blinkangel44

I just visited Brown today and absolutely loved it! I picked up a brochure about pre-college summer programs and was wondering if it's still possible to sign up for them for this summer [from the website it seems that it is].

I was also wondering if completing one of the one week mini courses would boost my chances of getting into Brown... would it be a nice addition to my application? And would it look good to other colleges?

And do you have to apply to these programs or just sign up? I'm not sure how the whole thing works, seeing as today is the first I'd heard of 'em.

twothousandeight

It's still possible to sign up for classes, it's rolling admission.

It looks good on your application. I work for the particular office that takes care of the applications, and usually what we tell people who ask that question is that it doesn't hurt to mention it on any college application because it means you went through a college type setting program (since most of these courses are taught pretty rigorously and are instructed by either professors or grad students) it means that you can handle a college-type education. If you successfully complete the course, you receive a certificate of completion, which you can photo-copy and put with your college applications.

You have to apply to these programs. There's an application, you need a teacher's rec, and an official transcript. There's also a application fee of $60 (which will soon turn to 90 dollars...I think) Again, its rolling admission, but popular classes fill up and get wait-listed and you're not guaranteed a spot in the classes you pick.


The website has TONS of information (Brown University Summer & Continuing Studies) read up and if you have any questions that are not answered, call 401-863-7900 and the lovely ladies who answer your call will be happy to help.

blinkangel44

I got really excited about this... just to have my mother tell me that $2500 is too much
But in the case that I can convince her otherwise... the teacher rec should be from a teacher in the subject I'd like to study @ the summer program, correct?

twothousandeight

Right, it would be helpful, since they know what your strengths are in that subject.


There are scholarships available, but funds have been depleted for this summer. If you do it this year, and money is an issue, you can also try finding scholarships from organizations in your community (Kiwanis, Elks Club, etc.). Ask your guidance counselors; sometimes they know of scholarships that are specifically for students who want to attend summer programs.


If you are not graduating this year, you can apply first thing next year since it is first come, first serve basis. You might have the chance to get financial aid (if your family qualifies).

mpebbles

It will definitely give you something to put down or talk about on your application. But a mini-course will not boost your chances. Too many students take the summer courses. Both of my daughters took a summer course at Brown, and enjoyed it a lot; however, neither was accepted at Brown.