Test Drive A College This Summer!

Colleges throughout the country and even in Europe hope to attract the brightest high school students to attend special summer programs on their respective campuses. For students who are currently in their 9th, 10th or 11th grade year of high school now is the time to investigate summer programs. Many of these college programs begin application and enrollment right after the holidays and the coveted spots for summer programs are quickly filled.

College administrators know if high school students spend a week or more on their campus, they will be more likely to want to attend that particular college. There is comfort in familiarity. These special summer programs come in all sizes and shapes: some are actually extensions of high school study; some may even offer prep courses for study skills and SAT® or ACT®; some provide a true college experience for the gifted high school student allowing the student to take college level courses for credit.

Special summer programs can actually be under the direction of the college or university while others are administered by professional organizations but hosted on the different college campuses. One such program is the National Student Leadership Conference on Medicine hosted at several different college locations. Brandon, Carrie and Lizzie (all Class of 2007) attended the Medicine Forum held on the University of California-Berkley campus. Brandon stated, “The program renewed and affirmed my interest in medicine and secured to me my true interest in medicine as a profession.”

Autumn (Class of 2007) attended the National Student Leadership Conference on U.S. Politics and Public Policy held in Washington D.C. Autumn – “I especially enjoyed the campaign simulation. We also wrote bills in committee and presented them to the floor following Roberts Rules of Order. The whole experience brought meaning to the term public policy.”

Bryce (Class of 2007) attended college level summer school at Yale. Bryce – “Though the course load was rigorous and the material was pretty deep, I discovered I could compete academically with Ivy League caliber students.”

Kara (Class of 2007) attended a special program, Junior Statesman Association Summer School Program hosted on the Georgetown University campus. Kara – “Many Washington programs offer a cursory overview on elements of government. JSASSP provided participants one-on-one interaction time with leaders of the country such as cabinet members.”

You name it and there is probably a summer program of interest for you. A short list includes: Literature; Writing; Marine Biology; Foreign Languages; Computer Science; Medicine; Law, Diplomacy; Communications; Visual and Performing Arts; Language Immersion – Study Abroad. By far, the majority of colleges do host or run a special summer program.

• Make a list of colleges of interest to you.
• For each college on your list, investigate summer opportunities on each campus.
• You may even be able to attend more than one of these special programs if you work out your calendar dates as soon as possible.

The college admissions office typically does not run the summer program. However, they can probably direct you to the right office on their campus for summer school programs and registration. You can also query summer programs for high school students using the Internet.

Austin (Class of 2008) studied literature and photography at Cambridge University in England and is excited about the possibility of attending college in England.

Emmy (Class of 2007) studied college level engineering classes at Duke.

Brian and Josh (both Class of 2007) studied in England through Hillsdale College – Brian – “Academically I discovered how amazing the writings of William Shakespeare are as they apply to human nature today. Personally, I have a better understanding of a true college level course and the importance of balancing my time.”

Tyler (Class of 2007) and Lindsey (Class of 2008) attended a special three week program on musical theater at Oklahoma City University. Lindsey – “The days were long, usually 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. but the Master Classes were life changing. Dr. H., the director of the program, was amazing! I feel much better prepared to face auditions and college level performances.”

Many gifted students find coursework at the college level both stimulating and enlightening. It’s a great opportunity for students to “test drive” the college while at the same time experiencing the intellectual and academic rigor of college. Students work hard and play hard at these programs giving them the “edge” for transitioning from high school to college. For many, this is the first time in their lives where they are completely responsible for their own time, actions, and activities – including their own laundry! Students experience first hand what it’s like to live in an 8 x 10 room with a roommate! They learn how to balance academic demands with their social life - critical skills necessary for success at the collegiate level.

Parents may be concerned about safety and security at these programs. Realize the college has their reputation on the line as well so students are typically well supervised by experienced residential staff. Staying in a dorm, eating cafeteria food, making friends from different parts of the country and, in fact, the world while studying something the student is already passionate about provides a great test drive to university life.