Linda Porter, Educational Resource Specialist
Dec 29, 2024
Are you a middle or high school student looking to take your learning to the next level? A summer college program might be the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, explore new interests, and get a taste of college life! Here are just a few of the exciting benefits of attending one.
Academic Growth
Summer college programs offer advanced courses that challenge you beyond the typical classroom experience. Whether you're interested in science, technology, writing, or the arts, these programs allow you to dive deep into subjects you're passionate about. It’s a chance to accelerate your learning and explore new academic fields that might not be available at your school.
College Experience
Attending a summer program gives you a sneak peek into what college is like - living in dorms, managing your time independently, and interacting with professors and fellow students. This experience can help you feel more prepared and confident when it’s time to apply to college.
Personal Growth
Summer college programs aren’t just about academics. You’ll develop important life skills such as critical thinking, time management, and teamwork. The independence you gain will help you feel more confident in your abilities, both inside and outside the classroom.
College Applications & Course Credit
Attending a summer college program can also strengthen your college applications. It demonstrates that you're motivated, curious, and ready for advanced learning. Many programs even offer college credit, which can appear on your transcript, giving you a head start on your college education. This experience provides unique stories for your application essays and interviews, and the credit you earn could be applied toward your degree in the future.
So, why wait? We’ve compiled a few helpful resources to get you started!
Offers an extensive list of summer programs hosted by top universities around the country and even internationally. The site allows you to search by subject area, location, or type of program (academic, arts, STEM, etc.), making it easy to find programs that align with your interests.
National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
A great resource for summer programs specifically designed for gifted students
Provides a curated list of summer programs, internships, and enrichment opportunities for high school students, with filters to narrow down choices based on interests and location
College and University Websites:
Many colleges feature information about their summer programs directly on their admissions or academic departments' web pages.