While it might seem odd to discuss summer opportunities right after New Year's, January is the month when many summer programs publish their new information.  Questions often arise about the value of summer programs in the college admission review.  In my experience, the summer experiences that make a difference in admissions are the ones that most directly enhance an already significant dimension of the student's life; accordingly, science research or science competitions can enhance the candidacy of a student interested in science, and a summer program in the fine arts can significantly benefit the student considering an art program in college, to give a couple of examples.  In many cases people assume that a summer program that sounds great will make a great difference, when in fact it might not look any more beneficial than a summer job or a course taken locally.  It is risky to make generalizations since individual cases vary widely, and there is no question that productive use of the summer months benefits the student applying for college; however, it is worthwhile to stress that a program marketed as if it will have major admissions impact really might not.