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I'm applying for a summer program and need to write an essay. Are there any good sample essays available for inspiration? I'd appreciate any to help me get started!

While I can't provide specific sample essays, I can give you some general tips and guidance on how to approach your summer program essay. Your essay should focus on demonstrating your passion, motivation, and fit for the program. Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Research the program: Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the summer program to which you are applying. Make note of specific details, such as the program's goals, core values, and unique features. By understanding what the program offers and values, you can tailor your essay to show that you have a genuine interest and are the right fit.

2. Reflect on your experiences: Consider the experiences, accomplishments, and interests that make you a strong candidate for the summer program. Think about how those experiences align with the program's aims. Be prepared to provide concrete examples of your achievements, whether it's serving in a leadership role, volunteering, or participating in relevant extracurricular activities.

3. Tell your story: Write a compelling narrative that showcases who you are and what you bring to the table. Focus on one or two anecdotes that best illustrate your passion and motivation for attending the program. Remember to be authentic and sincere in your storytelling, so that the program committee can better understand your values and personality.

4. Make connections: Highlight the connections between the program and your interests or career goals. Explain how the program will benefit you in terms of personal growth, academic advancement, or future career opportunities. By showcasing the symbiotic relationship, you demonstrate that you're not just looking for any summer opportunity, but specifically the one offered by this program.

5. Edit and proofread: After writing your essay, carefully review and revise it. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and syntax. Make sure your essay is well-organized and flows smoothly. You may want to ask a teacher, counselor, or trusted friend to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Remember, your essay should be focused, engaging, and tailored to the specific summer program for which you're applying. By researching the program, reflecting on your experiences, telling your story, making connections, and carefully editing your essay, you'll be well on your way to crafting a strong and competitive application.

Finally, consider checking out this blog post from CollegeVine, which is focused on college essays, but may still have some useful tips for you - your essay will just be focused on a particular program instead of a particular school: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-why-us-college-essay/. Good luck with your summer program application!

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

How to Write an Application Essay for a Summer Program

Written by Jason

College admissions 101 | most popular, last updated dec 27, 2023 | published on dec 27, 2023.

Do you plan to attend a summer program in high school? If so, it can offer a great opportunity to plump your résumé and give you experiences that can put you on trajectories you never knew existed! 

Summer programs for high school students offer educational opportunities over summer break and provide students with enrichment opportunities. They may cover various subjects and activities, and offer exposure to skill sets to help you identify the right career path for your future. 

They might include academic enrichment programs, pre-college programs, STEM camps and programs, arts and performing arts camps, language immersion programs, leadership and entrepreneurship programs, medical and healthcare programs, and more.

Getting into one of these programs may require you to write an essay. What is the secret sauce for writing an essay, and how should you approach it? Let’s find out how to write an application essay for a summer program.

What Are Essay Requirements for Summer Programs?

Essay requirements for summer programs for high school students can vary significantly from one program to another. Each program may have its own set of prompts, word limits, and particular instructions. Do not fret, how to write an application essay for a summer program is more doable than you realize. Here are some common essay requirements a summer program may require you to write.

Personal Statement

A summer program might ask you to write a personal statement, which simply means you describe yourself with an introduction, discuss your interests and goals, and explain why you want to join the program for which you are applying. A personal statement allows you to highlight your unique qualities and life experiences.

Statement of Purpose

More formal than a personal statement, a statement of purpose asks you to describe your reasons for applying to the program, your professional and personal goals, how the program fits into and how it will elevate your plans.

Academic or Career Goals Essay

Programs that align with academic or career exploration might want to see an essay focused solely on your academic areas of interest and career goals. You want to formulate your essay on how the program will help you achieve those goals.

Focused Prompts

Focused prompts may ask for essays related to a specific theme or targeted area. For example, they might ask about a challenge you have faced or a time when you displayed leadership or entrepreneurial skills. Some applications may also focus on extracurricular activities or community service — activities outside the classroom.

Creativity or Innovation Essay

Camps like STEM or similar camps may encourage you to discuss when you have employed creative, outside-the-box thinking skills such as Carnegie Mellon University’s Pre-College programs . You may discuss a creative project or problem you have solved.

Challenges and Overcoming Adversity Essay

Some prompts may ask you to write about overcoming challenges or adversity. For example, they may ask you about a time you have faced a personal challenge and how you overcame it. They might also pointedly ask about diversity and inclusion and how you will contribute to creating an inclusive environment in your future.

Writing Examples

Some camps may want to see samples of your creative writing, particularly if you are applying to attend a creative writing camp or residential program such as the prestigious Iowa Young Writers’ Studio . Some programs may ask you for several pages of poetry, for example, or a piece of short fiction. They may even allow you to submit a portion of the novel you are working on as part of your application!

7 Steps for Writing an Application Essay for a Summer Program

Let’s look at the steps on how to write an application essay for a summer program. As you might imagine, some summer programs are difficult to get into, such as the Stanford University Math Summer Camp (SUMaC) that has an acceptance rate of less than ten percent. Therefore, your application essay must be completely on point. 

Here are the steps to ensure that your essay fits the bill.

Step 1: Start early.

You do not want to start your essay the day before it is due. Starting the process early gives you ample time to think about what you will write, draft, revise, and self-edit. Waiting till the last minute could hurt the quality of your essay.

Step 2: Understand the prompt.

There is nothing worse than writing your essay, then looking back on it and realizing that you did not answer the question asked. Do not fall victim to that danger at all. Carefully review the application guidelines and ensure you address all aspects of the prompt in your essay.

Again, there is nothing worse than realizing you have left out a key critical aspect of your essay after you have already written it.

Step 3: Think through your ideas.

Brainstorm what you might want to write about — take five minutes to scribble anything that comes to mind related to the prompt. Identify themes that come to mind, and describe achievements (personal and academic), that align with the summer program’s aims.

Consider putting all your ideas in an outline to help you structure your essay logically. It will also ensure that you hit all the essay prompt points.

Step 4: Work your intro!

What is the most important part of your essay? The introduction! It gets people’s attention, provides a small skeleton for your essay and sets it up. It is just like the perfect pass and layup in a basketball game. Grab the reader’s attention with a compelling hook and clearly state your purpose for applying for the program, particularly if the prompt calls for that information.

Step 5: Work through the body paragraphs.

The body paragraphs should follow up on what you introduced at the beginning. For example, if you say you will talk about your experiences, skills and interests, do just that in your body paragraphs. Show, do not tell in all your examples and use vivid language and examples. 

Instead of saying, “My brother and I have a special relationship,” say, “My brother, a quadriplegic, communicates to me with his eyes. He shifts his eyes left to communicate ‘no’ and right for ‘yes.’ It is the special code we use to team up against our parents and anyone else who gets in our way.”

Showcase your achievements and relevant skills as denoted by the essay. Discuss any challenges you have overcome and emphasize the lessons you have learned. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points.

Step 6: Conclude, ending on a strong note.

Summarize your key points and restate your enthusiasm for the program. End on a strong note that leaves a lasting impression. Ask yourself whether you demonstrated enthusiasm and an understanding of the program, asserted your desire to attend, and showcased your goals.

Step 7: Edit and proofread your essay.

Review your essay for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors. Proofreading is key when writing an application essay for a summer program. Consider asking teachers, peers, or mentors to review and provide feedback. Make sure your essay is polished and error-free. Campus to Career Crossroads offers a rigorous editing process to refine your essay for submission.

Tips for Writing Your Summer Program Essay

At Campus to Career Crossroads, we believe that you can follow these summer program application tips. They will help you stand out from the crowd and hopefully help you get into the program. 

Write Like You Speak

Have you ever heard a teacher say, “Write like you speak!” for the best essay results? This is a great time to apply that advice! How to write an application essay for a summer program starts with a conversational tone.

Why? Here are a few reasons why you may want to implement this suggestion — we believe in at Campus to Career Crossroads!:

• Easier to understand: Have you ever read an essay by a student in which they were trying to impress someone? Did it sound stilted and overblown? Avoiding complex sentence structures and sticking to what you know enhances clarity.
• Engages your readers: Writing like you speak can help the essay’s engagement, making it more relatable and inviting. It can also help you connect with the readers personally, creating a sense of familiarity, and a bond with the reader.
• Shows off your perso nality: Your personality shines through when you write like you speak. People can understand what you are like and “hear” your voice through your writing.
• Makes you seem approachable: Conversational tones can mean you appear more approachable and authentic. It keeps you from seeming overly formal and builds credibility and even trust. 
• Flows naturally: Conversational writing lends to a more natural flow — like spoken language. It can be enjoyable to read and keep your reader’s attention.

Connect with the Program

You may find it difficult to “connect” to a summer program because you may not have attended it before. Read up on everything you possibly can about the program, including testimonials from other participants, descriptions on the website, and more. 

Connect your understanding of the summer program with your goals. Connect with specific areas of the program that interest you and go in-depth. 

Sometimes, making a connection for the program includes experiencing your enthusiasm. Enthusiastically explain why you are excited about the opportunity and how it fits into your broader academic and career goals.

Be Authentic

Just as no company wants to hire someone who does not present themselves authentically, a summer program also wants your personality to shine through, so be yourself. Avoid writing using overly formal language or writing what you think they want to hear. They want to hear from you as you are. 

Stay within the Word Limit

This one is easy to implement. (Always good news, right?) Check the word limit! If you are only supposed to write 250 words or less, write 250 words or less.

Adhere to any specified word limit. Being concise and focused demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively, and summer programs always want you to communicate information about yourself most concisely — really, really well!

As you check the word limit, ensure that you have answered the prompt — we have mentioned it already but it is worth mentioning again!

Learn more: How to Write a “Why this Major?” Essay and ChatGPT College Essays: Should You Use ChatGPT to Write Your College Essays?

Check the Format 

Is there a specific format you should use to submit your application essay? For example, are you supposed to submit it a certain way through a website or are you supposed to save it as a pdf and email it? Whatever the process, review it and submit it in the format you are supposed to use.

Example of an Application Essay for a Summer Program

Let’s take a prompt and review how you might want to respond to it: Write a 250-maximum-word essay on important academic or life experiences in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) you have encountered.

My STEM journey includes transformative experiences, notably engineering collaboration and hands-on molecular biology research. I interned at a tech startup and learned how to engineer sustainable solutions, where I learned teamwork and research methods. 

Interning at a tech startup, InTech, showed me the practical applications of academic knowledge. Leadership roles in STEM clubs and outreach programs allowed me to share my passion and foster a sense of community. 

These experiences have shaped me and my role in STEM, so I want to launch my STEM journey through the STEM Intensive Summer Program.

Write Your Essay with Campus to Career Crossroads

Consider your interests, goals, and desired outcomes when considering a summer program. Choosing a program that aligns with your passions and provides a valuable and enjoyable experience is essential. Some programs may offer college credit, certificates, or other recognition for successful completion.

Ultimately, what do you want to get out of your experience? Think about the deep reasons why you want to attend. Is it to benefit from college credit, academic enrichment, or to learn how to do something specific, like creative writing or research methods? Maybe it is a bit of all of those things.

How to write an application essay for a summer program involves managing a lot of important steps from brainstorming to editing. Campus to Career Crossroads can help you outline and craft your summer program essay.   We can also offer editing services to ensure your essay achieves your goals. Reach out to us for more information! We will guide you through the entire process, from researching the right summer programs for your professional goals to walking through the application process.

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Courses from June 22, 2024 — August 18, 2024

International students requiring an I-20 from Stanford should apply by April 30.

College Essay Bootcamp

Get a strong start on your college application with this series of sessions on the common app and supplemental essays. You’ll learn what makes a stellar essay and how to incorporate key traits that will capture an admissions committee’s attention and heart. Includes two 4.5-hour in-person sessions; two first-come, first-serve, remote sessions (Zoom calls) for individualized feedback; as well as independent writing time.

The College Essay Bootcamp focuses on the common app and supplemental essays, and not on admission to Stanford. Stanford does not have a preference for students who attend Stanford-specific summer programs and this opportunity is intended to provide general guidance around the college application process.

About College Essay Bootcamp

In-person session day 1 finding your voice and telling your story: common app main essay.

The main essay is one of the most important components of the college application. A stellar essay will help a student standout from amongst a pool of competitive applicants. Writing an outstanding essay, however, can be a daunting task. In this seminar, students will learn the answer to questions such as, what are colleges looking for? What do I write about? How creative should I be? 

