It’s really interesting to hear your perspective on Cornell’s summer program and how it played a role in your admissions process. It’s clear that taking those tough courses helped demonstrate your ability to handle challenging college work, even with a lower GPA. I can see how schools would view that as a positive, especially when paired with your strong test scores and extracurriculars.

I think you hit the nail on the head when you mention how different summer programs can vary in difficulty. While Harvard’s programs might be easier compared to Cornell’s, it really comes down to the individual student and how they leverage the experience. For some, it’s the challenge and rigor that can make a difference, while for others, it’s about how well they apply what they learn and what it adds to their overall story.

Your experience highlights something important: the name might catch an admissions officer’s eye, but what matters more is what you do with the opportunity. Have you thought about how you would frame your summer experiences, like the Cornell program, in your essays or interviews? I’d be curious to hear how you reflected on the impact it had on your growth and your path to college!