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Ahhh, summer. It's a special time, when different rules apply than the rest of the year. You have a say in what you want to do and the options are plentiful. You can get a job, intern, travel, study, or do nothing at all. It's your choice, although we don't recommend the latter option. We encourage you to think of summer as the time to discover and explore your own interests.
Selecting a Program
As you start to explore different summer programs, remember that you are choosing how you will spend your summer. The more time you spend upfront on research, the happier you're likely to be in the long run.
Practical Constraints
Programs can vary widely in cost. Keep in mind that the quoted price is rarely all–inclusive. If cost is an issue, ask if any scholarships are available to students with financial need. Admissions requirements can also vary substantially amongst programs; some programs are quite competitive while others accept students on a first come–first served basis. And, don't forget to consider how a program fits into the rest of your summer; keep in mind other commitments such as family trips and college visits.
Personal Needs
Make sure any program you're considering has a mission that matches your own. Ask the program staff and alumni what makes the program special. Also, check out each program's main activities. If you want an experiential program, find out how much time is spent outside of the classroom.
Featured Summer Programs
Summer Discovery
Summer Discovery offers 3 to 6-week pre-college enrichment programs for high school students at 10 college campuses in the US and abroad. Summer Discovery, in partnership with The Princeton Review, also offers the College Discovery Experience; a 2–week college preparation program which combines SAT prep, admission guidance and numerous college visits at Northeastern University, American University, and UCLA.
Academic Study Associates: Pre–College & Language / Cultural Immersion
Now in its 26th year, ASA enjoys a reputation as the premier organization offering academic summer programs for high school students. If you want to take challenging classes, improve your SAT scores, explore exciting locations and cultures, and meet new friends, ASA has a variety of academically challenging and socially engaging programs for you! All ASA programs combine expert instruction with great fun. Structured activities, excursions, and visits are balanced with the freedom to foster independence and personal growth. ASA alumni leave the program not only with new friends and extraordinary memories, but also better prepared for college.
New Worlds Emerge
Whether you want to learn a language through immersion, study culture and history at the 'source', or couple your travel with a service-project or career exploration, the experience will serve you well as you enter college and pursue your career.
New Worlds Emerge offers programs in Europe, Asia, Central America, Scandinavia and several cities in the United States to help highly-motivated students meet their goals. Programs span Adventure & Service Learning, Spanish Language Immersion, Study Abroad, Expedition Programs, and even Career Exploration programs.
Projects Abroad
For those of you who value giving your time through service to others, summer is a great time to dive into a service project that will make a difference in a local community. Coupling your volunteer efforts with travel opens you up to a world of new experiences, cultural exploration, and even language immersion. Since 1992, Projects Abroad has facilitated projects for over 50,000 volunteers worldwide and is now one of the largest volunteer abroad organizations in the world. The success of this program relies on a network of full time local staff at each community site to ensure that volunteers work on worthwhile local programs, receive ample support, and stay safe. Choose from volunteer programs in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the South Pacific, and more.
ACA – American Collegiate Adventures
Choose the Ultimate Pre-College Summer Enrichment & Study Abroad Programs! Picture weekdays of enrichment recreation and athletic options and weekends of travel, action and adventure - all spent in safe surroundings with an amazing group of new friends. ACA offers 2, 3, 4 & 5 week Study Abroad programs in Spain, Italy, France and England, as well as 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 week enrichment programs at top U.S. college campus locations: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA and Tufts University in Medford, MA. ACA offers outstanding enrichment courses, college credit options, community service, cultural and language immersion, internships, SAT & ACT prep and much more at our 9 locations worldwide along with the finest in deluxe accommodations complete with private bathrooms and air-conditioning. Here at ACA you can pursue a new talent, become more acquainted and skilled at your passion, and even perfect your sports skills. ACA offers one of the lowest student-to-staff ratios and is one of the only pre-college programs accredited by the American Camp Association.
American Leadership
Team up with students from all over the USA to travel and work abroad! American Leadership programs are fun, challenging summer experiences abroad that provide an intellectual workout, teach important life skills, develop maturity and prepare students for college. With American Leadership you're not just a tourist! Students explore in small groups, make decisions, figure out challenges, and create and deliver fun and informative presentations. Meet the locals and learn their traditions. Experience a true cultural immersion. Compete in lively debates, discuss important issues with experts and participate in a variety of exciting activities all while having the experience of a lifetime and preparing for college.
The American University of Paris: Summer 2008 in Paris
AUP now offers one seven–week summer term from early June to mid–July, when visiting students from around the world can earn transferable academic credit in a full range of liberal arts disciplines, including: Art, Business, Communications, Economics, English, Film Studies, French Studies, Music Appreciation, Philosophy, Psychology, Science, and more. Along with these courses are two 3–week French Immersion Sessions in French language and culture and open to adult visitors.
Yeshiva University: Summer @YU
Yeshiva University offers a unique summer college experience for high school students encompassing the learning and independence of college life along with the excitement of NYC attractions. Jumpstart your college career, participate in enriching classes, and earn university credits in a Jewish environment. Network with renowned rabbis, professors, business professionals, and students. Live like a local, with the passion of a tourist.
Northwestern University College Preparation Program
Experience college life at Northwestern University this summer in the College Prep Program. High school sophomores and juniors can take undergraduate courses for college credit, or enroll in a two-week IN FOCUS seminar in a special topic area.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago Early College Program Summer Institute
Ideas matter. At SAIC, we believe meaning and making are inseparable. Our studios are laboratories, where conceptual thinking, art making, and design skills are developed and strengthened.
Students who complete the ECP Summer Institute receive college credit and have the portfolio requirement of their SAIC undergraduate application waived. They receive college-level instruction from SAIC’s outstanding faculty, and have access to SAIC’s extensive resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago museum.
High school students who have completed their sophomore, junior, or senior year are eligible to enroll in the ECP Summer Institute. Housing, merit scholarships, and need-based aid are available. Two- and three-week sessions begin June 24 and July 8, 2013.
4 Star Summer Camps
4 Star Summer Camps offers high school students rewarding and fun programs in Academics, Tennis, Golf and Total Training on the historic campus of the University of Virginia. Invest in your future–take the SAT prep course offered by Princeton Review or numerous other enrichment courses, get the College Tennis Advantage in our innovative camp taught exclusively by college coaches, improve your golf skills in the Golf Camp or take advantage of the comprehensive and unique Total Training Camp to help you maximize your athletic potential. Come join us and have lots of fun, meet new friends, experience the excellent quality of our instruction and generally have a "summer that will last a lifetime."
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