In-Person Session Day 2 Making Every Word Count: Supplemental Essays & Activity List

In addition to the main essay, many colleges require their own school-specific prompts, also known as supplemental essays. Covering popular prompts including the “Why Us?” question and the elaboration of an extracurricular or job-related experience, this seminar will teach students how to best approach various supplemental essays and further illuminate who they are as a person and how they can contribute to a specific college.

The activity list section of the college application provides an applicant the opportunity to describe their passions, skills, and talents. In this portion of the seminar, students will learn strategies to best highlight their accomplishments and activities. Additionally, students will be equipped with the tools to create a strong resume. Although not required by every school, a good resume can aid students with teacher recommendations, college interviews, scholarship applications, and future job or internship opportunities.

It was really enjoyable and extremely helpful overall especially as someone who is applying to colleges the coming school year and is behind on essays!

How to Participate

Register for college essay bootcamp.

Registration for College Essay Bootcamp is open to confirmed students on a first-come, first-served basis.

On May 16, the first registered students (up to our capacity) will be invited to confirm their spot by paying the non-refundable $725 fee.

• Register now

About the Facilitator

Founded in 2007, Ivy Global is renowned in the educational services industry for its quality test prep materials and consulting expertise. Ivy Global has helped thousands of students achieve their educational goals and gain admission to top colleges and universities.

Grant Hansen graduated with a B.A. in Performance Theatre and Comprehensive Communications before moving to Beijing, China where he spent years working with students to develop their public speaking ability, coach them on writing and performance, and equip them for studies in the United States and Canada. He served as Foreign Teacher Liaison for two years at the number one high school in Beijing, Ren Da Fu Zhong, before spending a year at Renmin University designing courses in Advanced Public Speaking and Play Production. He engages with students so they can discover their unique stories and helps them communicate that story to others. 

Time Commitment

In addition to the two afternoon in-person sessions, students will need to spend at least a few hours on their own in order to maximize the personalized attention they’ll receive in the two remote sessions.

Stanford Summer Session provides high-achieving and ambitious students a transformative educational experience at a world-class university. By combining challenging academics with a rich array of extra-curricular programming, Stanford Summer Session successfully shares the University’s culture of innovation, academic excellence, and global responsibility.

• Success Stories
• AI Scholar Program
• Startup Internship Program
• Research Scholar Program
• GOALS Academic Support Program
• Test Prep Program
• Passion Project Program
• For Families
• For Schools
• For Employers
• Partnerships
• Content Guides
• News And Awards
• College Admissions
• Events and Webinars
• Applications
• Summer Programs

How To Get Into a Competitive Summer Program

Madeleine Karydes

Lead admissions expert, table of contents, what you get from the most competitive summer programs for high schoolers, gettin in is important, final thought.

Stay up-to-date on the latest research and college admissions trends with our blog team.

Summer programs for high school students can eventually boost your overall college application profile. But not all summer programs are created equal. So how do you choose what you want to invest your energy in over the summer? And how do you get into a competitive summer program that’s worth your while? Empowerly is here to help with your summer roadmap to success!

Most competitive summer programs for high school students are organized and hosted by universities. Programmatically, you can expect some classroom learning and coursework, and some project-based learning, too. Summer research programs provide opportunities for learning how to read peer-reviewed, published scientific research, and learning to collect and analyze data. Additionally, these programs will introduce how to use statistical or analytics software specific to the niche industry. Students can take a break from the structured routine of classes in order to immerse themselves in a different world.

Some programs guide you toward starting and finishing a tangible research product or help you build those relationship foundations so that you can easily maintain your research work throughout the upcoming school year. Definitely seize that opportunity!

On the other hand, s ome programs include field trips around the community and high-profile guest lecturers like notable program alumni. For example, a business program like LaunchX is all about coaching your entrepreneurial idea and helping you create an effective pitch and practicing its delivery.

For any of these opportunities, building upon the project you started within your summer program during your fall and winter semesters is an excellent way to get the most out of your time. You can evolve your project and eventually submit your findings to an academic competition, or academic conference, or earn a mention as a contributor in the final published work. 

Plan your summer around how to get into a competitive summer program

Summertime is one of the most valuable times that a student can use to improve their extracurricular profile. The most effective way of using the summer is often to join a structured seasonal activity. However, the summer break can also be an excellent time for students to start a self-driven project or research. So which is a better use of your time?

Other than the top 20 summer programs, self-driven summer projects are more valuable—in terms of college admissions impact—than less selective summer programs with high admission rates. Students should consider options for engaging independent projects and research when deliberating among summer program options. For more help with your strategies for how to get into a competitive summer program, consider working with a counselor or mentor.

Top-ranked and most competitive summer programs in the US

These are the most prestigious, selective, and admissions-pack-a-punch summer programs (in no particular order): 

•  Research Science Institute (RSI)
•  Program for Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS) at Boston University
•  The Summer Science Program (SSP) New Mexico Tech, U Colorado Boulder, Purdue, Indiana
•  LaunchX Young Entrepreneurs Summer Program: Boston, UPenn, Northwestern, Michigan
•  The Research in Science and Engineering Program (RISE): Boston University 
• Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES) at MIT
•  Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) 
•  Boys State (multi-state participating camps)
•  Girls State (multi-state participating camps)
•  Governor’s School (multi-state)
•  Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

How to apply—and how to get into—a competitive summer program

Applying for one of these immersive educational experiences is great practice for packaging your narrative and applying for college. Similarly, you’ll need strong grades and test scores, cohesive extracurriculars, and compelling essays. It can be really helpful to have some guidance through this process. We’re here to help you learn how to get into a competitive summer program and the college of your choice!

Because a lot of summer programs for high school students focus on niche and advanced topics, admitted students usually have a mission-driven extracurricular profile. For example, students accepted to PROMYS tend to engage in math extracurriculars and boast accolades from math competitions at the state level. Participation in project-based clubs like a robotics club, or conducting research with a professor, are activities that read well for math summer programs. 

Additionally, letters of recommendation from teachers are valued pretty strongly in the most competitive summer programs’ application process. Applicants need to ask teachers who will enthusiastically endorse them and can speak to their genuine interest in the relevant academic field. If you’re applying to a STEM summer program, try to ask at least one of your STEM teachers for a letter of recommendation. 

Want to know more about choosing the right extracurricular activities?  Our research team can help you out, and provide starting tips on how to get into competitive summer programs that interest you. Check out our services page here !

Summer program essays

Summer programs will usually inquire as to why you’ve selected their program, and often another essay field will ask about the history and evolution of your academic interest in the relevant field. 

What’s the point of summer program essays? Well, for summer programs, the essay is actually pretty important. It can be a way to distinguish between two otherwise equally qualified applicants.  Often, they’re the final sorting process for program staff. Especially at the most competitive summer programs for high schoolers, the candidates are all exceptional. At this point, your voice and character matter.

Help the program staff get to know you on a personal level.

Most importantly, essays help organize your application into a narrative and allow admissions officers to build a personal connection with you. In a personal statement, you have the opportunity to explain why you care about the topic and why you deserve a spot in their program. In other words, it’s a chance for admissions readers to see the world through your eyes for a moment. What would you like to show them?

Help the admissions officer distinguish you from other similar applicants.

Essays help the staff determine who has the most authentic ties to the program topics covered.

Vague or irrelevant ties or made-up connections indicate lesser candidates. Some may be applying to a program for prestige, to enter a career field motivated by financial gain, or just because a parent told them to apply. By using your own personal voice in the written statements, you can stand out. Similarly, typos and unclear sentences that seem written in a rush would most likely disqualify an applicant. Don’t sabotage your chances by neglecting a technical requirement. In the same way, don’t go over the word count. Taking the time to put your best self on the page will go a long way.

An exceptional essay also has the power to sway a program staffer to override a small profile weakness because of a great cultural fit with the program or demonstrated maturity. 

We’ve got essay editing!

Have you heard? Empowerly offers essay editing! As an enrolled student, you can get your essays edited right in your Empowerly Portal. From personal statements to academic essays, we’ll make sure that you’re always putting your best writing out there. You’ll receive your edits and suggestions within 24 hours, and gain access to our Accepted Essay Bank for inspiration in the meantime.

Good essay topics for the most competitive summer programs for high schoolers to consider:

• How do you perceive the world around you and your role within it? 
• How can you demonstrate your core values, instead of just stating them? For example, you can recount a specific memory where you experienced significant growth.
• Further, how do you respond emotionally to different situations or circumstances?

Securing a spot in a competitive summer program can have a profound impact on a student’s academic and personal growth. These programs offer unique learning experiences, exposure to new subjects or fields, and opportunities to connect with like-minded peers and experts. To increase your chances of acceptance, consider valuable tips for getting into competitive summer programs. These tips may include early planning, thorough research, and preparing a compelling application that highlights your skills, achievements, and passion for the program’s focus area.

When it comes to standing out in competitive summer program applications, strategic approaches can make a difference. Firstly, make sure to research the program thoroughly and align your application with its objectives and values. Tailoring your application to the specific program demonstrates your genuine interest and dedication. Additionally, showcase your unique qualities and experiences that set you apart from other applicants. Highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular involvements, and any relevant projects or initiatives you have undertaken.

Another important strategy for securing a spot in competitive summer programs is to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment. Many programs seek applicants who show a genuine passion for their chosen field. This can be achieved through showcasing your involvement in related activities, such as clubs, competitions, or research projects. Furthermore, submitting strong recommendation letters from teachers, mentors, or professionals in the field can validate your abilities and potential, strengthening your application.

To unlock the secrets to success in competitive summer program admissions, it is crucial to pay attention to the application details. Follow instructions carefully and ensure that all required documents, essays, and forms are submitted accurately and on time. It is also advisable to seek feedback from trusted mentors or teachers to polish your application materials. Lastly, consider reaching out to program alumni or attending information sessions to gain insights and demonstrate your genuine interest in the program. By implementing these strategies and secrets, you can enhance your chances of securing a spot in a competitive summer program and embark on an enriching and transformative experience.

An Empowerly counselor can help you chart out a dynamic and rigorous learning experience for your time away from school. If you want to know more about the most competitive summer programs, click below to schedule an exploratory call to learn more. 

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College apps can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. empowerly college counseling is in it with you., related articles.

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• Aditi Kapadia
• Jan 22, 2021

How to Conquer the “Why This Program/College” Essay Question

Updated: Feb 8, 2021

One of the most common questions you’ll come across in applying for college or summer programs is, "Why you want to attend?" Although this may seem like an easy, straightforward prompt, you can miss the mark if you don’t approach it the correct way. Follow the four tips below to get started in the right direction.

1. Do your research

When a program or school wants to know why you want to attend, the expectation is that you went beyond the front page of the website and the statistics you found through Google search. The more thorough your research, the more specific and personalized your answers will be.

2. Keep it concise

Many times, this type of question will have a limit of 250-300 words, but sometimes you’ll get lucky and have more space to explain your reasons. Whatever the length, you have limited space and must use it wisely. This means not elaborating too much on a single reason or another and talk about each of your reasons equally.

3. Vary your reasons

You should include a variety of reasons to hit multiple aspects of the program or school. For example, if you’re applying to a college, talk about both academics and extracurricular activities to show that you can contribute to multiple areas on campus.

4. Make it goal-oriented

While this question may seem like it’s all about the program or school, it’s secretly about you, too. Admissions officers want to know how you can use the program or school’s resources to achieve your goals. You should tie in how you’ll apply what you learn to your own personal or career goals.

If you’d like more information about or need help writing the best application essays, sign up for a one-hour consultation .

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21 Summer Writing Programs for High School Students in 2024

What’s covered:, 21 summer writing programs for high school students, how impressive are summer programs in college admissions, other ways to spend your summer.

Summer programs offer high school students an excellent opportunity to explore subjects that interest them, build valuable skills, get a taste of college life, and meet like-minded peers. They also look awesome on a college application! If you’re interested in writing, you’ll want to check out these 20 summer writing programs for high school students. 

