Debunking Forbes’ Claims: Do Elite Summer Programs Really Give Your Child an Edge?

2025-04-02

We recently read a Forbes article about why your kid needs to attend a competitive summer program, and we have some thoughts. Join us as we get the facts straight about the article in question and break down what you need to be aware of when it comes to these expensive summer programs that claim to give your child an edge when applying for elite colleges. Find out how many of these programs misrepresent themselves (like by suggesting they are more selective than they are), the handful of programs that are credible, and how to tell the difference. We also discuss how these articles are specifically targeted at parents and teens, why their contribution to the media ecosystem is so harmful, and how to recognize when you are being marketed to. Tune in to get the full scoop on what to be aware of when it comes to these summer programs and their bold claims!

Key Points From This Episode:

[0:00:42] The Forbes article we are discussing and why we are annoyed by it.
[0:02:30] Article points we agreed with and the benefits of a program like this.
[0:02:56] Why a summer program won’t necessarily help you stand out at elite colleges.
[0:03:53] A breakdown of how many of these programs misrepresent themselves.
[0:05:43] Clarifying which summer school programs are as selective as they claim.
[0:08:36] How parents can navigate misinformation, especially regarding these programs.
[0:10:37] A reminder that you cannot control the outcomes of highly selective colleges.
[0:11:57] Critiques on how dishonest and exploitative these types of articles can be.
[0:14:37] What truly matters for your child’s long-term development.
[0:16:50] How you can get in touch with questions and suggestions about today’s topic.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

'Why Your High Schooler Should Attend A Competitive Academic Summer Program—And Which Ones You Can Still Apply To'
COSMOS Pre-College Program
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You
Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram

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