Summer School Applicants - Stanford, Booth, Harvard, Tuck

Hi guys,

I hope to hear some summer school stories, because I'm currently unsure if to apply to some of the above programmes.

A few words about me:
European, 25, BSc in Business Administration (3,2), MSc in Financial management (Valedictorian 3,7), heavy international experience within Europe, having some forthcoming management consulting interviews. 4 years of work experience in Project management (own start-up) with internships in Big-4 and financial institutions.

So...right at the beginning - I know the typical summer schools are paid and not that competitive. So they generally do not contribute that much to your profile. Therefore I've picked both the SIGM (Stanford) and SBSP (Booth), which seem to be pretty picky and offer 4 week programs. My main goals for doing such a summer schools are:
- to show dedication,
- further develop some skills (although as a business major I doubt that would be the fact - most programs seem to be developed as mini MBA's for non-business majors)
- networking and some experience in USA
- just put a strong brand on my CV, as my previous education institutions may be well-known in some parts of Europe, but are not known outside their respective countries

4 arguments, which should cost me between USD 8,000 and 10,000. Do you think it's worth it?

In parallel, I try to gather some scholarship for two other summer programs - some summer seminars talking about freedom, liberty, market economy etc., which may be for free (again in the USA).

So, I'll very much appreciate feedback and insights from people who have visited such programs at Booth, Stanford or Harvard (though a regular summer schools without getting a certificate or so). How did you feel about it?

Thanks a lot for your time!

Regards,