Presented in a question-and-answer format, this digest offers guidelines in choosing an enriching summer program for gifted students. The following questions are addressed: What are the possibilities? What needs do summer programs meet? Who should make the selection? What does the selection process involve? What variables are important? and What financial assistance is available? The summer program can allow students to experiment in specific areas of interest, to work with adult role models, and to sample college life. It is important that the students themselves be involved in the selection process. Program selection requires the identification of what the student wants and what programs are available in his/her areas of interest. Important variables to consider include: length, age range, program requirements, group size, individual attention, leadership, depth of staff experience, credit or noncredit courses, facilities and equipment, schedule, recreation, social activities, safety, and programs abroad. The availability of financial assistance for many programs is noted. Includes two references. (DB)