<p>Question: My daughter already attended THINK, CTD at Northwestern U. and a volunteer service abroad program for eight weeks. What is good summer program for a rising senior with all “A’s” and stellar SAT’s aiming for the tier one schools? Given that your daughter has already done a variety of summer programs, my advice […]</p>
<p>Upon my suggestion my D went to URichmond for three weeks and studied Genetics. She was in residence and it was the first time she was away for that long.
She made great friends, had a great experience, took the class seriously (she got an A-) many students got B’s and a few C’s. She earned 4 credits of college work.
She used her experiences in some of her college essays, developed an interest in genetics, became a college student, woke herself up, stayed up late, and made friends with the professor who suggested that she may work with her in research should she attend UR. All in all it was a great experience.
The important part is, her experience with this was meaningful for her college preparation. While I doubt that the “program” will provide instant name brand recognition, the experience was worth every penny.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a program itself will provide an “admission bump” but by all means think of it as a way to prepare for college!</p>
<p>I applied to U of Alabama’s five-week Rural Health Scholars Program. It is for juniors with a self-reported desire to practice health care in rural areas. If accepted, I’ll take creative writing and chemistry on campus at the university (in Tuscaloosa) and in the afternoons I’ll shadow a physician in the town. Application must be postmarked NLT March 15, though. </p>
<p>Best part, everything’s free to participants.</p>
<p>Yes, summer programs can be wonderful opportunities, but the important thing is to value the experience itself, as jfl2010’s daughter did, and not see it largely as a fast track to an elite college. Too many high school students (and their parents) pick the summer plans with an aim to impress rather than to engage.</p>
<p>Also note that credits earned at summer programs are often NOT accepted when a student enrolls in college for real. Many colleges–especially the more sought-after ones–will not allow any credits earned prior to matriculation, other than AP or IB credits. Granted, most students don’t elect summer courses for the credits, but, even so, don’t assume that the promise of “college credit” from a summer program will hold up anywhere you (or your child) is applying beyond the host institution.</p>
<p>I’m wondering how to find bios of the faculty of Lindenwood University. Many sites have this link and I’ve been all over LU’s site and can find nothing about faculty other than directory. Aren’t all universities required to hire degreed faculty?</p>
<p>My comment would be to look for a program or activity that relates to a specific interest of the student, as opposed to a generic college-prep program.</p>