The New York Times has a recent article about summer pre-college programs where students travel around the country, or around the world, taking classes or exploring the world. I think some of these programs are fine and if a student has an interest in a particular program and the family can afford the program then it is not a bad way to spend some time in the summer. However, many students feel that they need to participate in this type of program to be viable candidates for selective colleges which is not true.
At one point colleges might have been impressed by the student who spends the summer in Italy taking an art course but those days are gone for most colleges. The highly selective colleges recognize these programs are often simply a venue to “enhance” a students resume and they are rarely impressed that a student attended such a program. Moreover, they can sometimes work a disadvantage in the application process because many of these students come off as just like every other applicant who has lots of advantages in life. The unusual student, and the one that often catches the eye of the admissions committee, is the student from a well to do family who spends the summer working at a job because it is unusual for such a student to have a summer job.
Summer programs are fine and if they enhance the students background in their field of interest they can be helpful for admissions purposes. For instance, if the student’s focus throughout high school has been on art and its many aspects, spending time in Italy studying art may be helpful. But don’t be misled into thinking that you need such a program to be a successful applicant at a highly selective college.
Summer pre-college programs not necessary to selective colleges
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Hi Todd,
Great post.
Summer pre-college programs have the added advantage of helping new college students build their resumes.
Many college students seek employment on campus in their freshman year. It is very impressive to see students who demonstrated that extra commitment.
Feel free to comment on my high school or college career blogs at http://bullseyeresumes.blogspot.com.
Marcie
In my experience as an independent admissions advisor who works exclusively with art and design students, pre-college summer programs offer many benefits for serious students, particularly those planning to apply to highly selective art colleges. Skill building, the opportunity to study with art & design with a college instructor, the development of new portfolio pieces are just a few of the many benefits that enrich students’ art/design backgrounds. I highly recommend pre-college art programs to high school students.
Patricia,
I agree with your assessment that pre-college programs can be helpful for some students. I am more concerned with students that take “feel good” type summer programs which have the primary focus of looking good on resumes. If the program is focused on a particular topic, such as art, then there can be benefits.
However, even for those students in which such a program can be helpful, a student who can not afford such a program can still be competitive for a selective college.
Yes, of course. Much depends on the talent, preparation and drive of a particular studentnot to mention the quality of their portfolio. Students can certainly develop stellar portfolios without having attended a pre-college program, but it is always more challenging to do it without the instruction, inspiration and guidance that talented teachers provide.
There are many alternatives for the well-motivated but financially strapped art and design student. Some pre-college programs are just two weeks long, making them more affordable. Students can also check out community colleges in their area. Even as high school students they may be able to take an art classand also earn college credit, a nice plus.
If a student cannot find the funds for any type of summer program, I recommend that they draw as much as they possibly can from observation. They more they practice, the better they will get. Drawing is typically a significant component of an admissions portfolio.
Anyway, your point is well taken. “Feel good” summer programs are silly, particularly when there is so much work of real substance that can be done. Thanks.