Back in the day, summer schools were seen as something students would take to "catch up" on their weak concepts. However, this is far from the truth today. Unfortunately, summer schools still have a reputation problem. Why some high schoolers go to summer school is closely linked to getting ahead and exploring more during the summer break, instead of fixing weaknesses.
Students who enrol in the Oxford Institute's programs are often high achievers who are well aware of the critical importance of their age. They utilise the summer break to study subjects that schools don't offer, develop new skills, and experience university life under supervision in advance.
This has various benefits. For example, college admissions have become increasingly competitive. To secure your place in a good college, having a plan beforehand is crucial. Some summer programs, like The Oxford Summer Program, offer academic depth and small-group learning, which is very beneficial in developing clear concepts. Others are for skill-building or recreational purposes.
So no, summer school programmes are no longer remedial. They are strategic programs that provide real value in academics, direction, and personal growth. Moreover, they might have a long-lasting impact on your child's personality.
This blog will explain why some high schoolers attend summer school. It will discuss the modern perception of summer schools, their benefits, and debunk misconceptions.
The Modern Reality: 3 Reasons Why High Schoolers Go to Summer School
High school students attend summer programs for various reasons. These include getting ahead academically, experiencing university life, and building a strong college application.
Also, these are not just for weak students who are trying to make up for their weaknesses in the summer. In fact, many summer schools now cater to top students as well who wish to advance strategically. Top students don't see it as a fallback. Instead, they view it as an opportunity to experience learning that feels personal.
Instead of repeating what they were taught earlier, high schoolers use this time to learn new subjects, develop new concepts, or just explore different recreational activities.
1. Getting Ahead Academically
Many schools don't offer all the subjects that might interest a top-performing student. This is where the summer schools step in to fill the gap. Most academic summer programs offer a wide variety of subjects to choose from. These include medicine, economics, Artificial Intelligence, law, and many other options. Therefore, students have the opportunity to study subjects they are genuinely curious about.
Moreover, high schoolers also enrol in summer programs to build academic confidence in emerging areas of study in a limited time. For instance, AI is a very popular subject in the Oxford Summer Programme. Many students enrol in our Artificial Intelligence program to develop a good, thorough understanding of artificial intelligence in a short span of less than 2 weeks.
Guess what? This isn't the end. There are many other academic reasons as well. Top performers often see academic summer programs as a brief introduction to subjects they might finalise as their major in the upcoming years of college life. The brief introduction tells them whether the subject is a good fit for them.
Plus, it's worth noting that it isn't only top performers who attend summer programs now. There are many types of summer programs, and some still serve the remedial purposes. They help students review their weak concepts and catch up. As a result, students end up with a stronger grasp in areas where they previously struggled.
In addition, some top performers carefully select prestigious programmes in the summer to build academic confidence. Summer programmes tied to leading universities such as The University of Oxford and Harvard College follow a rigorous structure and offer excellent academic guidance that extends beyond the programme.
For example, the Oxford Summer Program by the Oxford Institute takes place at St Anne's College of Oxford University. The program allows students to choose 2 subjects from 30 offerings, one as a major and the other as a minor. Schools can never offer so many subjects at once.
Our Oxford Summer Programme welcomes top students from around the world so they can engage with like-minded peers, exchange ideas, and build connections. It also follows the tutorial teaching methodology, which is central to Oxford's learning practices. Small cohorts of students are assigned to expert tutors who try to match the pace and personalise the learning to each student's ability.
This practice ensures that each student actually attains clarity and superiority in the subject they choose.
If you are curious about a subject area and wish to explore it in-depth, learn more about our Oxford Summer Programme, Oxford London Summer Programme, and China Programme.
2. Building a Strong College Application
College admissions are getting more competitive each year. Therefore, performing well in school alone is not enough. Better counsellors, well-informed parents, and, to some extent, the 'dream college admission reels' have boosted students' confidence nowadays.
Therefore, admission officers at top dream colleges, such as the Ivy League and the University of Oxford, have to process countless applications from brilliant students in each admissions cycle. Many students get rejected.
Hence, it's clear that a good academic profile at school isn't enough. You need something extra to increase your chances.
