So I only applied to three summer programs: USC Bovard Scholars, MIT WTP, and MIT BWSI. I knew I wasn't going to get into USC Bovard or WTP because I'm not at all first gen or low income, but I was really counting on BWSI. I've attended a previous program by them and have applied three times already.
For those who don't know, they have an extensive application process with prereq courses required before you can even apply. I feel like I've wasted so much time on that, since I honestly have been setting aside time for that and neglecting other things every March. In freshman and sophomore year, it stung, but at least I knew that they favor juniors. But now, I got rejected as a junior, so I don't know what to do. I genuinely don't know what I'm doing wrong, since I completed 100% of all the prereq courses, had good grades in them, my recommender likes me, and I thought my essays were the best they've been in three years. I think my ECs are pretty good too.I've never felt insecure about them and I have some really strong ones, so I was pretty hyped for real colleges.
This is making me reconsider that, though, since I have no idea what's going wrong in all of my applications and most programs don't give feedback. BWSI was my last chance, since I'm not eligible for 90% of opportunities for a personal reason. I think this might just be compounded with me not getting many wins lately in general. But like, if I can't get into BWSI three years in a row, how am I going to get into real prestigious colleges where the pool is wider? I actually don't have any more ideas for what I can do; I have sole authored research, I have nonprofits, I have startups, I have VC stuff, I have APs, I have published literature, like I don't know what else to do or even what else I can do. Does anyone have any advice?