Hi! I’m a rising sophomore student trying to make decisions for the summer. I was recently accepted into Interlochen Arts Academy for the Creative Program. I did not receive a merit scholarship, however, which was very perplexing to me. I can afford the program, but I don’t want to waste money or time on something that’s not meaningful, and I am certain there could be better ways to spend my time.
Before discovering my results for Interlochen, I was planning on applying for Juniper Young Writers Institute, as well as Sewanee Young Writers Conference, but due to the dates, I am only able to do one of the three. I’m applying for merit scholarship for both Juniper and Sewanee. Additionally, Adroit Mentorship is another program that caught my attention. Once again, I would need to give up other opportunities in order to participate in this.
My Interlochen acceptance/rejection is due before results for all of these programs come out, so I wanted to ask for help with making a decision. Should I turn down my offer from Interlochen in hopes of hearing from the future programs? Thanks!
Many arts summer programs DO offer merit aid. My kid received merit at every summer program he attended. I would be happy to share this info with you via private message.
Specifically the program OP applied to does offer merit aid.
Interlochen Arts Academy and Interlochen Arts Camp offer merit scholarships to qualified students. These scholarships are available for domestic and international students.
Interlochen Arts Camp
Automatically considers applicants for merit scholarships if they apply for programs that are two weeks or longer and require an audition or portfolio
OP shouldn’t expect merit but certainly understandable to be disappointed.
You may consider reaching out to admissions at Interlochen and explain your situation and ask for counsel. Tell them about the other options and perhaps ask for additional time.
These programs seek the most talented pools they can attract. Given you have been accepted they believe you can contribute to the total experience.
I would suggest being careful about how you describe your financial situation and avoid terms like disappointed. Perhaps express that while you could likely afford it, it would be a hardship. Be very clear it is your first choice and that with some support you would immediately commit.
Not sure they will move but worth a discussion and they certainly won’t change their decision if you are polite and explain you are looking for a way to be able to attend that doesn’t place an excessive financial burden on your family.
Of course talk glowingly about the opportunity and how you are desperate to find a way.
So all engineering summer programs my son went to offered merit and financial aid. These were at universities. So this program offers both also. Have your parent’s see if you qualify for either. Free money is good whatever it is called. They qualify it on their site. If your already accepted then they want you to be there. You must have some great talent. Congratulations. Let them help you achieve that.
From what I’ve seen, Interlochen offers an abundance of partial merit scholarships.
I wonder if I didn’t get the scholarship because I wasn’t good enough, the writing program isn’t prioritized, or because I’m also a nominee for a SAS Scholarship which partners with Interlochen.
We don’t qualify for financial aid, so I was hoping to get merit. I have siblings too, and don’t want to cost my parents too much because of my interests. Thank you for your support!
Are they willing to afford it even if at first they don’t want to
Or
Would you rather take a chance with the unknown and say you get in the others, might it be the same situation ?
You said this about Interlochen - so if you believe this, why would you pursue it anyway ?
“I can afford the program, but I don’t want to waste money or time on something that’s not meaningful, and I am certain there could be better ways to spend my time.”
You can call and ask for $$ but the question really is do you see value, no matter the cost, based on that statement. If so, are you willing to commit or would you rather roll the dice on the others - and you may strike out.
You might also ask interlochen for a past student that you could check the merits of the program. Or perhaps there are online reviews.
As for jobs, find out the minimum age in your state vs asking friends. They may have delayed. Jobs are a great thing.
I think that you left out a key word–"writing"as in Creative Writing Program. (I am aware that the other two targeted programs are writing focused programs.)
My parents say that the program is entirely my choice. They don’t want me to burn out, so no matter the outcome, I can only do 1-2 camps. I also have commitments/opportunities outside of writing.
Now that I’ve really thought about it, I don’t think I see value in Interlochen specifically. I’ve also noticed that the Creative Writing program has a lot lesser focus than the other programs, so that may be a factor.
I think I’m going to let the time pass, and see if Scholastic reaches out to me. But otherwise, I don’t plan on accepting it, and I’ll focus on shaping my other applications.
As for jobs, I’m legally able to get employed, I just can’t find any in my age threshold. There was a lifeguard opportunity that visited my school, but I wasn’t interested. I babysit currently and get paid well, but I don’t qualify for any real jobs.
For the summer, I’m thinking of pursuing civic opportunities. I’m likely going to continue volunteering as a tutor, and maybe extend that to creating an original project. I’m going to see if I can take Summer PE or Dual Enrollment, and I hope to attend a flexible virtual program like Adroit Summer Mentorship, or a shorter program like Sewanee or Juniper, instead of Interlochen.
Thanks for your help through the thought process! It’s really allowed me to see clearly that Interlochen wasn’t right. This was my first post here, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.