1. Princeton Summer Journalism Program 

Dates: Classes begin mid July, residential portion is July 26 – August 5

Location: Online and in Princeton, NJ

Application deadline: February 15

The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) selects 40 high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds to participate in its revered program. In the PSJP, students explore current events, listen to lectures, and participate in workshops led by professional journalists and Princeton professors. The program culminates with the publication of a student-produced newspaper, the Princeton Summer Journal . To qualify for the PSJP you must: 

• Be a junior in high school
• Live in the United States and intend to attend college in the U.S.
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.5 
• Have an interest in journalism
• The combined income of custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) plus child support payments, if any, must not exceed $60,000
• Qualify for free or reduced-price lunch 
• Qualify for an SAT or ACT fee waiver

Dates: August 3 – 9

Location: Austin, Texas

Application deadline: March 1

JCamp is a free six-day program put on by the Asian American Journalist Association that brings together a culturally diverse group of students from across the U.S. Under the eye of veteran journalists and leading media executives, students take part in workshops to sharpen their journalistic skills and gain hands-on experience producing multi-platform news packages for the program’s website. JCamp is not limited to Asian American students; any student with an interest in journalism—like writing for a newspaper or magazine—is encouraged to apply. 

3. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio 2 Week Residential Program

• Session 1: June 16 – 29
• Session 2: July 14 – 27

Location: In-person in Iowa City, IA, or virtual

Application deadline: February 4

Cost: In-person: $2,500; virtual: $575

The Iowa Young Writers’ Studio provides high schoolers the incredible opportunity to have a residential experience and study with graduates of one of the most renowned writing programs in the nation: the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Participants in this program choose a focus—either poetry, fiction, creative writing, playwriting, or television writing—and share their work, practice their craft, and improve their writing while working alongside other high school writers from across the U.S. 

4. Sarah Lawerence Writers’ Week 

• Virtual: July 15 – 19
• In-person: August 5 – 9

Location: Virtual or Bronxville NY

Application deadline: TBD. Registration opens in February

Cost: Virtual: $1025; In-person: $1,550

During Sarah Lawerence Writers’ Week, participants (the program welcomes students entering the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades) explore the creative process led by esteemed Sarah Lawrence faculty and alumni. Sarah Lawerence Writing Week celebrates the risk and adventure of the creative process, fosters a non-competitive and non-judgmental environment, and keeps with the Sarah Lawrence tradition of individualized attention—groups are limited to 18 students with two faculty members per workshop. The program ends with a celebration that includes both faculty and student readings.  

5. California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) Writing Program

Dates: July 6 – August 2

Location: Sacramento, CA

Application deadline: February 29

Cost: CA State Residents: $4,600; Out-of-state: $7,000

This summer program for high school students in California is a unique public-private partnership that was founded by the California State legislature in 1987. Approximately 70 students are selected to participate in this program led by professional writers and educators who guide them through work in fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and dramatic writing. The program prides itself on its creative environment and looks for young writers who love language, reading, and are ready to share their own stories. 

6. Juniper Young Writers Online Writing Lab 

• One-week program: July 29 – August 2
• Two-week program: July 29 – August 9

Location: Amherst, MA

Application deadline: March 7

Cost: $2,600 for one week; $4,950 for two weeks

Students in the Juniper Young Writers Online Writing Lab participate in writing sessions, share questions, and discuss their work and writing-related topics over the course of this program. Led by professional teachers, published authors, and graduate students at UMass Amherst, Writing Lab participants gain insight into the creative process, find inspiration for work, learn tips to improve their writing and develop relationships with other young writers. Students will be provided a written summary of their work, an evaluation toward writing goals, and future considerations for their writing.

7. Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement (AYA) 

Dates: June 17 – July 19

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Application deadline: March 22

AYA is a free, immersive experience for talented high school students from the area surrounding USC. The program allows participants to explore USC Annenberg’s undergraduate programs, gain insight into careers in media and journalism, and meet the people advancing issues of race, gender, and ethnicity in communication and journalism. Over the course of this program, students build a variety of skills, including writing and critical thinking. 

8. Reynolds Young Writers Workshop 

Dates: June 22 – 29

Location: Granville, OH

Cost: $1,500

For more than a quarter of a century, Denison University has welcomed talented high school writers to its acclaimed Reynolds Young Writers Workshop. Led by Denison’s creative writing faculty and notable visiting writers, participants take part in small creative writing workshops and group sessions to explore a variety of writing techniques in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

9. Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Dates: June 23 – 28

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Application deadline: April 1

The Camp Cronkite program is a summer media enrichment camp allowing high schoolers to dive into the world of media. Led by Cronkite faculty, staff, and students, campers learn about digital journalism, broadcast journalism, or sports media. They will work on reporting, pitching, storytelling, and editing, and receive hands-on instruction in video editing, photography, reporting and writing, script development, and more. There are several scholarships available for students who demonstrate financial need. 

10. Alpha Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Workshop for Young Writers

Dates: July 24 – August 4

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Application deadline: March 10

Over Alpha’s 12 days, students with an interest in science fiction, fantasy, or horror learn how to generate ideas, turn those ideas into drafts, critique each other’s work, make revisions, and submit their work to paying markets. The program also provides students with an introduction to college life and allows them to explore a career as a professional writer. 

11. 92Y Unterberg Poetry Center Young Writers Workshop

Dates: July 8 – 25

Location: New York, NY

Application deadline: May 28

Cost: $2,600

The Unterberg Poetry Center has been home to established and up-and-coming poets since it was founded in 1939. Students at its Young Writers Workshop receive coaching from some of New York’s best writing teachers and explore a variety of forms, styles, and voices in a warm and supportive environment. Participants learn to look critically at their own work and will leave the workshop with a clearer understanding of their goals as a writer and what it takes to make a career in the literary world. 

12. Shared Worlds

Dates: July 14 – 27

Location: Spartanburg, SC

Application deadline: Rolling

This fun writing program is for high school students with an interest in speculative fiction—for example, science fiction, fantasy, and steampunk. Shared Worlds is a residential program for rising 8th-12th grade students to work under the guidance of renowned fantasy and science fiction writers. Over the course of the workshop, students imagine, build, and write their own stories and have their enthusiasm for writing encouraged. 

13. Bard College at Simon’s Rock Young Writers Workshop

Dates: July 7 – 27

Location: Great Barrington, MA

Cost: $3,500

This program is modeled on the well-known Language and Thinking Workshop all students entering Bard College are required to take. Unlike other creative writing workshops, leaders of this young writers workshop encourage informal, playful, and expressive writing and lean on peer response to develop polished pieces of writing. Students will live, eat, and work on campus, gaining firsthand experience living and learning in a college atmosphere while producing pieces ranging from short stories and poems to brief dramatic works and experiments in creative nonfiction.

14. Kenyon Review Summer Residential Young Writers Workshops

• Session 1: June 23 – July 6

Location: Gambier, OH

Cost: $2,575

Every summer, talented writers from across the U.S. come to the picturesque campus of Kenyon College to participate in its Young Writers Workshop. In this multi-genre program, students experience what it’s like to be part of the literary community while bolstering their talents, discovering new strengths, and challenging themselves in the company of similarly interested peers. 

15. Kenyon Review Summer Online Young Writers Workshop

Dates: June 16 – 21

Location: Online

Application deadline: April 15

For students who can’t make it to Ohio for two weeks, the online workshop is a great alternative. With writing workshops for three and a half hours every day, it’s possible to take advantage of the program without relocating. In the evening, students will attend virtual open mics, social gatherings, and talks and readings by authors. 

16. BYU Young Authors Academy

Dates: July 8 – 13

Location: Provo, UT

At BYU’s Young Authors Academy, students speak with local and nationally-recognized authors, review each others’ writing, work with faculty in the BYU English department, stay in campus housing, take small-group writing courses, and meet other, like-minded peers. Students can choose from two electives over the program, including Creating Believable Tales and Villains, Flash Fiction, and Breaking News. 

17. Fir Acres Writing Workshop

Dates: June 23 – July 6

Location: Portland, OR

Application deadline: March 8

Cost: $3,700

Fir Acres writing program takes sixty rising 10th-12th graders from around the country and forms a community of enthusiastic writers on the campus of Lewis and Clark College. Students participate in daily workshops studying and writing under the guidance of Lewis and Clark’s faculty. They also meet and hear from visiting writers and work on their own poetry, fiction, and other writings. 

18. LMU’s Beginning Screenwriting Program 

Application deadline: March 15

Cost: $5,800 plus a $65 application fee

LMU’s School of Film and Television offers this program to students looking to enhance their writing skills and learn the elements of screenwriting. Students will work on structure, character development, dialogue, formatting, and genre while analyzing both classic and contemporary popular movies. They will learn from faculty members who are also professional screenwriters and leave the program with a short script. 

19. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Writing and Culture Program 

Dates: June 22 – July 20

Cost: $6,800- $8,995

Over the weeks of the program, students at CMU will examine film, writing, design, art, and culture through various lenses. Learning will take place both on CMU’s campus and around the city of Pittsburgh. Students will produce a body of work perfect for a portfolio during the program under the tutelage of highly distinguished faculty members of the Department of English. Classes are held Monday through Friday, and students emerge with individualized feedback and guidance to enhance their creative pursuits. 

20. Boston University Summer Journalism Academy

• On Campus: June 24 – July 12
• Virtual Session 1: June 17 – 28
• Virtual Session 2: July 1 – 12
• Virtual Session 3: July 15 – 26

Application deadline: April 19 for in person; May 10 for remote

Location: Virtual or Boston, MA

Cost: $1500 to $6200

Taught by working journalists, BU’s Summer Journalism Academy gives high school students actual reporting assignments to give them a jump-start into the world of journalism. With both virtual and in-person options, there is something for everyone. There are scholarships and financial aid available for students demonstrating financial need. Students must be a rising 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grader in high school to attend. For applicants who get their materials in by March 8th, there is a $400 discount for in-person, and a $200 discount for virtual learning. 

21. The School of The New York Times’ Summer Academy

• Term 1: June 9 – 21
• Term 2: June 23 – July 5
• Term 3: July 7 – 19
• Term 4: July 21 – August 2

Location: New York City

Cost: $5,935 to $7,220

From DIY Filmmaking to A Million Lives in the Law and Pop Music as Art & Business, The School of the New York Times offers a wide range of fascinating classes to students interested in journalism. In the heart of New York City, students can spend several weeks learning from experienced journalists working in the field. Scholarship applications are only available until the end of February, so interested students should apply ASAP. 

Summer programs—and other extracurricular activities—can help set you apart, particularly at highly selective schools. CollegeVine’s free admissions calculator can tell you how colleges value your extracurricular activities and uses factors like grades and test scores (along with extracurriculars) to estimate your odds of acceptance at hundreds of schools across the country. It even provides insight into how you can improve your profile!

Though summer break provides you with the most time to explore your passions, it is not the only time. Colleges want to see that you are curious about the world around you and are constantly seeking new learning opportunities. 

Instead of participating in a program, you could create your own. Writing a book or mobilizing a team to solve an issue in your local community are examples of independent efforts that look impressive to colleges. 

You can show further initiative by taking on internships and paying jobs. Both demonstrate initiative, a career direction, and key life skills like time management and responsibility. Since most internships are reserved for college students and graduates, it can be a challenge to find opportunities for high school students. To help with the search, here is a list of summer internships for high school students. Looking for more summer programs? Take a look at this list of virtual opportunities for high school students.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 12 summer writing programs for high school students (2022 -2023).

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Love reading, writing, and being creative? Then consider checking out summer writing programs for high school students! 

Whether you want to become a journalist or the next Poet Laureate, there are tons of summer writing programs that will help you achieve your goals. Participating in these programs can look great on college applications too! 

In this article, we’ll give you all the info you need to decide if creative writing summer programs for high school students are right for you, including: 

• A full description of 12 summer writing programs for high school students (including cost, eligibility, and what they cover!)
• A quick, five question quiz to help you decide if a summer writing program is right for you
• Three tips on how to impress colleges with your summer writing program

Let’s get started! 

Summer's the perfect time for sitting on the beach, eating ice cream...and participating in writing programs. 

What Are Summer Writing Programs for High School Students? 

Creative writing summer programs for high school students are a great way for students with an interest in writing to explore subjects they’re interested in, build skills for college, and meet other students who share their interests.  

As a bonus, summer writing programs can look great on college applications!

Summer writing programs for high schoolers are typically held between May and August each year . These programs are similar to a summer class or camp. Additionally, these programs last anywhere from a week to several weeks throughout the summer. 

Like summer camps, writing programs for high schoolers are pretty intensive. Students spend their time l istening to lectures from experts, participating in workshops, presenting their work, and getting real-life feedback. 

