How Camps Prepare Students for College & Career Success

For high school students looking to stand out in the college application process, academic and leadership-based summer camps like Legacy offer more than just enrichment; they provide hands-on experience, project leadership, and the mentorship needed to succeed in today’s competitive world.

From running real events to gaining industry coaching, students walk away with skills, stories, and credentials that speak volumes to admissions officers. Here's how programs like Legacy Summer Camp help teens prepare for college, boost their resumes, and grow into confident, capable leaders.

Summer Programs & College Admissions Advantage

Academic summer programs have a measurable impact on college admissions. A major UK study showed a clear “summer school effect”:

"76% of students who attended a summer academic program enrolled in an elite university, compared to just 55% of similar peers who did not​."

Top U.S. schools reflect similar trends. Harvard’s admissions data shows that students who demonstrate “significant scholarship or academic creativity,” including summer projects—have an eightfold admissions advantage. These programs reflect initiative, maturity, and passion, exactly what top colleges want to see.

College Readiness Skills Students Build at Camp

Legacy campers develop essential soft skills that directly prepare them for college and provide tangible experiences and stories for essays, resumes, interviews and beyond. 

Example Skills:

1. Leadership & Teamwork – Manage peers, lead meetings, and take initiative

2. Communication Skills – Strengthen public speaking, writing, and interpersonal dialogue

3. Time Management & Responsibility – Learn to juggle priorities independently

4. Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking – Analyze complex situations and make informed decisions

5. Collaboration & Empathy – Work across differences with empathy and emotional intelligence

The real results and leadership roles can be listed on resumes and activity lists!

College Interviews (and Beyond)

Whether discussing leadership, conflict resolution, or personal values, students can draw on real stories from camp that show maturity and initiative.

• College Impact: Admissions officers value specific experiences over vague claims. 

How Legacy Summer Camp 2025 Can Help:

1. Admissions Advantage: Statistics show summer camps boost elite university enrollment

2. Build a Portfolio: Lead real-world charity projects with measurable impact

3. Mentorship & Networking: Connect with Fortune 500 mentors & field experts

4. Letters That Stand Out: Earn recommendations from industry professionals

5. Stronger Essays & Interviews: Leave camp with real stories, skills & outcomes to talk about

6. Certifications That Matter: Earn CPR, First Aid, & Outdoor Skills certifications

7. Resume-Ready Skills: Master tools like Trello, Gantt charts, and team leadership