Should I attend a pre-college summer program?
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009Dear Babs,
I’m a sophomore in High School and I have some friends going to pre-college “summer program” at Northwestern University (I live outside of Chicago). Is this a good idea? It’s really expensive, but am I more likely to get into the school if I go to a summer program there?
-Summer Plans
Dear Summer,
A pre-college summer program is basically an academic “camp” held at a college. Top schools across the country attract bright high schoolers looking for a feel for the college life before they graduate. You live in dorms, take classes like a college student in subjects that interest you, and even eat in the caf (oh joy!). These programs can be at a prestigious university far away, like Oxford University in England, or at your local campus.
Do these programs look good? Sure. It shows that you are academically curious: who else would volunteer to take school over the summer? But a lot of students are taking these courses because they think it gives them an “in” at the selective college before they even have to apply. This is not true. These programs are expensive, and colleges run them to make money, not to pre-select applicants. Colleges know that not everyone can afford to go to these programs, and they don’t give preference either way. There are unfortunately many students who spent $6,000+ on a program at a very selective college, only to be rejected by them come Senior year.
At best, a pre-college summer program shows that you are interested in attending the school, and pursuing an academic future. You can demonstrate this in a lot of other ways. Try taking courses at a community college, volunteering in a lab or museum, or using this summer to build your portfolio in art, writing, or music. Go on a tour of the colleges you are looking into to show them that you are interested (it’ll get your name on file). Basically, colleges are impressed when you pursue a passion-not when you spend bucket loads of money.
Good Luck!
Babs
Dear Babs,