Best of all, summer writing programs are hands-on, so you’ll spend lots of time writing and creating original work ! The goal of any summer writing program is to help you develop and improve your writing skills through practice and feedback. 

While some programs teach general writing skills, many summer writing programs focus on a particular field or genre, like journalism, essay writing, or creative writing . For instance, if you’re thinking about becoming a journalism major, you might participate in a journalism writing summer program that’ll give you a glimpse of what it’s like to work in the industry.

There are many benefits of summer writing programs when it comes to college applications too. After all, writing great college essays is an important part of getting into your dream school! And because they’re extracurricular activities, summer writing programs are also a good option for students who are aiming for an arts-based spike approach on college applications. 

Dust off that typewriter...it's time to apply!

12 Summer Writing Programs for High School Students

We’ve put together a list of 12 summer creative writing summer programs for high school students to help you get a sense of the many great options out there. Our list includes journalism, research-based, and creative writing summer programs for high school students so you can find the best one for you! 

#1: The School of New York Times Summer Academy

• Eligibility: Must be entering 10th, 11th, 12th grade, or graduating high school
• Dates: Term 1: June 5-17; Term 2: June 19-July 1; Term 3: July 3-15; Term 4: July 17-29
• Location: New York City
• Cost: $6,420 for residential; $5,820 for day program
• Deadlines: Varies by term; deadlines range from early May to mid-June

The New York Times (NYT) offers a series of writing-based summer courses for high school students at their campus in New York City. Courses are designed to develop students’ curiosity and critical thinking through traditional coursework and in the museums, arts centers, think tanks, and start-up labs of New York City. Courses are offered on various topics , including creative writing and investigative journalism. 

The program “seeks talented student leaders with diverse interests, ambitions and writing styles.” To participate, students complete an online application that includes short answer questions and optional writing samples, high school transcripts, and one recommendation. 

#2: Boston University Summer Journalism Academy

• Eligibility: Must be aged 14-18 
• Dates: Vary by year; Session 1: June 20-July 1; Session 2: July 4-July 15; Session 3: July 18-July 29
• Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
• Cost: On-Campus w/tuition, room, board and activity fees: $3700; On-Campus Commuter w/tuition and activity fees: $2700; Learn-from-Home: $1300
• Deadlines: Applications due mid-May

The Summer Journalism Academy at Boston University is designed to introduce high school students to life as news reporters . Students practice their skills in the classroom then apply them to hands-on learning opportunities in a real newsroom. One of the biggest perks is that students get to learn from working journalists who cover a wide range of beats. 

Students can participate in person or remotely. In-person participants can stay on BU’s campus through the residential program, where they’ll get a chance to live alongside other academy attendees. To participate, applications must be submitted online and should include a 300-word letter explaining the student’s interest in journalism.

#3: Asian American Journalist Association (AAJA) Journalism Camp

• Eligibility: 9th-12th graders with a strong interest in journalism 
• Dates: Summer; exact program dates may vary
• Location: Varies by year; JCamp 2022 is hosted by the University of Southern California
• Cost: No cost (travel expenses are also covered by the program)
• Deadlines: Applications due March 31

The AAJA‘s six-day summer training camp, called JCamp, gives students the opportunity to learn from journalists and journalism executives while developing their writing skills. This summer writing program gives students hands-on experience producing multi-platform news packages that are published on the program’s news site, JCamp Live. 

Students who show a strong interest in broadcasting, newspaper, magazine, photojournalism, or online media are encouraged to apply online. Also, JCamp isn’t limited to Asian American students, so all high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible. Even better: all program costs are covered , including travel, university lodging, and meals. 

#4: Yale Daily News Summer Journalism Program

• Eligibility: Open to all high school students
• Dates: August 16-20
• Location: Varies by year; 2022 program held via Zoom
• Cost: Free to students from New Haven Public Schools; all other participants pay $160 in tuition
• Deadlines: Unspecified

The Yale Daily News Summer Journalism Program is a one-week journalism course for high school students. Students participate in workshops on the basics of writing and reporting, hear lectures by journalists from major publications, and work as a team to produce an issue of the Yale Daily News.  

As a bonus, the program is run entirely by undergraduate staff members of the Yale Daily News , so students will get to see what it’s like to be a real journalism student at an Ivy League school. 

To apply, students must submit four short answer questions and a pitch for one professional-grade news article . Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as program costs may increase as the program start date approaches. 

Howard University's writing program is perfect for people who want to write across media--and yes, that includes TikTok.

#5: Howard University Multimedia Academy 

• Eligibility: Must be in 9th-12th grade
• Dates: June 14-25
• Location: Virtual/online
• Cost: Not specified
• Deadlines: Applications due June 5

Howard’s virtual summer writing program teaches students to use multimedia journalism to report on health and wellness in underserved communities . At the end of the program, students’ work appears on the Howard University News Service and on Voices of Tomorrow, a nonprofit that provides social services to immigrants and refugees from East African communities.  

Additionally, the best work by seniors and recent graduates will be eligible for the Dow Jones News Fund’s scholarship competition . To apply to Howard’s Multimedia Academy, students must fill out an online application, including a 250-word essay. 

#6: The Multicultural Journalism Program (MJW)  

• Eligibility: Rising 9th graders through college freshmen
• Dates: June 3-12
• Location: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
• Cost: Free, including housing, meals, and field trips; students are responsible for transportation to and from Tuscaloosa
• Deadlines: Applications due April 1

MJW’s summer writing program selects 10 to 15 students to attend an intensive workshop held in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This workshop focuses on multimedia reporting, writing, editing, graphics, photography, and production. During the workshop, students produce an issue of the MJP Journal to showcase everything they’ve learned. 

Applicants must submit a high school transcript, a typed 500-word essay explaining their interest in journalism, and a recommendation letter. The program also encourages students to submit samples of published journalistic work , but unpublished writing samples are also acceptable. 

#7: Carnegie-Mellon University Writing and Culture Program

• Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old by program start date; must be a current high school sophomore or junior at time of application; must have an academic average of B (3.0/4.0) and/or have received a B or higher in their last English class.
• Dates: July 5-August 12
• Location: Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
• Cost: $9,000 for residential program; $6,932 for commuter program
• Deadlines: Applications accepted on a rolling basis

The Carnegie-Mellon Writing and Culture Program teaches high school students to think critically and express themselves creatively. This six-week course features classes taught by Carnegie-Mellon faculty, readings and events with local authors, and hands-on visits to Pittsburgh’s museums. Throughout the program, students produce a written portfolio that explores film, art, and culture . 

To apply, students must complete an online application that includes a high school transcript, responses to essay prompts, and up to three optional writing samples. If an applicant’s cumulative high school GPA is below a B average (3.0/4.0), submitting writing samples is strongly encouraged.

#8: Iowa Young Writers’ Studio Residential Program

• Eligibility: Must be a current 10th, 11th, or 12th grader
• Dates: Session 1: June 12-25; Session 2: July 10-23
• Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
• Cost: $2,500 for residential
• Deadlines: Applications due February 6

The Iowa Writers’ Workshop offers a two-week, residential creative writing summer program for 144 high school students from across the country. Once accepted, students will select a course of study from the following options: poetry, fiction, creative writing, playwriting, or TV writing. Students also participate in writing workshops, receive constructive feedback, and star in open mics and talent shows.

The Iowa Young Writers’ studio acceptance rate falls between 15% and 20% . A competitive application to this program will include a polished writing sample, statement of purpose, letter of recommendation, and high school transcript. Students from outside the United States are also welcome to apply. 

It turns out that Virginia is for writers.

#9: UVA Young Writers Workshop

• Eligibility: Session 1: rising 9th-12th graders; Session 2: rising 10th graders through rising first-year college students
• Dates: Session 1: June 19-July 1; Session 2: July 3-July 22  
• Location: Sweet Briar College, Sweet Briar, VA
• Cost: $2450 for Session 1; $3500 for Session 2
• Deadlines: Applications due March 1

UVA Young Writers Workshop is a summer program designed to immerse students in a creative writing genre . Students focus on one of the following for the duration of the program: short form creative writing, poetry, songwriting, screen and playwriting, creative nonfiction, or fiction. 

UVA Young Writers Workshop is one of the best summer writing programs for high school students because it offers two program sessions that are geared toward different skill levels . Session 1 is designed for a wider range of skill levels and experience, whereas Session 2 is geared toward more advanced writers. You can apply to both sessions online by submitting several writing samples, a brief autobiography, and a letter of recommendation. 

#10: Smith College Creative Writing Workshop

• Eligibility: Must be in 9th-12th grades; must be female-identified or gender-nonconforming students
• Dates: July 9-23
• Cost: $4,285
• Deadlines: Applications due May 15

Smith’s Creative Writing Workshop teaches the importance of practice and perseverance by engaging students in a multi-draft writing process in a variety of mediums . Students are taught by real published writers and get the chance to present their work at open mic and improv nights. In the evenings, there are even opportunities to meet with agents and learn how to create an author website!

Students are selected for this writing program based on academic performance, a written essay, and a teacher recommendation. Also, because Smith is a women’s college, this summer writing program is only open to young women, female-identified, or gender-nonconforming students . Students from outside of the U.S. are also encouraged to apply. 

#11: Sarah Lawrence Writer’s Week

• Eligibility: Must be in 9th-12th grade and 14 years of age or older by the program start date
• Dates: On-campus session: July 11-15; online session: August 1-5
• Location: Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY; online
• Cost: $1,125 for on-campus; $725 for online
• Deadlines: Unspecified; contact [email protected]​ for more information 

Writer’s Week at Sarah Lawrence is a week-long experience with creative writing and performance arts for high school students. Students attend workshops taught by real writers, artists, and Sarah Lawrence faculty and will get the chance to meet in small groups with workshop leaders. At the end of the week, the program hosts a celebration of student work and faculty and student readings. 

Sarah Lawrence Writer’s Week offers both an on-campus and online session (but note that the on-campus session is a day camp, not residential). Applications and registration must be completed online. 

#12: Alpha Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Workshop for Young Writers

• Eligibility: Must be aged 14-19
• Dates: July 20-31
• Location: University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg, PA
• Cost: $1,200
• Deadlines: Unspecified; applications open in January 

Alpha is a twelve-day writing workshop for 20 high school students at the University of Pittsburgh’s Greensburg campus. During this program, students are expected to write an original science fiction, fantasy, or horror short story of 2000 words or more. During the writing process, students receive plenty of hands-on guidance. 

The Alpha program is held in-person on the University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg campus . To apply, students must fill out an online form and submit an original short story of at least 2000 words. 

Quiz: Is a Summer Writing Program Right for You?

If you’re still not sure if participating in a summer writing program is right for you, don’t worry–we’re here to help! 

We’ve put together a five-question, yes-or-no response quiz to help you decide if summer writing programs support your interests and goals. Just read the questions below and respond with “yes” or “no.”

• Is your English class the most exciting part of your school day?  
• Do you spend free time reading and writing for fun? 
• Are you looking for new challenges and experiences as a writer? 
• Are you willing to share your writing with others, including peers you’ve just met and writing professionals and experts? 
• Are you highly motivated to pursue your interests outside of school and even during your summer vacation? 

If you responded with “yes” to three or more of the questions above, you might consider applying to a summer writing program for high school students! 

At the end of the day, you want your summer activities to support your interests and boost your college applications . If you’re aiming for a future career as a writer or just want to hone your writing hobby, a summer writing program may be the perfect fit for you.

3 Tips To Impress Colleges With Your Summer Writing Program

Summer writing programs for high school students look great to college admissions teams . But what are the best ways to showcase your writing experience on your applications? 

We’ll show you how to impress colleges with your summer writing program–just check out the tips below !

Tip 1: Work It Into Your College Essays

You want your college essays to tell a vivid story about your interests . Your experiences in a summer writing program provide a great springboard for illustrating your interests and passions on your college applications! 

Colleges want to accept students who are creative, courageous, and motivated to pursue their dreams. Writing about how you stretched and grew during your summer writing program will show colleges that you’re up for a challenge…and that you won’t give up, no matter how many revisions your draft needs. 

Tip 2: Connect It to Your Major

If you’re already certain you want to major in a writing-related field in college, your summer writing program will be especially helpful. Many elite schools ask students to apply directly to their chosen major. So if you’re applying to an arts or humanities major, there’s a good chance you’ll have to submit a writing sample as part of your college application . 

