octoberdana

My d is completing her freshman year of HS this year. I noticed on IU's website that they have a precollege program open to all incoming freshman, sophomores, and juniors (she will be a sophomore).

They spend 5 days on the IU campus taking academic classes in math, english, critical thinking. They live in the dorm for those days and also take SAT prep classes. They also have recreational time that introduces them to the IU campus and the Bloomington area (things like bowling, etc).

We are strongly considering applying for this opportunity for our daughter this summer. We think the SAT prep would be good for her prior to taking the PSAT. Also, it would be a good way to introduce her to a state school. We also thought about holding off a year, but figure she will have a job the summer between her 10th and 11th grade years and it would be harder for her to take a whole week off to do something like this.

Has anyone either gone through this or sent dd or ds through it? Would really like opinions on if the timing is right and if it would be a good investment.

Calcruzer

While the Music school has had summer programs for many years (about 63 years), I think last year (2008) was the first year for this Achievers Summer Program--so it is unlikely that there are many people on the site yet with students that have gone through this program.

The price seems reasonable for a one-week prep course ($200)--and apparently includes staying at the school for the week--meaning a relative bargain cost-wise. I guess my only question is whether your daughter will be able to focus on the SAT prep part if she is around other young people for the rest of the week. If so, then I'd say, let her go for it.