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Sumedha
Student
Little Elm, Texas
5
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How useful is the StandOut Connect Program?
I'm currently a high school junior and I got accepted to StandOut Connect's 2025 Summer Cohort program. Tuition is a hefty $2,950, but you're guaranteed an internship after the program is over for mentors such as alumni from Ivy League/top schools. As someone interested in aerospace engineering, and is not a U.S. Citizen, I figured this would be a great opportunity to gain experience as I'm not eligible to apply to NASA internships. This program is stated to have an 11% acceptance rate, but I'm not sure if it's worth it for college applications for how much needed to pay.
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6 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
First off, Sumedha — congrats on landing that acceptance! That 11% acceptance rate got you out here feeling like you just cracked NASA's secret vault... but now the real question is — is this a golden ticket... or just a very expensive golden sticker?
Martha already came through dropping wisdom like a seasoned Jedi, and she's absolutely right — these types of programs can be cool for networking and learning a few things. But at the end of the day, colleges know what's up. They can smell a pay-to-play program faster than I can smell pizza from three blocks away.
If you're genuinely passionate about aerospace (which I can already tell you are — I mean, you're out here trying to build rockets before most people even figure out how to file taxes), there are so many ways to build experience without selling your kidney for tuition money.
You can join online aerospace projects, open-source engineering communities like NASA's Space Apps Challenge, or even start your own project like building a tiny satellite (yes, people are out here DIY-ing satellites in their garages now — the future is wild).
If that $2,950 is going to make your wallet cry louder than a soap opera finale... don't stress it. Experience is experience, whether it comes with a fancy certificate or not. The sky isn't the limit for aerospace engineers — it's just a warm-up.
If you decide to join — go in with the mindset of squeezing every drop of knowledge out of it like you're making fresh orange juice. But if you don't? Trust me, you can build your own path from scratch — and honestly, there's nothing cooler than telling future NASA recruiters you built your own rocket squad from your bedroom.
Whatever you decide — NASA better start preparing their parking spots, because Sumedha's Space Force is coming.
all the best and good luck!
Martha already came through dropping wisdom like a seasoned Jedi, and she's absolutely right — these types of programs can be cool for networking and learning a few things. But at the end of the day, colleges know what's up. They can smell a pay-to-play program faster than I can smell pizza from three blocks away.
If you're genuinely passionate about aerospace (which I can already tell you are — I mean, you're out here trying to build rockets before most people even figure out how to file taxes), there are so many ways to build experience without selling your kidney for tuition money.
You can join online aerospace projects, open-source engineering communities like NASA's Space Apps Challenge, or even start your own project like building a tiny satellite (yes, people are out here DIY-ing satellites in their garages now — the future is wild).
If that $2,950 is going to make your wallet cry louder than a soap opera finale... don't stress it. Experience is experience, whether it comes with a fancy certificate or not. The sky isn't the limit for aerospace engineers — it's just a warm-up.
If you decide to join — go in with the mindset of squeezing every drop of knowledge out of it like you're making fresh orange juice. But if you don't? Trust me, you can build your own path from scratch — and honestly, there's nothing cooler than telling future NASA recruiters you built your own rocket squad from your bedroom.
Whatever you decide — NASA better start preparing their parking spots, because Sumedha's Space Force is coming.
all the best and good luck!
You are too kind, Dr. H.
Martha Kramer
Haha, you're too kind yourself, Martha! I just speak the truth with a sprinkle of wisdom and a pinch of love. 😊 Always here to share a little guidance, and happy to be part of this journey with you! Keep shining!
Dr H
Mia McCormack
3
Answers
Bedford, New York
Updated
Mia’s Answer
Hi, I am a recently graduated high school senior who completed Standout Connect’s 2024 Summer Cohort program. Even though it does come with an upfront cost, I have found the long-term payoff of the program to be invaluable. The StandOut Connect programming gave me the resources and guidance to build a strong resume, while connecting with industry leaders across a variety of different fields (law, medicine, finance, etc.), providing me with the necessary skillsets to move forward with the networking and internship application processes. After honing the particular skills necessary to be successful in the workplace, I was given the opportunity to interview with numerous companies. Upon completing the interview process, I received numerous offers and was able to begin interning at a fintech company. Throughout my internship I was given real world insight into working in the financial world, being tasked with a series of assignments that encompassed both data & market based analysis. I was able to network with many industry professionals and conducted my internship under the mentorship of a Harvard Alum. I found my time in both the program and the internship played a crucial role in my college application process, as I ended up receiving acceptances to multiple T-20 U.S. Colleges, and T-10 Universities in Europe. I could not recommend this program enough!
Andrew Johnathon Earls McCoy
HVACR
1
Answer
Corpus Christi, Texas
Updated
Andrew Johnathon’s Answer
Be strong and courageous young man or woman. Be a light in school and let that light shine through you unto others and bring that positive energy and create a engineering energy of positivity and make magnetic poles which are other kids your age be attracted to your ideas and strong learning skills to better yourself and the ones around you. Keep focused and be diverse and continue to develop your skills as a young entrepreneur.