The good news is that most summer writing programs give you the chance to produce original writing and receive critiques from professional writers. By taking the writing you produce during your summer writing program and continuing to revise it, you’ll have a top-notch writing sample to include with your application.

Tip 3: Ask a Program Instructor for a Recommendation

Creative writing summer programs for high school students give you the opportunity to connect with writing faculty at elite colleges and real-life writers, journalists, poets, and more. These professionals provide feedback on your writing during your summer program…which means they’ll have unique insights into your potential as a college student ! 

In fact, several summer writing programs offer students the chance to receive a college recommendation from program faculty . For instance, the New York Times Summer Academy says this about recommendations from program faculty:

As a pre-college program, [NYT] Summer Academy gives students the opportunity to get a glimpse of the college experience while also exploring possible topics of study. Typically, college admissions officers look favorably on students who continue to enhance their academic portfolio during the summer months. Students will also benefit from receiving a narrative evaluation from their instructor which can be included as part of their college applications.

If you build strong rapport with an instructor at your summer writing program, consider staying in touch and asking them to write you a letter of recommendation for your college applications. Having a recommendation from someone outside of your high school will show colleges that you’re already building real-world connections with people in your future career field . 

What’s Next? 

Writing programs can prepare you for writing your college admissions essays . Our expert guide breaks down the whole admissions essay writing process , step by step.

One popular college essay format is the “why this school?” prompt. We’ll show you how to write an amazing “why this college” essay that will wow admissions counselors.  

If you’re not sure what a great college essay looks like, that’s okay. We’ve compiled a list of over 140 college essays that can inspire you as you’re writing yours! 

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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Test Prep | Tutoring | College Admissions

• ​Stephanie Savicki
• Jan 22, 2019
• 11 min read

Essay Strategies for 2019 Pre-College Summer Programs

Last week , we told you about the best 2019 pre-college programs for high schoolers. Did a few options seem like a fit for you and your goals? Awesome! Let’s talk about applying.

Once you’ve narrowed down the programs, it’s time to review the requirements and application materials. Other than grades, test scores, and recommendations, a key part of applicant assessment and review is the application essay.

While plenty of applicants have the credentials, essays are a valuable tool that will help set you apart from the pack by illustrating not only your seriousness about the opportunity, but your fit with the program. Program coordinators want to attract students who will thrive in the research and/or internship environment, and who will go on to become impressive alumni who will ultimately prove a solid investment and exemplar of the program’s success.

Through the essays you write, you’ll want to convey not just why you find the program attractive, but how you’ll benefit, learn, and grow from the opportunity. Are there faculty members you’re particularly excited to work with? Are there research areas you can’t wait to contribute to and explore? How will this program enrich your leadership capabilities?

In addition, some of the applications also ask for what we refer to as “character” essays: those that showcase one of your defining qualities. How do you demonstrate leadership in your life? What does it mean to you to be a leader? Which service experiences have meant the most to you? How have you served as an example for others? How did you navigate and overcome a significant challenge?

Finally, a few applications also feature “issue” essays: How does socioeconomic status interact with educational opportunity? Why do you feel diversity is integral to business? What modern issue needs the most scientific attention and resources?

Below are the available essay prompts along with some tips for crafting responses to each of the open applications featured in last week’s post . Note: Some applications are not repeated this week because the deadline has passed!

Texas Tech - Clark Scholars Program

DEADLINE: 2/22/2019

Essays: Two 500-word essays

Research Rationale: Describe your primary interest, being very specific; this will help with matching you to a research professor. (Optional - describe your secondary interest, being very specific.)

Narrative: Tell the Selection Committee about yourself and your reasons for applying to the Clark Scholarship Program. Please include your future goals and how becoming a Clark Scholar would contribute to achieving those goals.

“The [narrative essay] is how the program will benefit them. The other… is about their research and what they want to pursue and why. If students have done research, we hope that they will take some time to reflect on their research in these prompts.” – Dr. Michael San Francisco, a professor and dean of the Honors College at Texas Tech University

As we mentioned, articulating your fit with the program, including the research you’re most interested in and keen to participate in, as well as how the program fits with your professional goals will be paramount to your success as an applicant.

NASA & University of Texas at Austin - Summer Intern Program

DEADLINE: 3/1/2019

ESSAYS: One 250-word (maximum) essay

Prompt: Describe yourself and discuss each of the following as part of your essay. You are not limited to these areas.

Important academic or life experiences in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)

Extracurricular activities that have influenced you in a positive way (include skills you deem valuable for an academic team research setting)

Your current academic path and career plans

How your experience in this program will impact your plans for the future

Share your prior experience in STEM opportunities.

How did you hear about the SEES Internship Program?

The subjects that most interest me are:

Which of the following does your school offer?

Science AP classes

Computer Science coding (and which language[s])

Dual credit

My participation in SEES depends on my receiving a travel scholarship

This is not a lot of space for very much information, so the best choice is to figure out how these topics interrelate for you and break it down into 2-3 meaningful paragraphs.

For example, your topics could flow as follows: How did you get into and realize your love for STEM? What activities did you engage in? What opportunities were available to you (and which did you take advantage of)? How has this set you on your current academic path and passions? What are your future plans and how are you currently working towards them? How did you hear about the program and how will it help your goals?

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) - SAMS Program

DEADLINE: Rolling basis started 1/3/2019

ESSAYS: Five 300-word (minimum) essays

Identify and reflect on an issue affecting your community. In what way(s) might a STEM-related discipline improve the issue you've identified?

How has culture and family background influenced the way you see the world?

Tell us about a significant challenge you've encountered and how you've overcome it. What values and skills did you learn in the process?

Please discuss how and why you became interested in STEM. In what way(s) is your interest in STEM supported in your high school?

How would attending the Summer Academy for Math and Science at Carnegie Mellon University support your academic and career goals? How would you contribute to the success of the program?

In addition to the latter prompts which reflect on program fit (see aforementioned tips), this application also includes character and issue essays. This is your chance to articulate how you applied your passion and what will be the impact of your future work, as well as help the admissions committee understand you more fully as a person. Think about the characteristics you want to portray (Hint: check out the program or university’s mission statement and goals) and showcase them through your essays.

For example, for the first prompt, you’ll want to illustrate your empathy and your ingenuity. What problems have you noticed in your community and how could work in your field alleviate them? For the second and third, think carefully about the qualities you want to highlight and how to best create a narrative to communicate them. What value did your parents exemplify for you that has shaped how you see the world and, more specifically, how to solve problems? How did you use a CMU-valued trait, such as creativity, to conquer an obstacle? Decide on your message, then tell your story. Each response should have a thesis (which I try to help my students conceptualize as a one-sentence direct answer to the prompt) that the essay states and supports.

Stony Brook University - Simons Summer Research Program

DEADLINE: 1/23/2019

ESSAYS: Requires five 90-word (maximum) short responses and two 250-word (maximum) essays.

Short response prompts:

Why do you want to participate in the Simons Summer Research Program? Be specific about your aspirations and goals for the upcoming summer. Tell us what previous Simons faculty mentors/research groups are of most interest to you.

What are your long-term academic and career aspirations/goals?

How do you spend your time outside of class? Please briefly describe your 3 most significant interests/activities, including any employment or volunteer experience.

What problem or project have you tackled recently? Give a specific example that best conveys your problem-solving skills or talents. You may describe problem-solving experiences outside research/ science.

Briefly summarize any previous research experience (if applicable). Please include research-oriented courses you may have taken. Tell us about any computer/mechanical skills you have that may be helpful in a laboratory setting. Be specific about the nature of your research experience(s) and your responsibilities. If you have already begun working with a Stony Brook faculty mentor and made arrangements to continue a research project for next summer, please describe what have you accomplished to date/what you hope to accomplish in summer 2019.

Essay prompts:

What scientific discovery or technological advance in the past year or two did you find especially interesting and/or significant? How did you find out about it and why do you think it is significant?

Within the broad discipline in which you propose to do research (biology, chemistry, physics, etc.), what question(s) or problem(s) regarding the physical and/or natural world are you most interested in, or would you most like to see answered?

Luckily, the shorter essay prompts make clear what SBU wants from you and are relatively straight forward. The two longer parts are both character essays: they want you to show specific qualities in yourself, namely intellectual curiosity. This is where you can showcase your passion as well as your background knowledge and analytical thinking.

MIT - MITES Program

DEADLINE: 2/1/2019

Essays: Five required and one optional 300-word (maximum) essays

What are some career goals you have for yourself at the moment? How might the OEOP summer programs help you attain these goals?

What are you passionate about? How have you spent time developing this passion?

There are many parts that make us individuals. How has a specific part of your identity (race, culture, first generation college student, gender, etc) impacted your academic development or shaped your academic aspirations?

Please describe a significant challenge you have faced and how you overcame it. (This challenge can be personal, academic, or social).

If you could develop, invent, or innovate anything to change the world for the better or improve the lives of others, what would it be, and why?

(OPTIONAL) Is there any other information you would like to share with us that is not presented elsewhere in your application?

Funnily, the MIT summer program application is much more essay heavy than the MIT college application! However, this app will be great practice for other university apps. All of these prompts are similar to previously discussed topics, so scroll up!

After you’ve drafted and polished responses to the five required essays, think about which qualities and information each is conveying. Is there anything else key about you that the admissions committee should know? That’s what the sixth essay is for! Think about things like leadership, service, relevant experience, creativity, empathy, tenacity, flexibility, and independence in learning. Again, review the program’s mission statement and review all of the program details to get a solid feel for what they’re looking for in an applicant.

University of Pennsylvania - Wharton’s Leadership in Business World

ESSAYS: One required 450-word (maximum) essay and one optional 300- to 400-word essay

Required: Describe the most important relationship in your life. What is your contribution to this relationship?

Optional: Why do you want to attend LBW?

For the first prompt, you want to go into it with a value in mind. What characteristic, trait, or moral are you valuing by highlighting this person and your relationship? How are you showing how you contribute meaningfully to the relationship? Once you’ve answered these questions, see how you can show (not tell!) these answers through your description and story.

For the second—which you should absolutely do!—follow the previous instructions for similar essays about fit with a given program.

Yale University - Young Global Scholars

DEADLINE: 2/6/2019

ESSAYS: One 500-word and two 200-word essays

Write about an example of social inequality. What do you see as a primary cause of this inequality? (500 words)

What is a topic that you find fascinating and are interested in exploring? (200 words)

We want to learn more about your background, beliefs, values, and/or the important people in your life. Please tell us about something that has influenced you and articulate how it has shaped you. (200 words)

Instead of “fit” essays, we have character/issue essays. However, you can work fit into the second essay easily. Your topic should be relevant to something you can explore or pursue at YGS.

The first essay should be more issue focused, highlighting your incisive ability to analyze and think critically as well as empathetically. This is the largest and most important essay. Consult with YGS website to familiarize yourself with the program’s values and mission statement.

The final essay is a character essay, meant to showcase a quality of yours that will show your depth and meaningful growth as a student and person. However, it is the briefest essay, so you’ll want to be direct. Hone in on a thesis and one to two supporting examples.

Boston University - RISE Program

DEADLINE: 2/14/2019

ESSAYS: Three essays ranging from 200 to 300 words

Why you selected your field of interest and what you would like to research (300 words)

Your background (250 words)

Why you want to attend the RISE program (200 words)

These three essays are similar to those we’ve previously discussed. The first and third are all about establishing fit: you with the program AND the program with you. The second, while lacking guidance, is meant for you to articulate how you’ve overcome challenges and taken advantage of opportunities. What support have you had? Have your passions been encouraged? Again, think about what message you want to send to the admissions committee here.

Stanford University - Stanford Institutes of Summer Medical Research Program

DEADLINE: 2/23/2019

ESSAYS: Two 3500-character (maximum; ~500 words) essays

What are your reasons for applying to SIMR? Please summarize the reasons that you are applying for the SIMR Program, how your participation in the program fits into your future educational and career objectives, and why you feel you are a good candidate for the program. You may also discuss your institute/area of research preferences and personal goals.

Please respond to one of the following prompts (a OR b)

At Stanford, we are committed to increasing the diversity (broadly defined) of students in the sciences and engineering. Please describe how your interests and background (in terms of culture, class, race, gender, ethnicity, work, hardships that you’ve faced or life experiences) would contribute to that diversity.

