Blog
Summer College Programs – A Word of Caution
January 19, 2015U.S. News & World Reports provides important considerations before spending thousands of dollars on a pre-college or summer program:
Pre-college summer programs often give teens a taste of the most attractive aspects of college life: dorm housing, challenging classes and a parent-free environment. While advisers and program directors help students navigate their new surroundings, there are ways parents can help high schoolstudents prepare for the experience before they ever set foot on campus.
Mollie Garberg believes sending one of her daughters to a pre-college program to study neuroscience at Emory University helped when it was time to apply for schools.
[Find the Best High Schools that prepare students for college.]
“She got a glowing evaluation and we attached it to her [college] application[s],” says Garberg. Her daughter, she says, is now in the honors program at Tulane University. Garberg, a mom of three who lives outside of Boston, says the program also helped boost her child’s confidence.
“She understood what college was going to be like,” she says. “She was excited about it.” This summer Garberg plans to send another one of her girls to Brown University for a two-week summer program.
Academic enrichment programs for teens typically run anywhere from one to 10 weeks. Garberg paid about $3,000 to send her oldest daughter to the two-week Emory program. Some programs cost as much as $10,000.
“They’re not cheap, but they’re worth it,” Garberg says.
Click here to read the full article…
12 Best Pre-College Programs
January 19, 2015By Rebecca Rubin
As a high school student, it’s hard to know what colleges are looking for in their applicants. Officer positions in clubs and good grades in advanced-level classes are always a nice place to start, but it’s the students who go the extra mile (literally!) who tend to catch the eyes of admission officers.
Summer vacation can be a great time to get ahead, especially if you decide to attend an academic program. Whether you’re a business buff or a journalism junkie, there’s a summer program that can help you learn more about your future career field and develop connections for the future. It’s never too early to start racking up experiences for your resume, and summer programs are also an effective way for any high school student to get a taste of college living!
The programs listed below are held at universities in the top of their field. Check out some of the leading ranked programs in the country, broken up by area of interest!
Click here to read the full article…
UNC – Charlotte Pre-College Program
January 19, 2015
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network (NC-MSEN) Pre-College Program is housed in the Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education. The goal of the NC-MSEN Pre-College Program is to broaden the pool of students pursuing mathematics, science, and engineering based majors and careers. The UNC Charlotte NC-MSEN Pre-College Program actively recruits and prepares students of average to above average ability in grades 6-12 from six counties surrounding the UNC Charlotte area.
The parents, students, administrative staff, and teachers continually strive to provide opportunities to enhance abilities and develop skills that will enable the students to recognize and achieve their potential.
- Saturday Academy
The program consists of twelve Saturdays during the academic year. During each of the Saturday Academy (SA) sessions the students engage in various hands-on enrichment activities in math, science, communications, and test taking skills by qualified instructional staff. Other SA activities include: participation in Lego robotics, Women in Engineering, Super Math competitions, SPARCS, regional science fair, regional MSEN day, guest speakers from businesses and communities, USA Test Prep, and NC Writing Program (NCWRITE). Optional activities offered for SA students are extended online learning K-12 instruction*, SAT/ACT, and the Girls & Tech-Aspire Program. Students also participate in the MSEN day competitions between UNC pre-college MSEN sites in North Carolina. The enrollment fee for SA is $150.00 for twelve Saturdays (sibling and summer scholars discounts are available upon request).
- Summer Scholars
The Summer Scholars Program offers students interactive experiences that refine the skills, knowledge, and attributes related to mathematical and scientific careers. The students are engaged in instructional contact in math, science research, engineering activities, and technical writing skills for 2-3 weeks during the month of June and/or July. Additional activities may include field trip to an educational site, guest speakers, local area competitions, preparatory activities for science fair and public speaking. The enrollment fee for Summer Scholars only is $125.00 for twelve instructional days (sibling discounts are available upon request)
*CSTEM Pre-College program provides remote access to students from Mecklenburg and surrounding counties (Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Stanley, and Union) via K-12 online learning resources for rising 6th through 12th grade students in North Carolina ($100 per course).
Vanderbilt Pre-College Programs
January 19, 2015
You don’t have to be out of high school to enjoy a Vanderbilt education. Vanderbilt offers a variety of programs to pre-college students, including:
Saturday Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young (SAVY)
Saturday Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young (SAVY) offers weekend enrichment classes for students in kindergarten through 7th grade.
Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach (CSO)
The Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach establishes partnerships between university scientists, K-12 educators and students, and the local and global science community and offers summer programs including GAS (Girls And Science) and BEST (Boys Exploring Science and Technology).
Vanderbilt Summer Academy
Vanderbilt Summer Academy serves the needs of highly gifted rising 8th through 12th grade students through a fast-paced academic enrichment program with residential living on the Vanderbilt campus.
Weekend Academy at Vanderbilt University (WAVU)
Weekend Academy at Vanderbilt University (WAVU) is an exciting two-day residential learning and social experience for gifted students currently in grades 7 through 10.
More Summer Programs at Vanderbilt: http://www.vanderbilt.edu/cngr/summer_programs/
Carnegie Mellon Summer Pre-College Programs
January 19, 2015
Jumpstart Your Future with Pre-College Summer Programs
Are you going to be a junior or senior in high school? If so, consider spending the summer in one of our six distinct Pre-College programs, from June 27-August 8. You can either explore architecture, art & design, drama, music or the National High School Game Academy to prepare yourself for study at the college level. Through our Advanced Placement/Early Admission program, you can take two challenging college courses in order to gain advanced placement and get a head start in college when you visit Carnegie Mellon.
Our Pre-College programs will show you what life at Carnegie Mellon is all about – from in the classroom to what’s happening on weekends. You’ll meet people from all over the world, be inspired by our world-renowned faculty, take part in the excitement of campus life and have the opportunity to explore the city of Pittsburgh.
To get a better idea of what Pre-College is all about, check out our media page, featuring students and professors from past summers and “like” us on Facebook.
See what life is like for a Pre-College Summer Program student at Carnegie Mellon! Also view the Pre-College Playlist which is broken down by program.
Pre-College and Summer STEM Programs
January 19, 2015The Career Cornerstone Center website provides links to pre-college and summer STEM programs throughout the United States.
Pre-College Program for Middle School Students
January 19, 2015
SPARK is a residential science program for curious middle school students who seek to:
- Immerse themselves in exciting science subjects
- Gain the foundations necessary for further scientific inquiry
- Spend two weeks on Brown University’s campus
This two-week program consists of a range of courses that students can chose (either one two-week course or two one-week courses), carefully selected scientific inquiry activities, inspiring science talks, as well as thought-provoking leadership activities. Students will study the foundations of one or two scientific disciplines, while also having the opportunity to participate in programs that help adolescents develop into responsible, globally aware citizens.
The SPARK Experience
The SPARK program is designed to inspire students who have similar interests in the sciences. Students are immersed in a discipline of their choice, get a real taste for being a scientist, and learn to explore and discover. This process allows for stimulating and meaningful learning.
The team building/leadership aspect of the SPARK program introduces students to what it means to excel in the sciences, while becoming responsible, engaged citizens capable of working well in groups. Through age-appropriate activities, talks, and discussions, students will learn how flourish in the field of science, both in and out of the classroom.
The SPARK experience is enriched further through collegiality and collaboration where students from diverse backgrounds work together in teams. Students learn from each other, are inspired by each other, and form lasting friendships. We strive to create an enjoyable, safe, and comfortable environment where each student can live up to his or her full potential. Our aim is to help students to build their self-confidence and grow as individuals. We hope that when students return home, they are transformed and energized to take charge of their learning while remaining connected to a community of students with similar passions.
View Course Details to choose your course(s) and learn more about the SPARK Program.
Eligibility
For middle school students who have completed grades 6 through 8 by the start of the program. The minimum age is 12.
Apply Now! »
Cobb EMC Community Foundation Scholarships
January 18, 2015
Cobb EMC Community Foundation $5,000 scholarships
Cobb EMC Community Foundation offers fourteen $5,000 scholarships to eligible high school seniors. Two types of scholarships are available:
- College/University
- Vocational/Technical College
Click here to learn more about eligibility requirements.
Important dates to remember:
Friday, March 20, 2015 (application deadline – application must be delivered to the Cobb EMC office by 5 p.m.)
- Cobb EMC Community Foundation College/University Application
- Cobb EMC Community Foundation Vocational/Technical College Application
April 2015 (Selection Committee review to be completed by the end of April)
$500 scholarship available, nominate a positive athlete
The positive energy award is given to Cobb County high school students who bring positive energy to every practice and competition. Parents, coaches, family or teammates can nominate an athlete.
