer planning!
Resources to help teens and their families navigate the college admission process
Our collection of stories, interviews, and tips provides insight and strategies to navigate the complex college planning and application process.
Learn, be inspired, and cultivate personal growth. From campus tours to interviews with former Blue Start students, choose the video that resonates with your personal journey.
Join us in our next webinar about college prep and other college related themes.
Free Workbook for Students
Start today! Go through these strategic exercises to help you sketch out your plans for all four years of high school.
- Learn key traits important to top colleges.
- Write your first personal narrative
- Branch out, exploring interests and defining activities.
- Set goals and create your 4-year college planning timeline.
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