In our fast-paced world, things are changing at exponential rates and things that were once considered ubiquitous and common are becoming outdated rapidly. Our generation is considered to be “digitally native,” but even so, many of us can still rack our memories and recall the distant era of Tamagotchi and The Babysitter’s Club. Some of us can faintly recall the following things … but in 20 years’ time, we’re going to be faced with the arduous task of recalling and explaining them to our kids what they are, because they’re just not going to get it.

The “Save” Icon and Floppy Disks
Open up a word processor. Then open up an image-editing program. See that little save icon up at the top left corner? That’s the 3.5-inch floppy disk – the primary means of file transfer and storage from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Remember those? Maybe some of you more nostalgic (and older) readers can recall the days of those flat, purple discs used for storage which have since been replaced by the much smaller and more convenient USB. The days of the floppy disc are long gone, so what is it still doing as the ubiquitous save icon on almost every computer program?

Apple has one of the best and most admired success stories of all time. After the return of original founder Steve Jobs, it rose to fame and started to produce some of the most sought-after products for consumers of electronics. Now, it’s probable that most of your classmates own an Apple product. There were many factors that led to the success of Apple, and created the brand image that is so widely loved today.

The Cult Following
Similar to communist leaders, Apple also has its own cult of personality. We see loyal customers who not only require the latest Apple product, but also find it essential to splurge on multiple Apple products. Apple takes advantage of this by releasing a new product every year, oftentimes only adding a slight improvement from the previous model. The group of Apple lovers has grown considerably larger, with many fan-groups and specialty magazines popping up everyday.

The Coolness Factor
Consumers buy Apple products because they are “cool and hip!” Pop culture in today’s society has caused consumers to believe that Apple products are a necessity in order to be “in” and fashionable. TV shows have characters with iPhones and other Apple products, while the word “iPod” is used interchangeably with “MP3 player”. The current trend of “I need to get an Apple product because everyone else I know has one” benefits both the company and the consumers. This marketing strategy, often known as the “bandwagon” effect, where everyone wants to be part of the group that is the latest thing, probably contributes the most to the success of Apple.

Simplicity
The simplicity of Apple contributes to an appealing vibe for consumers. The emphasis placed on the appearance of Apple products was a first for the technology world during that time, and it was this winning combination of aesthetics and functionality that allowed Apple to appeal to and eventually dominate the market. Consumers were attracted to the “simple but elegant” elements created by Apple. Moreover, Apple products were probably more user friendly, further influencing consumers. The simplicity was replicated in Apple advertising campaigns, such as in the silhouette dancing while listening to an iPod, and successfully generated publicity for Apple. The effect of simplicity helped contribute to the amount of loyal customers, and the “coolness” of Apple products.

Opposed to Change
Although it might seem like Apple is constantly modifying and changing their products, in reality, Apple products have not changed much in the past few years. Consumers in general do not like change, often preferring to stay within their comfort zone. Because of the integrated and intuitive nature of Apple, consumers often find that once they learn how to use one Apple product, they can easily transition to using other Apple products. Old customers continue to desire Apple products because Apple has not alienated or at least distanced their fan base, but instead provided cushions in the form of very similar products. The Mac is essentially the iPad, with a desktop, sidebar and additional functions. The iPad is in fact a bigger version of the iPod Touch. The iPhone is really an iPod Touch that can make phone calls. And the iPod is actually a compressed version of iTunes with some extra functions. It is evident that this integration and lack of variety produces a very loyal customer base.

These factors have added up to create the great success of Apple, and cause the downward spiral of competitive products, such as Microsoft’s Zune, and the classic, indestructible Nokia phones. However, many speculate that Apple has already reached its peak and will soon embark on its own decline, especially with the passing of former CEO Steve Jobs. Maybe it’s time for other companies, such as HTC, to improve on Apple’s success formula, and seize the opportunity to share the spotlight with Apple.

Photo by Ed Yourdon via Flickr

SIG, EPGY, CTY, RSI, RISD, college-credit summer programs at John Hopkins, Harvard, etc.… As privileged international high school students attending competitive schools, many of us look into attending summer camps at elite universities in the hopes of embellishing our college applications, or in the hopes of gaining college credit and taking a step ahead in our education.

But with the wide variety of choices available- some exorbitantly pricey, some with scholarship programs, some residential, it can be extremely hard to decide whether or not these programs are really worth spending your summer months on. After all, there are endless choices as to what to spend summer doing – how does what those camps provide compare to the potential benefits of spending your summer training for your sport, engaging in your first real-life work experience with an internship, or simply relaxing and having a good time after a year of stressful academics?

