Strategy Camp for 2026 Summer Prep
What Do Top Summer Programs Look For?
Dear Parents and Students,
Every year, we hear the same question from hundreds of families:
“How can my child get into top summer programs or university research labs like UCSC SIP, COSMOS, or RMP?”
The truth is: these programs are extremely competitive, but they all evaluate students based on a few predictable criteria. After going through competitive summer programs by our own mentors and working with hundreds of students over the years and maintaining a 95%+ acceptance rate, here are some of the core factors that consistently lead to successful admissions:
Academics
Relevant coursework and strong academic performance are essential for highly selective summer programs with acceptance rates below 15%. Applicants who do not meet these baseline expectations are typically not considered.
Relevant Experiences or Project Outcomes
Many parents wonder:
“Why does my child need prior experience if they’re applying to learn?”Because top programs have very limited seats and naturally give priority to students who already show genuine interest, motivation, and initiative.
Creating a meaningful project from scratch usually requires 2–3 months, which is why early preparation is essential.
Recommendation Letters
While they are rarely deal breakers, strong letters can effectively highlight a student’s academic maturity and classroom participation.
Early Preparation
Most competitive program deadlines fall between December and April.
Students who stand out are the ones who prepare before applications open.
Are you ready to plan your 2026 Summer and gain a competitive edge?
Meet Your Camp Mentors
Daniel Eem
B.A. in Economics and History from Columbia University; MBA & J.D. Candidate.
A Saratoga High School alum grew up in the SF Bay Area, Daniel has professional experience in government, finance, and economic consulting. He has mentored many students interested in business and is dedicated to helping the younger generation discover their lifelong passions early on.
Kevin Yang
B.A & B.E. in Engineering from Dartmouth College and M.Arch from Yale University.
A Homestead High School alum raised in the SF Bay Area, Kevin brings a diverse set of research experiences from Stanford, Yale, Dartmouth, and has led teams globally. His unique philosophy has helped many students stand out and grow beyond high school.
What Students Will Get Out of the Camp
-
Tailored specifically to each student’s grade level, academic interests, and background.
Focused on programs that deepen your passions while also strengthening your college application across STEM, Humanities, Arts, and Research.
Ensures students apply only to opportunities that are high-quality, meaningful, and impactful, rather than generic programs that anyone can attend.
-
Walk through summer application requirements and ways to find university research labs.
Build a resume that truly stands out and get useful recommendation letters.
Learn essay writing mindset and topic selection.
-
Explore real student success stories to understand what makes applications stand out.
Identify common pitfalls and red flags that can affect applications.
Gain actionable insights to prepare strategically, avoid mistakes, and maximize acceptance chances.
Upcoming Cohort
-
Cohort 1: Winter Break December 2025
Open for 8-11th Grade Students
Dates: Thursday–Saturday, 12/18–12/20
Meeting Time: 7:00–9:00 PM PST
Format: Zoom Online
Price: $499 per student
Early-Bird Discount: $50 off if registered by Nov 30, 2025After register, you will receive the Onboarding a week before the Camp starts.
-
Cohort 2: New Year January 2026
Open for 8-11th Grade Students
Dates: Sundays, 1/4, 1/11, & 1/18
Meeting Time: 3:00–5:00 PM PST
Format: Zoom Online & In-Person in Palo Alto Office
Price: $499 per student
Early-Bird Discount: $50 off if registered by Dec 15, 2025After register, you will receive the Onboarding a week before the Camp starts.