I love the energy you're bringing, Andrew! The power of positivity is real, and there's something truly magical about being the spark that lights up those around you. Keep inspiring others with your passion and determination. The world needs more of that energy — and who knows? You might just create a whole new wave of innovators who look up to you as their beacon. Keep shining and building, loved that positivity! ✨
Dr H
Alex Pickering
Intern
1
Answer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Hey! I actually went through StandOut Connect and can share my experience. I had similar concerns about the cost initially, but here's what I found valuable and worth the money.
-The pre-interview prep and tools they taught me to use, such as how to have AI to become more efficient in a sophisticated way, how to use websites like notion for better organization, and the ability to practice interviews with a partner were things I wasn't learning in school. I went through 3 interviews for my placement. This process was a learning experience that made me way more confident going into college.
-I was matched with a Harvard alum at a consulting firm. The internship gave me real work experience and connections in my field that I still connect with.
-The mentorship and guidance I received from the company I interned with was probably the most underrated part. It was one of the things I didn't realize I needed until I was in that situation.
Here are my thoughts for your situation:
-As someone interested in aerospace engineering, think about whether the types of companies they partner with align with your field. Consulting was great for me because of my interest in finance. But I know my partner, whom I was matched with, was interested in Medicine, and he received multiple offers from different companies to Intern with, and I believe it will be similar with you and your interest in engineering. Another part of their process is that they send out your resume to a very large number of businesses within your field of interest, and I am sure you will have multiple interviews that can help with engineering, and hopefully, more specifically, aerospace engineering.
-The value isn't just about college apps, too; it's more about getting experience and learning how to position yourself professionally. If you're looking at it purely as a resume line item, then it's different than if you're looking to genuinely build skills and connections, which I believe Standout Connect helped me do.
For me, it opened doors I didn't know how to access on my own, and the skills I gained extended beyond just the internship.
-The pre-interview prep and tools they taught me to use, such as how to have AI to become more efficient in a sophisticated way, how to use websites like notion for better organization, and the ability to practice interviews with a partner were things I wasn't learning in school. I went through 3 interviews for my placement. This process was a learning experience that made me way more confident going into college.
-I was matched with a Harvard alum at a consulting firm. The internship gave me real work experience and connections in my field that I still connect with.
-The mentorship and guidance I received from the company I interned with was probably the most underrated part. It was one of the things I didn't realize I needed until I was in that situation.
Here are my thoughts for your situation:
-As someone interested in aerospace engineering, think about whether the types of companies they partner with align with your field. Consulting was great for me because of my interest in finance. But I know my partner, whom I was matched with, was interested in Medicine, and he received multiple offers from different companies to Intern with, and I believe it will be similar with you and your interest in engineering. Another part of their process is that they send out your resume to a very large number of businesses within your field of interest, and I am sure you will have multiple interviews that can help with engineering, and hopefully, more specifically, aerospace engineering.
-The value isn't just about college apps, too; it's more about getting experience and learning how to position yourself professionally. If you're looking at it purely as a resume line item, then it's different than if you're looking to genuinely build skills and connections, which I believe Standout Connect helped me do.
For me, it opened doors I didn't know how to access on my own, and the skills I gained extended beyond just the internship.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
480
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Congratulations on being accepted into the StandOut Connect program, Sumedha. I answered almost exactly the same question before - see link below -- as did another advisor.
From my research, it seems that this program is mostly run by undergraduates, including almost all the internships. So you will meet people and probably learn something. But will they be experienced researchers and mentors? Probably not so much. And will that lead you to leading researchers? Only if they introduce you or happen to become leaders themselves later.
As for college applications, admission officers know this is a pay-to-play program. If you happen to make a discovery or get to publish, it would be significant. But just participating would likely not be that impressive.
Conclusion: If you have the funds, it would likely not be a bad experience. But your wording indicates that this would be a sacrifice. So maybe keep looking.
Related question - https://www.careervillage.org/questions/1018987/i-got-into-the-standout-connect-program-this-year-and-i-applied-because-i-heard-it-was-a-very-competitive-thing-however-they-are-asking-for-2000-for-the-4-month-program-they-would-give-me-internships-with-alumni-from-top-colleges-after-graduation-but-i-dont-know-if-its-worth-it
From my research, it seems that this program is mostly run by undergraduates, including almost all the internships. So you will meet people and probably learn something. But will they be experienced researchers and mentors? Probably not so much. And will that lead you to leading researchers? Only if they introduce you or happen to become leaders themselves later.
As for college applications, admission officers know this is a pay-to-play program. If you happen to make a discovery or get to publish, it would be significant. But just participating would likely not be that impressive.
Conclusion: If you have the funds, it would likely not be a bad experience. But your wording indicates that this would be a sacrifice. So maybe keep looking.
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Rosa Joy M.
Computer Security, AI and Cloud
26
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Rosa’s Answer
If the program aligns with your goal join it but don't expect too much. If you are not able to deal with the hefty amounts keep searching further. There is something somewhere for you.
I totally agree, Rosa! It's all about finding what truly aligns with your goals and not settling for less. The right opportunity will always show up when you keep searching with purpose. Sometimes, the best things happen when you trust that something better is just around the corner. Keep looking and believing — there's something amazing out there with your name on it!
Dr H