There are three aspects to consider when deciding whether or not these summer camps are for you- what you expect to gain, academically; what you expect to gain, socially, and whether or not what you expect to gain is worth your time, energy, and money.

Many of these academic camps are held in world-class universities and university professors themselves sometimes teach classes. Obviously, this offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience college life first-hand, especially if the given summer camp is hosted by a university that you are potentially interested in applying to and attending. The quality of the academics, however, really depends on which camp you choose to attend. Camps such as EPGY and Johns Hopkins require you to choose one topic to focus on for all three weeks.

Other camps, such as CTY and SIG, operate on a more school-like schedule, with multiple courses taken throughout the day. The more focused camps such as EPGY really allow you to explore a topic that may not conventionally be offered at your school, and offer a great opportunity to be housed amongst people that have the same interests as yourself- this creates closer bonds and a more unique, personalized experience. However, camps like SIG potentially allow you to explore a wider variety of topics and often offer courses that may prepare you for your next academic year. Some of these multiple-course camps also offer SAT courses, which is something to keep in mind if you are deciding between attending a summer SAT course and an academic summer camp.

Academics aside, the social aspect of these summer camps is also imperative to consider when making a decision. Overall, the social experience of being away from your family and having to live in a dormitory setting is extremely eye-opening and a lot of fun. Many of us have helpers who take care of food, laundry, and cleaning; few of us have ever had to do our own laundry on a regular basis. And most of us have never had the experience of cohabitating with a roommate.

Summer camps are great in that they offer these experiences for a short amount of time, with very few to no negative consequences. Although serious roommate problems do arise from time to time, the experience of cooperating and living with someone your own age who has the same interests as you is largely very rewarding and positive.

Also, summer camp is an optimum time to try new things that one wouldn’t necessarily venture to do during the school year. Have you ever wanted to perform in a talent show but are too terrified of humiliating yourself in front of your peers? Summer camps offer a great opportunity for the shy to branch out a meet new people; after all, what happens at camp stays at camp- for the most part. The involvement of people you meet at summer camps in your future will be minimal, so there is little risk when it comes to humiliating yourself.

And for those who are naturally outgoing and extraverted? Summer camp is a great place to meet new people and forge lasting relationships with intelligent students from around the world who share the same interests as you. As one ISB sophomore says, “It was a great experience. The dorm atmosphere gave me a good idea what going to college would feel like. The people in camp were all very talented and outgoing so it made dorm rivalry very competitive and fun. Besides meeting gifted youth from around the world, my favorite part of camp would be the course I took. I partook in the Legal Studies course in EPGY and it was very rewarding, as I got a good idea of what a lawyer does and learned about constitutional, civil, and criminal law.

We had many field trips, including trips to places such as the 9th Circuit Court, Palo Alto Courthouse (where we had a mock trial), Stanford Moot Court, Stanford Green Library, and Google’s headquarters. We also had lectures from guest lawyers, judges, and specialists who helped with our debates and legal memos. I think it is important to take courses like these during the summer because you can really get a good understanding of a course and it is a good way to bond with people and have fun. I recommend EPGY to any high school students who have a passion for a field of study and want to make new friends.”

Despite all these benefits, the price tag for these camps is incredibly high and the academic benefits may not necessarily rival what you may gain from a few weeks of studying under a tutor at home. After all, these are summer camps and although the academics can be challenging, much emphasis is placed on the social and “fun” aspects.

If your goal is simply to advance yourself academically and prepare for the coming school year, summer camp may not be the best choice. However, if you are looking for an overall great summer experience and are seeking to explore fields of study that are not offered at your school, academic summer camp is a great opportunity to do so with low risk.

For those of you who are interested in applying to one of these programs, get to work- deadlines for applications are generally around March, but as many of these camps are highly selective, earlier applications tend to be accepted easier.

This article originally appeared in the October 2012 issue of UNIT-E. It was written by Vivian Zhang, a student at the International School of Beijing.

About UNIT-E
UNIT-E was founded in the spring of 2010 with the aim of establishing a non-profit, student-run magazine for international students in Beijing. Staffed by current students from a range of international schools, the magazine provides an amalgam of cultural tidbits, fragments of Beijing student life, and a broad spectrum of unique perspectives from a diverse group of young adults.

Photo by California Cthulhu (Will Hart) via Flickr