Participating in a summer program is a great way to spend your summer. Not only do you experience life on a college campus, you get to explore new fields, earn college credit enhance your academic and leadership possibilities and make friendships that last a lifetime.
Universities are genuinely concerned with the difficulty many students have transitioned from high school to college. Therefore, the Universities seek to enroll promising students from outstanding secondary schools to attend their summer programs which might increase the acceptance possibility of students by those universities.
Admissions officers look for a constellation of activities around passion. To attend summer programs shows that you are following your passion.
Here are some informative information regarding summer programs:
There are two types of summer programs.
· Credit – Bearing Programs
· Non-Credit-Bearing programs
A few questions that students and parents should keep in mind as they are exploring the summer program options.
1. Programs for academic credits. Questions students should ask
· Are instructors, faculty members? Are instructors associated with the university that houses the program or are they going to come from outside and be leaders in their fields?
· How many contact hours are in the course
· Are students in class with undergraduate students?
· Is the course/syllabus designed specifically for high school students, or is it the regular undergraduate course
· Do students receive an official transcript?
a. The Application Process
· How selective is the program?
· Is it a program that just enrolls students without a selection process, or does the application process include a review of students’ accomplishment?
· Does the program enroll students based on one criterion such as a test score, or do they look at the profile of students’ interest, strengths and accomplishments?
NOTE: Credit programs tend to be selective and non-credit programs may offer open enrollment.
b. Example of an Application Checklist for Credit Programs:
· Essay
· Resume
· High School transcript ( Not the exactly real one, but it is good to be GPA on it)
· Test scores (It is actually not required test scores, but it is useful to have SAT, PSAT,ACT or Standardized test scores)
· Teacher Recommendation Form (it is only asking for one recommendation letter)
· Language proficiency scores (This is for the students whose first language is not English.)
NOTE: Parents and students might assume that doing this kind of programs they will receive special consideration for admission to the university. The Student and parents understand that they do not guarantee to access a degree seeking programs or admission to the university.
2. Programs for Personal Enrichment without credit:
a) Noncredit camps are about exploration, discovery and having fun. It’s a place where campers can focus on their special talents and abilities and experiment with new ideas and perspectives while enjoying themselves. Campers are free from the demands of school, and for some, peer pressure and influence. Participants appreciate the freedom to experience new ideas and activities, take risks and make mistakes and have the chance to be a part of a supportive, like minded community.
b) Questions students should ask
· What makes the camp different from (or not like)school?
· Is it fun?
· Is the coursework engaging? Rigorous
· Will I be challenged without the pressure of grades, exams and tests?
· Does the curriculum provide opportunities and time for me to explore my passion, interest?
· What is the background of the staff?
· Is a university sponsored program?
· Is it held on a college campus?
· Where will I live? Will I have a roommate?
· Do I have to stay on campus? Is there a day/ commuter option?
· What are the activities at the end of the instructional day and on weekends?
· Will students have an opportunity to explore the campus? Can they go off campus?
· What policies and procedures are in place to keep students safe?
· Where do students come from? Are there international students?
· Are there language proficiency requirements for students for whom English is not a first language?
· What does the program fee cover? Is there financial aid? Hidden fees?
· What are the admissions requirements for this camp?
Question:
Do students have the ability to speak the faculty outside of the class either with general questions or specific questions about the classwork itself?
Answer:
College professors will have the office hours will make them available to students to come and discuss their concerns.
NOTE: Admissions officers looking for constellation of activities around passion.