Pre-college summer programs allow high school students to get a taste of college life, preview their dream schools, and give a boost to their college applications. Many elite colleges and universities offer summer programs, such as Boston University's Summer Challenge Program, Brown University's Summer @Brown, and Stevens Institute of Technology's Business Program. It may be tempting to spend the entire summer at the beach or by the pool (and you certainly should do a little of that!), but why not use some of your free time to learn something new and make yourself a more attractive candidate for admission? In case you need convincing, here are just a few of the benefits of spending some of your summer on a college campus.
1. The gift of time
For any big event or big life change, we always want more time—enough time to be ready, enough time to feel prepared, and enough time to check everything off the (never-ending) to-do list. But the thing is, whatever amount of time you have is never enough. Will you feel ready the first day you walk into your first class? Not necessarily, but it doesn’t mean that you aren’t as ready as you can be. Pre-college summer programs can create an environment for you to make the most of the time that you do have. They give you a chance to prepare for the first semester while you are already there—in ways you could never do at home. It gives you the ability to adjust to life away from home in a new and somewhat foreign environment. You’ll have time to ask your questions and time to get to know what college life actually means. In many pre-college summer programs, the program is shorter than a regular semester. This, too, will give you a unique experience—more time to explore and participate in other activities.
Related: 4 Techniques to Improve Your Time Management
2. The gift of space
Summer programs allow you to get a taste of campus life in an environment that isn’t yet crowded with students. Regardless of the size of the school you have chosen, the campus won’t be busy yet with everyone back for the start of the regular school year. So you’ll have space—space to ride your bike, space to find the best sandwich shops on campus (with shorter lines!), and space in the classroom to get used to college-level courses. This space, complemented by smaller class sizes, means a better chance to have your voice heard, to get to know professors, and for them to get to know you.
3. The gift of attention
Smaller class sizes also mean more attention can be devoted to each student. If you attend a large university, when the regular semester begins, you may find yourself one in the sea of a 500-student class, an environment where it can be difficult to receive one-on-one attention. In a summer program, you'll be in a much smaller class and your instructors can provide more support. This will not only help you in your individual courses, but it will help you build skills you can utilize as you prepare for your first college classes. College-level courses can be a new world for some students, and a pre-college summer program gives you the chance to learn and understand what classes will be like and the work you will need to put in to succeed. Many summer programs, too, have dedicated staff, who'll help you with courses, campus resources, career advice, and counseling. Don’t be afraid to ask and learn about all of the services that are available to you.
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4. A chance to learn the lay of the land
Whether you are heading to a large school or a small school (or somewhere in between), figuring out the lay of the land is important. The sooner you can do that, the more comfortable you will feel navigating your way to and from classes, back to your dorm room, and to any other events or places you want to go. Attending a pre-college summer program at the school you hope to attend (or one similar to it) allows you to map out a real college campus before most people are back, so it’s much less overwhelming. There is less pressure and you can take your time. You can try different routes. You can find hidden places for reading and where the best underground coffee shop is. You can find where your classes will be in advance—and then, if you get in and choose to attend, you can share your newfound expertise with other students and friends you meet freshman year.
5. A chance to meet new people
Not only will you learn the layout of your campus during your time spent in your summer program, but you’ll also meet new people, many of whom may share similar interests with you—and you can help each other to make the most of your summer experience, study hard, enjoy the opportunities laid out for you, and prepare for the coming fall semester together. And that just means you’ll already have friends and peers you know when you actually attend the school.
Related: 7 Tips for Making Friends in College
Summer pre-college programs may seem like they’re just drilling into your relaxation time in the summer, but they can be incredibly rewarding and fun experiences if you give them the chance. If you’ve already been accepted to the college of your choice, it also presents an opportunity to get to know your school under less pressure so you’re good and ready for the fall semester. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and find your perfect program!
Want to know more about pre-college programs and all your different options throughout the year? Click the “Pre-College Programs” tag to find out!
