Pre-College Summer Programs
Why Attend?
1. Looks great on a college application: Elite colleges want to see students that actively challenge themselves and who seek to learn about a subject for which they are passionate. By sacrificing part of your summer for learning, you show colleges these two important traits.
2. Gain a feel for college: Students are usually nervous for college primarily due to the not knowing what to expect. Attending a pre-college program can help alleviate this stress and prepare students for the transition.
3. Network with other students: Meeting students who are similarly driven and willing to return to school during the summer can be another rewarding aspect. You will then be going through the college process at the same time as these students and having them to bounce ideas off of or to simply relate to in a stressful time can be beneficial.
2. Gain a feel for college: Students are usually nervous for college primarily due to the not knowing what to expect. Attending a pre-college program can help alleviate this stress and prepare students for the transition.
3. Network with other students: Meeting students who are similarly driven and willing to return to school during the summer can be another rewarding aspect. You will then be going through the college process at the same time as these students and having them to bounce ideas off of or to simply relate to in a stressful time can be beneficial.
Popular Programs
There are a multitude of different programs that are offered to rising seniors. Here are a few highlights for NH students:
- St. Paul's Advanced Studies Program: I highly, highly recommend applying for this summer program. There's an excellent selection of courses, it's nearby, and there is many prominent alumni throughout the NH and U.S. community. While it is a little over five weeks, it flies by and students have the ability to leave campus Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, as well as all of Sunday.
- Any program your "reach" college(s) offer: While this might seem like an exaggeration, showing a college that you can handle their coursework is important. For example, if you would like to attend Columbia University, it might be a smart idea to apply for their Summer Immersion Program. Not only does it look nice on your application, it is also a test to see if you like the campus and community atmosphere.
- Any of these programs: Below are some highlights from this expansive list:
- Yale Young Global Scholars Program at Yale University
- Columbia University Summer Immersion
- Health Science Honors at Tufts University
- Summer@Brown University
- Boston College Experience Honors Program