By Ibne Tamim
An increasing number of selective colleges are beginning to scrutinize how applicants spend their summers during high school. Some parents, in response to this trend, have blown thousands of dollars on summer programs that may provide for an enriching experience, but do little to distinguish their child from the rest of the applicant pool. Today, the majority of competitive colleges offer at least one pre-college program inviting high school students to explore the campus, visit with faculty, and even take courses during the summer months. Participation in these summer programs will be viewed by your prospective colleges as evidence of wealth, rather than evidence of any special ability—even if these programs happen to be offered on a college campus. As such, they may do NOTHING to improve your admission prospects. So choose wisely among those programs that offer practical training or experiences you cannot find elsewhere. The following is a list of summer programs for high school students:
1. Presidential Classroom: This annual 7-day program shows students the other side of Washington, that is, the world beyond the marble buildings. Students will meet with Washington insiders, such as Congress members, presidential appointees, senior military officers, top business leaders, and journalists. They will also be able to observe the Congress in action, visit the monuments (including the White House), and engage in peer debate over key issues. Please visit their website and see Ms. Suri in 302.
2. Junior State of America, Summer Program (tuition), Diplomat Program (Travel to China) www.jsa.org
3. Summer study and travel in China and India through Foundation Global Education (www.foundationge.com). Information also available in room 302 contact Ms. Suri.
4. George Washington University Summer Scholars: Summer Scholars offers credit and noncredit course options for high school students in International or Comparative Politics, International Affairs, or History. They also offer short mini-courses including a new offering in Election Politics. The location in Washington DC provides unique and exceptional educational and cultural opportunities.
5. Pre-Collegiate Summer Program in Early American History: Students can earn four hours of college credit at the College of William and Mary for one of two three-week sessions: June 24-July 14 and July 15-August 4. Students will have a choice in one of two courses: HIS 216: From Jamestown through the American Revolution, or HIS 216: From the American Revolution through the Civil War. Visit the website for details.
6. St. Albans School of Public Service: Offers an intellectually and emotionally rewarding summer program designed to excite a passion for public service in our nation’s young adults.
7. Columbia University High School Programs: This year-round program gives students an opportunity to sample a wide variety of non-credit courses in the arts, in mathematics, in the sciences (including computer and social), in religion, and in college preparation. There are 3 semesters per year (Fall, Spring, Summer) which have to be applied for separately. Applications for this Summer are due in early April, and applications for the Fall are due in August. Please click on the above link to obtain course information and applications.
8. Summer Honors Programs for High School Sophomores at Cornell University: Provide students with an academically challenging and personally rewarding experience during the summer between their sophomore and junior years of high school. The three-week programs are designed to help students develop the critical thinking and writing skills that are essential to success in college.
9. Knowledge Exchange Institute: International programs on a variety of subjects. Study college level courses in Moscow, China, Italy, Mexico, and more.
10. Skidmore’s Pre-College Program in the Liberal Arts: A summer program offering college-level courses to high school students. Excellent chance to gain college credit and experience.
11. The School for Field Studies (SFS): One of the oldest and largest study abroad program exclusively devoted to undergraduate environmental field studies. SFS teaches students environmental problem-solving skills through cooperative field work with local communities, conservation organizations and government agencies. Students have a choice of studying in the Caribbeans, Australia, British Columbia, Baja in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Kenya.
12. AFS Intercultural Travel Program: Live in another country in the leading international exchange, with 128 programs in 44 countries, a host family you can call your own, etc. No previous language experience required for most programs. Call 1-800-AFS-INFO or go to their website for a free catalog.
13. The Road Less Traveled: A variety of wilderness expeditions to New Hampshire, Maine, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Montana, Idaho, Arkansas, Washington, British Columbia, Costa Rica, Australia, and more!
14. Washington Workshops: National Student Leadership Seminars, Washington, D.C. Three programs:
- The Congressional Seminar
- The Diplomacy and Global Affairs Seminar
- The Presidential Inaugural Seminar
15. The Experiment in International Living: The Experiment in International Living offers dynamic summer programs for high school students in over 25 countries around the world. For three to five weeks, Experimenters focus on themes such as community service, language study, travel, peace studies, ecology, the arts, or outdoor adventure as they enjoy daily life with their host families and participate in activities with their group. Click here for a Parent Review.
16. Oxbridge Academic Programs: Summer Programs for High School Students Grades 10-12 at Cambridge and Oxford Universities, and others. A Student Review of the program.
17. New York County District Legal Bound Summer Internship program for Manhattan residents only. Open to current Juniors and Seniors. Go to www.manhattanda.org for the flyer and additional information.
18. Wave Hill’s Woodland Ecology Research Mentorship (WERM) is a 14-month program offering motivated New York City high school students a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of ecology, and participate in hands-on fieldwork and authentic science research. Home – Wave Hill
19. This course is an introductory survey of the American criminal justice system with a view to its social and institutional context, and its structure and functioning. The course provides an overview of the foundations and components of the criminal justice system, including (substantive and procedural) criminal law, police, courts and corrections. Summer 2021 Program | John Jay College of Criminal Justice (cuny.edu)
20. Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center provides quality Music, Dance, Theater, Voice, and Martial Arts programs for more than 700 students a year. Group and private lessons provide study in modern/jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, and African dance forms, martial arts, piano/keyboard, guitar, bass, woodwinds, brass, drum, violin, and voice. Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center | Arts Education | Music | Dance | Karate | Theater | Folk Culture |