“The Cobb EMC Positive Energy Award is a great example of what Positive Athlete Georgia wants to showcase with our scholarship program,“ said former UGA and Pittsburgh Steelers football star Hines Ward. “Positive energy is so needed in our schools, and Cobb EMC is helping us emphasize that message.”
Simply fill out the form before the March 31 deadline and explain why the nominee is a positive athlete.
Jackson Laboratory Summer Program
January 17, 2015
Learn, earn & explore
Our Summer Student Program provides high school and college students with an opportunity to conduct independent research under the guidance of staff scientists. More than 2,000 students, including three Nobel Laureates, have participated in the program.
Learn
Conduct biomedical research independently under the expert tutelage of world-renowned scientists.
Earn
Receive a stipend while experiencing real science and research.
Explore
Live in a mansion by the sea, climb Mount Katahdin and hike the trails of Acadia National Park.
Admission
Admission is competitive, and students of all backgrounds are selected. All students receive a stipend of $4,500 for the 10-week program, including room and board at Highseas. The cost of round-trip travel between the student’s home and the Laboratory is also provided.
All students are required to attend the entire program. Students with minor date conflicts are encouraged to apply despite the conflicts; JAX staff will assist admitted students in negotiating early release, early finals, etc., to facilitate their on-time participation in the program. Students with significant date conflicts – such as early departure for overseas study – are encouraged to delay their application for another year.
Important Dates
February 2 – Submission deadline* for applications
Late March – Notification of admission
June 6 – Program begins
August 10 – Summer symposium and graduation
Deadline*
The application deadline is February 2, at 11:59 pm EST (Eastern Standard Time). All application materials, including the application form and all letters of recommendation, must be submitted before this posted deadline. Application materials received after 12:00 am EST, February 3, will be considered late and may not be reviewed.
Duke University: More than getting in
December 22, 2014
The Turner Chapel AME Church in Marietta, Georgia, hosts a teen Bible Study for high school juniors and seniors on the second Sunday of each month. Part of the meeting engages students in conversations regarding college preparation, planning, and admissions. Today, we were fortunate to have many students returning home from their respective college campuses to share their candid insight into their college experiences. One of the students attending today’s session is a Gates Millennium Scholar and an undergraduate at Duke University. Her comments regarding her financial aid package, campus life, and the lack of diversity on Duke’s campus provided important insight for other students to carefully research their institution beyond “getting admitted” to life on campus after admission.
A Forbes interview with Christoph Guttentag, Duke University Dean of Admissions, provides important insight into the admissions process to highly selective colleges and universities. Following is a summary of some of Mr. Guttentag’s comments regarding the admissions process.
Reviewing the Application:
- There is a first read of regional admissions officer for a particular state
- Makes preliminary assessment as to how competitive a candidate is for admission
- 50% of applicants are considered competitive
- There are 2 additional reads and assessments in six areas
- After a 3rd assessment, 5% of applicants are considered strong enough for admission
Admissions Consideration:
- An admissions officer makes a case for admission
- Academic credentials are considered
- Typically, applicants are in top 2-3% of public schools, top 10-25% of private schools
- admit rate 110-11%
- Approximately 32,000 applications are received from approximately 10,000 high schools
- There is a careful review of school profiles
- Students are considered within the context of their school—how has a student challenged themselves at their school?
- They look to identify strong academic candidates with impact and engagement (engagement in their coursework and community)
- How does the student fit to the institution?
There are many other important criteria that goes into the decision making process that students should consider if they are committed to making themselves competitive candidates for admission to selective institutions like Duke. The student who spoke at our meeting today successfully navigated the admissions process to become one of the small percentage of African-American students admitted to Duke.
After listening to the the student share her experiences and watching the interview outlining what Duke looks for in structuring its freshman class I wanted to learn more about who gets into Duke, so I reviewed the Duke University Common Data Set (click here to download).
In 2012, Duke received 30,374 applications for admission and admitted 1,714 students:
- .6% Native American (11)
- 5.6% Hispanic (97)
- 9.1% International (157)
- 9.9% Black (171)
- 21.4% Asian (368)
- 47.7% White (819)
Both the student and Duke admissions officer affirmed that students must research the institutions to which they will be applying. They must look beyond the national ranking to what the institution values. I could not help but wonder, of the 171 Black students admitted to Duke, how many of them were athletes? This may provide further insight into what they value.