Please describe a high school extracurricular activity or internship/work experience that has had a significant impact on you. We are particularly interested in hearing about how this experience shaped your character and what lessons you brought away from it.

The first prompt is a classic “fit” essay. Follow their guidance and be sure to expand on your answers with supporting details. This essay is meant to be up to 500 words, so break it down into smaller pieces if you’re struggling with length. Write 150 words about why you’re interested in the program and research opportunities, 150 about your relevant educational and career goals, and 150 about your fitness as a candidate. Of course, make sure these all tie together cohesively.

For the second essay, think about which prompt would be most advantageous for you to answer. Have you overcome hardships or lack of opportunities due to your background? How have you sought out and fought for your education? What does participating in this program mean to you? How will you contribute to representation in your field and how would that inspire others in the future? If you don’t feel like that prompt is right for you, or you feel like you have a relevant and meaningful experience to share, answer the second option. How did this opportunity change you and your goals? How did it stimulate your intellectual curiosity? Did it cement anything for you or set you on your current trajectory? Does this program tie in with continuing that momentum?

National Institute of Health (US. Dept. Health and Human Services) - Biomedical Research HS Summer Program

ESSAY: A cover letter describing the applicant's research interests and career goals

Helpful advice from the NIH website:

Your cover letter is your opportunity to “speak” persuasively to those who read your application.

Scientists are busy people. Keep your cover letter brief, focused, and succinct; it should be no longer than two pages. Say what is important, but nothing more.

Tailor your cover letter to the particular application you are completing. Why do you want to participate in this specific program? How do your skills and experiences make you the perfect match for the program? Show that you have done your homework.

Tell us how this program will help you prepare for a science- or health-related career. How has your unique life experience shaped your goals for the future? Write about hardships that you have had to overcome and challenges you see yourself facing in the future.

Pay particular attention to the way in which you describe your research interests. Institute and Center Selection Committees will review applications. It is likely that many of them will search the application database for individuals with whom they share an interest. If you are willing to work on several areas, it might be useful to mention them all specifically to increase your chances of a “match.”

How have you been a leader at your school and in your community? Write about how these and other experiences show your leadership potential. Help us understand your commitment to continued self-improvement and learning.

Do not present material that is included in your resume except perhaps to highlight your major accomplishments.

Be specific. Remember that examples, stories, and details are likely to stick with the reader. It is better to provide an example that illustrates your ability to work in a team than to state that you are a team player.

Following the NIH’s tips will be the most helpful here. Again, reiterating your fit with the program (both what you are bringing with your experience and background as well as how the program will enrich your understanding and further your career and educational goals) is key.

If you want even more tips and advice from B2A, you can meet with one of our Essay Specialists or College Admissions Counselors for individual guidance or feedback on your essays and applications! College Admissions Counselors are available for 1:1 meetings as well as through our STEPS and Gateway packages.

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Simons Summer Research Program 2022 Application Essay Guide

Deadline: February 18, 2022

Fee: Free excluding dining costs

All text boxes accept up to 700 characters, which is approximately 100 to 180 words.

Why do you want to participate in the Simons Summer Research Program ? 

Be specific about your aspirations and goals for the upcoming summer. Tell us which Simons faculty mentors/research groups (from the 2022 Simons Program Mentor List ) are of most interest to you.

This is a straightforward question, and hopefully, you already have an idea of what you’d like to say. As the instructions recommend, specificity is key here. Think about what you hope to take away from the experience and how it will help you get closer to achieving your dreams. Take your time reviewing the Mentor List and don’t be afraid to Google someone or something you’re not familiar with.

What are your long-term academic and career aspirations/goals?

Now that you’ve addressed why you want to participate in the Simons Summer Research Program, it’s time to explore the goals you hinted at in your previous response. Don’t try too hard to impress the person reviewing your application, but instead be honest about your vision. If you don’t have specific goals in mind, you can share what kind of impact you want to have on your community, or even the world. 

How do you spend your time outside of class?  

Please briefly describe your 3 most significant interests/activities, including any employment or volunteer experience.

When thinking about “significant” interests, consider which of your extracurricular activities you have invested the most time in and which are most meaningful to you. If you can connect one or two of these interests to your academic goals or research ambitions, by all means do so, but keep in mind that work and volunteer experiences can teach skills, like empathy and cultural context, that are difficult to learn in an academic setting, and they are just as valuable.

What problem or project have you tackled recently? 

Give a specific example that best conveys your problem-solving skills or talents. You may describe problem-solving experiences outside research/ science.

With this question, the people reviewing your application want to get a better sense of how your brain works. Walk your reader through the problem, the brainstorming process, and finding the solution. The problem or project you choose to address is not as important as your summary of the steps you took to solve it, so be sure to spend most of the characters at your disposal describing your thought process.

Briefly summarize any previous research experience (if applicable). 

Please include research-oriented courses you may have taken. Tell us about any computer/mechanical skills you have that may be helpful in a laboratory setting. Be specific about the nature of your research experience(s) and your responsibilities. 

If you have not had any research experience, you can skip this question. If you have, however, in any capacity, this is the time to share your experiences and takeaways. Since you don’t have a lot of room to work with, we encourage you to write down everything that comes to mind, then trim and cut your response until it’s within the character limit.

What scientific discovery or technological advance in the past year or two did you find especially interesting and/or significant?  How did you find out about it and why do you think it is significant?

This is another opportunity for the person reviewing your application to catch a glimpse into your brain. What interests you? Why? How do you pursue knowledge? And what do you deem important? There are no wrong answers, only the opportunity to reveal new information about yourself and your values.

Within the broad discipline in which you propose to do research (biology, chemistry, physics, etc.), what question(s) or problem(s) regarding the physical and/or natural world are you most interested in, or would you most like to see answered?

Close out the writing section of your application with some flair by addressing the big questions. What answers do you hope to find through your research? What problems would you like to solve? What elements of the world are most interesting to you? What keeps you up at night? The options are limitless, so hone in on your particular inclinations and you’ll be on the right track.

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Summer Boarding Courses

How to Write a Personal Statement for Summer School or University

Are you wondering how to write a personal statement for Summer School or University? Summer Boarding Courses HQ asked our fellow friends over at Dukes Education company,  Oxbridge Applications  for some personal statement advice!

How to write a personal statement for Summer School or University

So you want to know what things to write in a personal statement. Excellent! Oxbridge Applications have some brilliant advice on how you can get started if you want to  study in the UK  or elsewhere. They can certainly help with writing a personal statement.

We will show you how to start a personal statement about yourself, what the best personal statements include, what to avoid and how to leave that lasting impression on the tutor. As a result, you will have a really good personal statement in no time!

What is a personal statement?

You can create a personal statement to be an application to a University, college course or Summer School. It showcases your interests, passions and achievements, so that you can convince the establishment reading it to accept you onto their course.

When it comes to writing a personal statement, this is your chance to the reader a chance to meet the real you! You may be a little nervous about how to write a personal statement. Do not worry; we are going to guide you step by step.

How to start a personal statement, before you even start typing!

If you’re thinking about how to begin a personal statement, and are a little nervous about it, ask yourself this:

Why do I want to be a part of this course?

What are my strengths and passions?

Why should I be accepted?

Your personal statement application should demonstrate your interest in the course, showcase what you can bring to the University, college or Summer School, and convince the admissions tutors to offer you a place.

Express yourself with the limited words you have

You have limited space to express yourself, so every sentence in your personal statement counts. Bear in mind that you can only write one personal statement for all your choices if you are applying to University, so make sure that you are tailoring your statement as much as possible to each of the courses you are applying for.

Without this thoughtful approach, the reader might doubt your commitment to their course.

One thing’s for certain: you won’t come up with a polished personal statement overnight. It will take many drafts, a lot of editing and a few late-night flashes of inspiration. Yet, it will all be worth it when those Summer School or University offers start rolling in! To help you get started, we’ve got a few useful tips to point you in the right direction.

How do you start, once you’re ready to type?

Wondering how to write personal statements from the start? There are about a million ways to start a personal statement, and there is no one correct way to begin!

Some people start with a quote which encapsulates their interest. Others start with an anecdote that explains where their curiosity for their subject stems from.

Your opening should set the tone for the rest of the personal statement, show your enthusiasm and interest in your subject and introduce the admissions tutor to your personality. Don’t feel like you need to pretend to be someone else in your personal statement; just make sure you are your academic self!

Speak as you would to your headteacher; clearly, maturely, but retaining a sense of who you are.

What should you include in a personal statement?

What is in a personal statement? Although it’s called a personal statement, the idea is not just to give the school a short history of your life to date. You need to be expressing your academic self, your interest in the subject that you are applying for and your achievements in that area. Brainstorm your ideas below with the following pointers, so you can begin to see what to write in a personal statement:

Subject-related work experience

What have you done so far that is connected to the subject and course you are applying for? Maybe you have studied something particular in school, or have worked hard on a project in your spare time. Have you volunteered somewhere to add to your experience? Have you worked with and along someone who has experience and expertise in the subject you are applying for?

Courses or lectures you attended which have advanced your knowledge

What courses or lectures have you attended which have advanced your understanding and skills in the subject you are applying for? What did you study particularly? Is there anything that you have learned, which has improved your knowledge and understanding?

Relevant books or articles that you have read

What have you been reading that has made you even more enthusiastic and eager to learn more about the subject you are applying for? What did you learn by reading these books and articles? Are there particular authors you have enjoyed reading lately, that are making an impact on you?

Take your English to the next level!

Academic awards.

If you have won an academic award, and been recognised for your skills and achievements, make sure to mention them! Have you received any certificates or recognition? If so, what was the award?

Extra-curricular activities

You should mention your extra-curricular achievements as well, but the amount of space that you dedicate to this section should depend on the university or summer course to which you are applying. If you are applying to Oxford or Cambridge , you should keep your extra-curricular activities to a minimum, as these universities are focused primarily on your academic achievements.

How do you finish a personal statement?

Do you need help writing a personal statement closing paragraph? Almost as hard as starting is finishing your University or Summer Program personal statement!

Your final paragraph doesn’t have to be long – just enough to round off your statement and reiterate your interest and dedication to your subject.

Be careful that you don’t come across as too arrogant or self-assured here; it can be easy after almost 4000 characters of blowing your own trumpet, to get a little carried away!

What not to include in a personal statement

Your personal statement is your space to sell your own subject interest. You haven’t got much room, so make sure that you’re not repeating anything that the admissions tutors could find out somewhere else on your application form. This can include listing your qualifications or grades: these go on the form in a different section.

Be positive in your personal statement!

How do you write your personal statement positively?

This is not the place to attempt to explain a lower predicted grade due to a disagreement with a teacher or the fact that you needed to miss school for an extended period due to illness.  If there is something in this vein that you feel the admissions tutors should know, ask the teacher writing your reference, whether he or she could include this in the reference section of your application form.

It’s more appropriate for your teacher to bring this to the admissions tutor’s attention. It means that you will not be wasting space trying to explain yourself. Instead you can just dazzle the course with your interests and achievements!

Our final advice on how to write a personal statement!

It’s a challenge but it’s worth it.

Writing the best personal statement may not be the most exciting activity for you. After days, weeks and even months of drafting and summoning up the motivation to proofread your statement, it can be a challenge. Yet it is absolutely essential!

Proof read again and again

You know that feeling you get when you spot a typo in an article? No matter how insignificant, it lowers your opinion of the content of the piece and the author. Admissions tutors are likely to be sticklers for accuracy, so make sure you get your teachers, friends and parents to proof-read it a couple of times. One tip is to begin with the last sentence and work your way through your personal statement backwards; it keeps you focused on individual sentences and not the full statement.

Good luck with writing the personal statement!

By now you should be very confident with how to write a good personal statement. You now know how to start your personal statement, what to include in it and how to finish it all on a high note! Look on it as a challenge, but also a very important opportunity to talk about a fascinating subject – you!

Do you need more help on writing a personal statement?

For more assistance with writing subject-specific personal statements, and to find out how Oxbridge Applications can help with personal statements, please click  here .

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Creative Approaches to Writing the College Application Essay

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Writing a compelling college application essay is a significant challenge for many students. This course employs a variety of experiences, prompts, and writing exercises to help you write essays that are narratively compelling, audience directed, persuasive, and unique to each writer. Learn strategies for overcoming writer’s block, identifying audience needs, and solving problems that will serve you not only as you draft your essays, but also as you transition to college. By the end of the workshop, you will have written a complete draft of a college application essay.

