Clients often ask whether participating in a summer program at a particular university will increase chances of admittance to that school. The short answer is: in most cases, it will not. Admissions experts would say, generally speaking, attending an academic summer program at a university does not give a student an admissions advantage. However, that does not undermine the unmistakable value of a campus-based summer program.
THE PRE-COLLEGE EXPERIENCE: 4 REASONS TO GET ON CAMPUS THIS SUMMER
Experience College Life Firsthand – Summer programs offer students the opportunity to live and learn on a college campus. Participants stay in dorms, eat in dining halls, attend classes in lecture halls or labs, use campus recreation facilities and hang out in the college town. This immersive experience makes the transition to college smoother. While many freshmen feel overwhelmed by a new environment, students who attend summer programs already understand college life and how to navigate it.
Thinking of Pursuing a Particular Major? Give it a Try – Careers including architecture, engineering, medicine, veterinary science and others require significant commitment and clear sense of direction. Spending a short period of time immersed in a subject can help confirm a student’s passion and commitment. This early exploration can ultimately save time, money, and frustration. The last thing any freshman wants is to begin a program only to discover the field they once thought they loved isn’t the right fit.
Explore Something New – Summer is the perfect time to step outside one’s comfort zone. Without the pressure of grades or demands of a full academic schedule, students can explore subjects purely out of curiosity. You never know what you may discover. A lifelong passion or future college major could be uncovered.
Build Essential “Soft” Life Skills – Beyond “hard” academic skills, students develop soft skills essential for success in college and careers. Independent campus living builds autonomy, responsibility, and confidence. Students learn time management, collaboration with peers and instructors from diverse backgrounds and to navigate new environments. These experiences build maturity and resilience necessary for future success.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Summer academic programs may not guarantee admission to a specific university. The value is far greater! The experience provides an invaluable transition between high school and college. Freshman students eagerly arrive on campus better prepared, more confident and excited about the path ahead.
With so many programs to choose from, set your student up for success. Reach out to a Tips advisor to help find the right overnight academic experience.
Much has been written about the rise in loneliness among kids, teens, and adults. Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has called loneliness an epidemic, leading to public health issues such as addiction, violence, depression and anxiety. As we become more connected via social media and technology, we find ourselves increasingly alone. In his book Together: the Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World, Murthy describes our world as one that emphasizes the individual, leading to a further breakdown of social connections. In children, the impact is severe, as studies have shown that 40% of kids experience mild to moderate loneliness, and 10% feel severely alone. New York Times writer Kathryn Jezer-Morton recently wrote about the challenges of parenting a lonely child – seeing a child feeling left out or apart from a social group is both painful and worrisome. And as we know, it is difficult as a parent to create a friend group or force a social interaction for a child or teen.