This is where good summer programmes come into play. If a child has certification of attendance at a top college, such as Oxford or Harvard, their profile naturally gets a boost.
You can add these programmes to your personal essays and also mention them in your interviews. Also, ensure you not only mention attending a program, but also that it was a transformative experience for you.
In the eyes of an admission officer, attending a summer school shows extra dedication, a curious mind, and intellectual curiosity.
In our summer programme, we also host seminars and information sessions on the university application process so that high schoolers can benefit.
Explore how summer programmes help in college admissions in greater detail.
3. Experiencing University-Style Learning Early
Experiencing university-style learning early is also one of the reasons some high schoolers attend summer school. Universities often host summer schools for younger students to introduce thems to the lifestyle and learning at the college or university level.
The tutorial teaching methodology, for example, is central to the University of Oxford. In this teaching practice, students are divided into small cohorts. Expert tutors teach and look after these small cohorts. They also assign them work and give them individual feedback. Moreover, tutors encourage discussions and questions.
In the programs we offer, we adopt the same learning style. Students are given a structured pattern and schedule to follow. Moreover, as they reside within the university and have access to Oxford's dining halls, lecture rooms, and some other facilities, they truly get 'the Oxford Experience'.
If this is something you are looking for, enrol in The Oxford Summer Program now.
4. Networking
Students also get to network with other children who are not their school classmates. This widens their social circle. As prestigious summer programmes are attended by brilliant minds and the children of powerful families, students can make contacts that may support their goals, too.
5. Recreation
Some summer programmes are purely recreational. Instead of becoming a couch potato, high schoolers see them as an adventure. They make lasting memories at these camps, which might include trekking, climbing, and other exploratory and recreational activities.
These camps also benefit students by helping them learn through their experiences. Camping and trekking, for example, activate their survival instincts.
Personal Growth Beyond the Classroom
If you ever ask parents why they want their child to attend summer school, it won't be just about academics. They're looking for confidence and personality-building exercises that will support them for a lifetime.
Summer schools away from home country bring international exposure, maturity, independence, and confidence. Moreover, certain summer programmes also aim to bring out the leader within the child. At Oxford Institute, even our personal philosophy revolves around three pillars: learning, lifestyle, and leadership.
Moreover, living and studying on campus helps them become more self-aware and responsible. They improve their communication skills to make friends and companions during their programme. In most cases, students don't have the same friends they had in their country or school, so they naturally try to meet and interact with new peers.
Moreover, our summer programmes provide focused mentorship to the students. The tutorial-style teaching methodology is a compelling point for parents, as they know their child would engage in small-group learning and receive individual feedback.
Why Oxford is a Natural Choice for Parents?
Oxford has a long history of training many top-performing individuals from around the world, and its heritage matters to students. Learning in a city shaped by scholarships for centuries feels highly motivating. Ambitions feel shared, and curiosity seems natural.
Moreover, the tutorial-style teaching approach truly distinguished Oxford-tied programmes from other programmes.
A global peer group adds international edge to the program as well. Brilliant students from around the world study together. Parents value this because they know their children would find equally passionate friends.
Additionally, the Oxford Summer Program is not entirely academic. We aim to strike the right balance between academics and cultural immersion, so our students enjoy their time here.
Finally, we offer 30 subjects that might not be present at a child's local school. Therefore, parents like to give their child a chance to study subjects that align with their future degrees.
Explore the different programmes that The Oxford Institute offers to see which one might be a good fit for your child.
Common Misconceptions About Summer School
Summer schools have common misconceptions. Firstly, some people think they are only meant for weak students. Others also believe they are the same as online courses and don't add value to the admissions process.
These assumptions are wrong. Summer schools can assist both academically strong and weak students. While weaker students might take remedial summer programmes, smart students take programmes that keep them busy and help them explore new subjects.
Moreover, they are clearly not like online courses. Physical summer programmes allow more social interaction, engagement, and personal development. Students get to reside on the university premises, which is also an experience of its own.
Attending prestigious summer schools and highlighting their transformative impact in your essays and interviews demonstrates dedication and intellectual curiosity. Therefore, they naturally uplift your position in front of the admissions committee.