• High school students in grades 9–12
• High school students interested in perfecting their college application essay

You'll Walk Away With

• A complete draft of a college application essay
• Strategies for overcoming writer’s block, identifying audience needs, and solving problems

Spring 2024

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As a college prep program, the NYU SPS High School Academy offers a range of professional and college geared courses. Explore topics and get a feel for majors or careers you may be considering all while preparing for the college admissions and college application process.

Projects and short assignments provide take-aways that prepare you for college classroom work, while demonstrating your newly acquired skills.

All courses are $850. Please note: No financial aid, scholarships, or discounts are available for Weekend Workshops.

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Application Deadline for Spring Courses: Rolling admission- courses are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Final Application Deadline for Spring Courses: March 15, 2024 Class Schedule: March 16, 2024- May 11, 2024 (No class 3/30, 4/20, 4/27)

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Admissions & application.

Yes, you may apply to multiple courses. Please check the schedule for each course to verify they don’t conflict with each other.

Weekend Workshop is a selective program. Students are expected to work at the same pace as college-aged students. Students offered admission typically have a B grade point average or higher.

Yes, there is a $50 non-refundable application fee at time of application. Additionally, courses vary in tuition prices. After students are admitted, they will be registered for their selected course(s) and a tuition bill will be generated. Students must clear their balance before the first day of class.

A copy of your most recent report card or official transcript is required. The preferred method of submission is email. Please send attachments as PDF to [email protected] . Be sure to include your name in the email subject line.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, which means we will review and act on complete applications as they are received. We encourage you to apply early, before the course you are interested in enrolling is filled to capacity.

If your first choice is full (or closed), we will do our best to enroll you in a similar course or help you find another course of interest. Courses are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so we encourage students to apply early.

Unfortunately, there is no financial aid available.

If you can no longer attend a High School Academy program, you must notify us in writing immediately by sending an email to [email protected] .

Course drop requests must be received in writing and emailed to [email protected] . Drop requests received before the second scheduled class, are entitled to a 100 percent tuition refund. After the second scheduled class, there is no refund.

Most courses will be offered in-person only, select courses will be delivered remotely. Course syllabus and any remote links (online courses only) will be emailed a few days before the first class.

Successful completion of any NYU Professional Studies High School Academy Course will add to your admissions profile, but participation in the High School Academy does not guarantee admission to NYU or to any other university. For more information on how to apply for an undergraduate degree at NYU, please visit the NYU Admissions website.

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Colleges Rates and Requirements

Find the right college for you., core college requirements for competitive acceptance rates.

As you start thinking about which colleges to apply to and how to put together your college applications, don’t forget to familiarize yourself with current admissions requirements and acceptance trends. You may have seen recent headlines about college acceptance rates and how low they were for students who applied to the most selective colleges and universities. It’s important to remember that while admissions requirements for the most competitive schools didn’t change, the number of students applying to these types of institutions has gradually increased. As a result, acceptance rates of colleges, particularly elite universities, decreased. You should also keep in mind that due to the covid-19 pandemic, most institutions saw a spike in applications. This has caused acceptance rates to further decrease.

The headlines shouldn’t deter you from moving ahead with the application process. Although it might feel seem like there’s more competition than ever before, it’s important to remember two things: Acceptance rates vary among colleges, and most colleges accept two-thirds of applicants. Once you understand what college entrance requirements are and how to interpret college admission rates, you'll be better prepared to find the right school for you.

Understand These Key Requirements for College Applications.

Each college uses its own formula when evaluating applicants, and these practices vary from school to school. In addition, many colleges over the last few years have begun instituting "test optional" and "test flexible" policies for the SAT and ACT. Despite these factors, colleges still look for certain key requirements. You can learn more about admissions requirements for individual colleges in College Search .

Standard Core Curriculum and Beyond

All colleges emphasize GPA requirements, but they focus particularly on performance in core subject areas such as mathematics, science, English, and history. Colleges look at your grades, curriculum, and the courses you take as indicators of your ability to be successful in college. To get a better understanding of which colleges might be the best fit for you, research the GPA requirements for colleges you’re interested in. Also look at the range of GPAs accepted at those institutions on the BigFuture College Search tool. Consider taking more advanced coursework such as AP courses if it fits with your career goals and if your school offers them.

Extracurriculars

Extracurriculars are where you can really stand out, especially from others with similar grades. Extra academic activities show off your personal strengths and interests to admissions officers. Ideally, they want to see students who were deeply involved in school activities outside of the classroom and held leadership positions. Learn more about how extracurriculars matter to you and colleges .

Application Essay

For colleges that require it, the application essay can be a very important part of your application and is your pitch to the university. This is your opportunity to show the school of your dreams the unique individual you are, something that may not necessarily be conveyed in your transcript. It indicates how your talents will contribute to their community. Find tips for writing your college essay here.

Standardized Test Scores

Though the trend in some U.S. colleges has been to put less emphasis on SAT scores, make no mistake: They still play an important role in the college admissions process. Test scores are still used by many colleges for course placement and merit aid. High test scores can also help you stand out and strengthen your college application. If you’re not sure if you should submit your scores, talk to your school counselor or the college’s admissions officer for guidance.

Letters of Recommendation

Although not required by all colleges, letters of recommendation can give admissions counselors insight into who you are beyond just your grades and activities. If letters are required by the institutions you’re applying to, the college will let you know who they want letters from. It’s usually a teacher or counselor. Pick someone who knows you well.

Keep on Top of College Application Deadlines.

Application deadlines can sneak up on high school seniors like a tiger in the night. It’s of utmost importance that you double-check your prospective school’s application deadlines and submit everything you need sooner rather than later. Most college application deadlines fall into the following categories:

Understand the College Application Platform.

There are two main types of college applications : The Common Application and the Coalition Application, which allow students to apply to multiple schools using a single application platform. You should check with the institutions you’re interested in applying to see which application platform they prefer.

How Do College Acceptance Rates Work?

A college’s acceptance rate is actually a ratio. It's the total number of applicants in relation to the number of students who were accepted. For example, Harvard received applications from 61,220 students in 2022─the highest-ever number of applicants to the school. Of those, only 1,214 received admission, leading to the school’s lowest-ever acceptance rate of 3.19%.

This illustrates the point earlier that college acceptance rates are on a decline as the number of applicants increases, saturating the pool with more competition than ever before.

Acceptance rates are based on the number of spots available at a college. This is a set number of applicants who can be admitted to that class of graduates, and it's not subject to change based on the volume of applicants. As you can imagine, more competitive schools, such as Ivy League colleges and universities, have fewer spots available and are thus affected more by the number of applicants.

This same logic applies to private and public colleges. Public colleges, which are characteristically larger institutions, will admit greater numbers of students, leading to higher acceptance rates. However, public colleges have also been impacted by a larger number of applicants. When you’re building your college list, it’s advisable to include a balance of reach, match, and safety schools to improve your chances of acceptance.

It's important to keep in mind that college admission rates don’t necessarily reflect the quality of education or the quality of students who apply, and you shouldn’t be discouraged from applying to schools based on these numbers.

What is the Difference Between Admission Yield and Enrollment Rate?

Admission yield is the percentage of students who accepted enrollment into a college after being granted admission. These vary significantly from school to school. For example, the University of California, Berkeley’s yield rate for 2022 was just 40% while the yield rate for Yale was a whopping 83%.

As students apply to greater numbers of colleges and have more options, yield rates decline.

Review the Latest College Acceptance Rate Stats.

Students faced competitive acceptance rates in 2022. Common Application public colleges and universities saw a 24% surge of applicants since 2019-20 and 17% for private institutions. Meanwhile, the acceptance rates continue to decline. For example, Emory University’s acceptance rate fell 8 percentage points between 2020 and 2022.

Students who are eyeing colleges with highly competitive acceptance rates must focus more than ever on the things that will set them apart: exceptional performance beyond the standard core curriculum, strong extracurricular participation, powerful application essays, letters of recommendation, and excellent standardized test scores. However, even with all of these differentiators, it’s important to remember that none of these can guarantee acceptance, especially at selective institutions. Be sure to build a balanced college list that gives you options.

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A first-generation college student’s guide to navigating the application process.

Senior Associate, JPMorgan Chase

If you’re the first person in your immediate family who’ll be attending college, you may be on your way to becoming a first-generation college student. While this may feel intimidating, know that you aren’t alone. According to recent data by the Center for First-Generation Student Success, about one in four college students have parents who didn’t attend any form of schooling after high school.

Being the first person in your family to attend college is an outstanding achievement. Not only will you be furthering your education, but you’ll also set yourself up for future career success . While you don’t need a college degree to land a job, some estimates show that having a bachelor’s degree may help you earn 84% more than having only a high school diploma . A college degree may also serve as a buffer during an economic downturn.

Understanding the benefits of college is one thing, but navigating applying and enrolling in college as a first-generation college student is another. How do you get started on your college application journey and ensure your transition is a successful one?

Keep reading as we break down the college application process for first-generation college students and provide resources that may help you on your journey.

What’s a first-generation college student?

First things first, what’s a first-generation college student? According to the federal government, a first-generation college student is someone whose parents did not complete a bachelor's degree or some kind of higher education. In a scenario in which you only lived with one parent your whole life who cared financially for you (and this could be for many reasons), and this parent didn’t complete a bachelor’s degree, and you end up attending college, you too count as a first-generation college student under this definition. This definition is important to understand because the federal government uses it to determine eligibility for financial aid programs like the TRIO programs, for instance.

The definition of what a first-generation college student is may vary among colleges and universities, though. For instance, the University of Pennsylvania definition includes students whose parents received a degree outside of the U.S.

Given that institutions define first-generation student differently and offer benefits and resources to first-generation students specifically, you may want to check with college and university admissions offices during the application process to see if you qualify as a first-generation student, according to their unique standards.

How to apply to college as a first-generation student

The college application process may feel daunting, especially if you don’t have parents or immediate family who’ve attended college to guide you. During the process, you’ll have to research colleges, study for standardized exams, fill out school applications, potentially apply for financial aid, and decide where to attend. Fortunately, many resources are at your disposal to make these responsibilities easier.

Checklist for first-generation college students applying to college

Here’s a list that may help you prepare for college applications.

1. Start preparing early (like in your sophomore year of high school)

• Research potential colleges and universities to understand their offerings, campus culture, and admissions requirements.
• Identify the type of college experience you want (size, location, majors, extracurriculars).

2. Understand the academic requirements you need to meet

• Understand your target schools’ grade point average (GPA) and standardized test score requirements.
• Consider meeting with your high school academic advisor and college counselor often to ensure you’re enrolled in the right classes and overall tracking toward your goal of attending college.

3. Prepare for standardized tests

• Register for the SAT or ACT exams and check if your desired schools require or recommend taking them.
• Prepare for these exams using online resources, books, or classes.

4. Research and apply for financial aid and scholarships

• Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) to determine if you're eligible for federal financial aid along with other types of financial aid.
• Consider researching and applying for scholarships. Consider looking for those that specifically support first-generation students (see below for tips for this).

5. If you’re able to, plan college visits

• Schedule campus visits if it’s feasible for you to get a feel for the environment and ask questions.
• Attend college fairs in your area and meet with college admissions representatives.

6. Tee up your letters of recommendation

• Identify teachers, counselors, or mentors who can write strong, personal recommendations.
• Request these letters well in advance of deadlines.

7. Prepare your personal statement and essays

• Start brainstorming and drafting your college essays early (see below for tips for this).
• Have teachers, counselors, and others review your essays for feedback.

8. Complete your college applications

• Familiarize yourself with the Common App (which you can use to apply to over 1,000 U.S. colleges) and individual college applications.
• Complete all sections of applications carefully and accurately.

9. Keep track of deadlines to make sure you meet them

• There are many deadlines to keep track of during the college process, including college application deadlines, financial aid deadlines, and scholarships deadlines.
• Consider Early Decision or Early Action applications in which you’d apply to colleges earlier in the process.

10. Utilize all the resources that you can

• Connect with organizations and programs that support first-generation college students.
• Look for mentorship programs at potential colleges and within your community to help with the college process.

11. Undergo interview preparation

• If interviews are required, prepare by practicing with teachers, counselors, or mentors.
• Research common interview questions and think about your responses.

12. Do a final review and submit your applications

• Review all materials for completeness and accuracy.
• Submit applications and confirm receipt with each college.

13. Start preparing to enroll in college

• Prepare for potential waitlist or deferral outcomes that may come from your college applications.
• Accept an offer and complete any necessary steps for enrollment.

First-generation college student essay tips

As covered briefly above, you’ll likely need to write one or several personal essays during the college application process. As a first-generation college student, your college essay is a unique opportunity to showcase your perspectives, experiences, and the obstacles you’ve overcome on your road to college.

You may want to begin by reflecting on your journey — what being the first in your family to attend college means to you, the challenges you’ve faced, and how these experiences have shaped your ambitions and character. By crafting a compelling essay, you may help admissions officers understand your background and the resilience you bring to your educational pursuits.

As you write your essay, you may want to focus on specifics rather than generalities to bring your story to life. Instead of simply stating that you’ve faced challenges, describe a moment that illustrates how you’ve been challenged and how you responded. Remember, the goal is to let college admissions committees see the world through your eyes and appreciate the context of your achievements.

After you have a draft of your essay or essays ready, don’t hesitate to seek feedback from teachers, mentors, and counselors who understand the college application process. They may be able to provide valuable insights into how college admissions officers might perceive your essays. 

First-generation college student scholarship tips

As briefly covered above, alongside the college application process, if you’re looking for financial aid to support your college journey, you may consider looking into scholarships specifically for first-generation college students. Some organizations and nonprofits are specifically seeking to help students like you.

Here are a few scholarships you may consider as a first-generation college student:

• The Thurgood Marshall College Fund and The Sallie Mae Fund Completing The Dream Gap Scholarship
• Esperanza Scholarship Foundation Dollars for Scholars Scholarship
• The National Society of High School Scholars First Generation Scholarship
• EducationDynamics Minority First Generation Scholarship Contest

Programs that support first-generation college students

If the steps involved in applying for college seem overwhelming, the good news is that many programs aim to support first-generation college students on their educational journey. Here are a few.  

College Track Scholar Program

College Track is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students with limited resources achieve their dream of attending college. The organization works with students from the time they’re in ninth grade through college to help them on their journey to receiving a bachelor’s degree.

At the high school level, they help students through academic learning labs, college counseling, and even individualized coaching. When students reach college, the organization helps with career readiness, community building, and financial wellness activities. Finally, they provide early career support in the first two years after a student’s college graduation.

Let’s Get Ready

Let’s Get Ready prioritizes admittance for students who meet specific criteria, such as first-generation college students or students from historically underrepresented communities. It provides students with free college application support with help from peer-led coaches and virtual SAT exam prep courses, and other tools. For those who’d like to seek help from someone who’s been in their shoes, Let’s Get Ready pairs program participants with current college students who act as mentors.

America Needs You

For first-generation students already enrolled in college, America Needs You is a nonprofit organization with a Fellows Program that supports low-income, first-generation college students with resources to help them successfully graduate college, succeed in their careers, and remain competitive in today’s workforce. The Fellows Program helps with internship placements, provides up to $1,000 in grant funding annually, and offers one-on-one mentorship to all enrollees.

Navigating the summer before college starts as a first-generation college student

After you commit to college, you may want to see if any summer orientation programs or bridge programs at your chosen college specifically for first-generation students are available to you before you start school.

Some colleges offer orientation programs that bring together faculty, students, and in some cases, family members to help ensure first-generation students have an easy transition into college life.

If the college you’re enrolling in offers one of these programs, consider taking part. They typically last from between two to four weeks during the summer months. During these programs, you can also ask questions related to everything from picking out classes to navigating dorm life if you plan to live on-campus. You can also start to make college friends.

Final thoughts

If you’re a first-generation student embarking on your college journey, know that it may feel confusing at first, though many resources are available to help. Above all else, as you undergo this journey, you should feel proud that you’re the first in your family to start this path toward higher education. You may inspire many others in your professional and personal circles for years to come.  

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NCC Launches Summer Courses in Entrepreneurship

April 24, 2024, Garden City, NY – With more than 33 million small businesses nationwide, Nassau Community College recognizes the critical need to nurture entrepreneurial talent in the Long Island region.

A campus of the State University of New York, Nassau Community College in Garden City is launching a wide selection of credit-bearing courses this summer, commencing May 28, designed to equip students with the essential skills for success as small business owners.

Each three-credit course can be applied to a Certificate in Entrepreneurship or the Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Entrepreneurship . Tuition for in-county students is $242 per credit.

The summer session provides foundational and specialized courses, both online and in-person, directly applicable to launching and managing a start-up business.

The courses include:

• Introduction to Marketing
• Principles of Sales
• Business Law I
• Entrepreneurship
• Personal Finance
• Marketing Research
• Accounting I
• Principles of Advertising
• Small Business Marketing
• Consumer Motivation/Buyer Behavior
• Introduction to Customer Service

To learn more about Summer courses, visit the college’s website at ncc.edu/summer, or contact the Admissions Office at (516) 572-7345 or [email protected] or the Registrar’s Office at (516) 572-7355 or [email protected] for more information.

Media Contact:  Gail Mattimore |  [email protected]  |  (516) 572-9634

ncc.edu/newsreleases Ref:2303.4/11/24/50

About Nassau Community College

Nassau Community College, a campus of the State University of New York, provides a comprehensive public college experience designed to transform lives through higher education. Serving 17,000 full-time, part-time and continuing education students, NCC offers more than 80 programs that lead to an associate’s degree or certificate. Through on-campus and online offerings, the College educates local and international students, and boasts 168,000 alumni. Situated on 225 acres in Garden City, Long Island, the college grounds reside in historic Nassau County, one of the most desirable locations to live in the United States and an epicenter for business and careers. Since 1959, NCC has earned a nationwide reputation for academic excellence, affordability, and ease of transferability to four-year schools. 

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Celebrating 150 years of Harvard Summer School. Learn about our history.

Spend Your Summer at Harvard.

Explore courses and programs at Harvard Summer School.

Join our vibrant, diverse community of motivated students and distinguished faculty as you satisfy your intellectual curiosity, make new friends from around the world, and explore the many facets of Harvard University.

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Harvard Summer School is an academically rigorous experience for learners of all ages. Live on campus or study online. Join an international program or take one of our 300+ courses for college credit. Choose the summer experience that’s right for you.

Taught by Harvard faculty and visiting experts, our programs offer a challenging, rewarding academic experience.

Study, socialize, and engage with a global community of students and peers.

With so many options to choose from, you can create the summer experience that works for you.

The oldest academic summer program in the U.S., Harvard Summer School offers a unique opportunity for intellectual exploration and cultural enrichment through the remarkable resources of Harvard University.

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Attention, Junior Fashionistas! Vogue Summer School Is Launching in NYC This June

If you’ve ever wondered how people in the fashion, media, and publishing industries got their start, you’re in luck. This June, the London-based Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design is bringing its flagship Vogue Summer School program to New York City—home of the Vogue offices, much of the fashion industry, and, of course, the legacy of Carrie Bradshaw. Intrigued? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Vogue Summer School.

Who can apply to be part of Vogue Summer School?

Vogue Summer School is a pre-college program designed to educate and professionally prepare young adult fashion enthusiasts between the ages of 15 and 18. Those admitted can choose to attend either as day students or residential students, staying in a supervised, dorm-like facility across the street from their classrooms at the General Electric Building in Midtown East.

What does Vogue Summer School consist of?

Vogue Summer School students will have the chance to study myriad facets of the fashion and publishing industries through three core courses: Fashion Business, Fashion Styling, and Fashion Media. During their time in New York City, not only will they hone their skills in things like fashion business strategy, fashion marketing, on-set shoot etiquette, and fashion editing, but they’ll be able to visit world-renowned museums, galleries, studios, boutiques, and ateliers across the city. (In other words, if you’ve ever dreamed of whiling away the day at the The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Vogue office itself, this is the program for you.)

What kind of mentorship will Vogue Summer School students receive?

Vogue and Condé Nast journalists and other industry experts will participate in helping students gain an understanding of the many ways in which fashion and media intersect.

What are the dates for Vogue Summer School?

Vogue Summer School’s courses begin on June 9, 2024, and run through July 5.

How should I (or the cool young person in my life) apply?

You can learn more about the Vogue Summer School program and apply here.

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College of Business to host summer program for high school students

The Ohio University College of Business will host an experiential learning program for high school students this summer.

The J'COB College Experience Summer Program will be held on July 13-20 on OHIO’s Athens Campus. This immersive program allows rising high school seniors to learn more about becoming business leaders while also addressing real-world problems aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Students in the program should have an interest in business, leadership or global issues, while maintaining at 3.0 or higher grade point average. 

Program highlights

• Explore business degrees and Careers : Discover diverse opportunities within the business field.
• Experience college life: Live on campus and gain insights into academic and social aspects of university life.
• Tackle global challenges: Learn about the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and develop innovative business solutions to address them.
• Leadership and skill-building: Develop crucial skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication while creating a positive impact.

For more information or to apply to the program, please visit this website.

BC's Messina College partners with Liberty Mutual Insurance

Messina College

Messina College, Boston College’s new associate’s degree program which will welcome 100 first-generation students to campus this summer, has partnered with Boston-based Liberty Mutual Insurance to provide internships as part of the new residential college’s approach to career readiness.

The Liberty Mutual partnership will provide Messina students with the opportunity to work 10-12 hours a week gaining skills that relate to their majors of Applied Data Science, Applied Psychology & Human Development, General Business, and Health Sciences, said Messina College Dean Erick Berrelleza, S.J.

Erick Berrelleza, S.J.

“Internships will help our students discern where they can make their impact in the world and what their vocation might be in the broadest sense of the word,” said Fr. Berrelleza. “Liberty Mutual is a leading Boston-based company and we are very excited that they will be providing these experiences to our talented students who are overwhelmingly from Massachusetts. We are equally excited that our students will bring their diverse experiences to Liberty Mutual.”

Internships, or clinical rotations for students studying Health Sciences, will take place during the fall semester of students’ second year. Students will simultaneously take a 3-credit seminar course to help them connect their internship experience to their academic and professional goals and reflect on and articulate the professional skills they are gaining.

Berrelleza said some of the company internships will focus on business analytics – for applied data science students – while others could be in other functional areas of the company.

A presence in Boston since its founding in 1912, Liberty Mutual’s internship program provides students the opportunity to learn from accomplished business leaders, gain real-world, professional experience and work on business-critical assignments. Through comprehensive benefits, continuous learning opportunities, competitive compensation, and a supportive workplace culture, interns join a company where people from all backgrounds can build long and meaningful careers. With nearly every class, Liberty Mutual offers full-time roles to 90 percent of undergrad students and for those in two-year degree programs looking to continue their education, the company offers additional internships and tuition reimbursement opportunities.

Maura Quinn

“As a Boston-based organization, we are lucky to have some of the strongest educational institutions like Boston College in our backyard,” said Liberty Mutual’s VP of Early Career, DEI & Talent Acquisition Programs, Maura Quinn. “Through this program, we gain access to incredible talent and in return, we’re able to offer students on-the-job experiences to begin building long and meaningful careers.”

Career discernment and preparation are built into the Messina curriculum, Fr. Berrelleza said. In addition to the accompanying course, students will work closely with a Boston College Career Center coach throughout the internship process, including preparing them for the internship experience, navigating any challenges, and serving as a resource for on-site internship supervisors.

Messina College is part of Boston College’s $100 million Pine Manor Institute for Student Success initiative to enhance educational opportunity for underrepresented, first-generation students, and marks the first time BC will offer an associate’s degree.

In today’s economy, Fr. Berrelleza said work experience is crucial.

“In some of our fields of study, internships are the ways that many students secure their first jobs,” said Fr. Berrelleza. “We want to prepare Messina students for the next step in their lives and while our focus is on higher education, we want to ensure every student has that experience with employers and workforce readiness that their peers will have coming out of traditional four-year degree programs.”

“ Internships will help our students discern where they can make their impact in the world and what their vocation might be in the broadest sense of the word. ”

The residential college will welcome students this July, ultimately enrolling 200 students at its campus located on the former Pine Manor College, now known as the Brookline Campus of Boston College.

The Pine Manor Institute for Student Success was established in 2020 when Boston College and Pine Manor College signed an integration agreement that included a $50 million commitment from Boston College that has grown to $100 million through investment returns and an anonymous pledge of $25 million.

To learn more, visit the Messina College website .