HOW to NAVIGATE the COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS Without Losing Your Mind

2019 COLLEGE PREP

HOW TO NAVIGATE THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS Without Losing Your Mind

60 Programs That Prepare You for College PRESENTING THE 2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE

The college search can feel like a long, And if you don’t find the answer here, dark tunnel. visit TeenLife.com for more advice, listings, and insights. But don’t worry, TeenLife has your back. The search for just the right college is a TeenLife wants to partner with you on this journey rich with discovery — as long as great adventure. We’ll help you discover — you know how to anticipate and take and forge — the path that’s right for you advantage of the extraordinary with an open mind, a confident attitude, a possibilities available today. sense of purpose, and maybe even a little bit of joy. At TeenLife, we are the experts in enrichment and pre-college programs, Together we’ll reach the light at the end GOT QUESTIONS whether you’re looking for opportunities of that tunnel! OR SUGGESTIONS? to dance, code, experiment, or build a business. Think of this collection of College Prep programs and services as your atlas. It has advice on paying for Email me at college, choosing a major that will pay off, mschwartz@teenlife. and writing an application essay that will Marie Schwartz truly stand out. Check out what our experts CEO and Founder com. TeenLife Media say about applying early decision, deciding between the SAT and the ACT, and more.

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2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 2

Contents 2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE

4 How to Navigate the College Admissions 12 Seven Ways to Pay For College Process Without Losing Your Mind 14 SAT vs. ACT: How to Know Which 7 Five Majors That Guarantee Employment Test Is Right For You After Graduation 16 Five College Essay Topics Admissions 9 Early Decision v. Early Action Counselors Are Tired of Reading

11 Beyond the Score: Five Factors 18 Programs That Prepare You Admissions Officers Really Care About for College

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 3 HOW TO NAVIGATE THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS Without Losing Your Mind

BY BILL O’NEILL

lot has changed since today’s parents went With college applicants and their families dealing with through the college application process. more information, complication, and competition than ever before, how do you get through the process without Start with the delivery and availability of infor- pulling out your hair? mation. “Start early, work on your project consistently, and be “It used to be that you needed to be on a school’s mail- open-minded in your process,” said Stephanie Kennedy, ing list to get any kind of information at all,” said Ann an independent educational consultant and Founder of McDermott, admissions director at the College of the My College Planning Team. Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. “Now, there’s just an explosion of information everywhere. The depth and breadth of information is wonderful, but it can also be INFORMATION OVERLOAD? overwhelming.” There may be a ton of it to sort through, but getting Another shift is that today’s parents tend to be much information is a good thing. more involved. “We read everything, and we went to about eight colleges “It’s become more of a communal event,” McDermott and took tours,” said Julia Ziobro of Bellevue, Wash., a said. “There’s stress that builds up with that sharing.” documentation manager and mother of two.

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 4 Her daughter, Joanne Moseley, found a wealth of OUTSIDE ADVICE? information at her high school, which held workshops on the application process, financial aid and decision- Some families choose to hire education consultants making. to help find the college that’s a best fit academically, socially and financially. A college’s website is the best place to get information that’s factual and up to date. For the schools The cost of these services can range from a few that catch your interest, a visit is essential, so you can hundred to a few thousand dollars, said Kennedy, and really understand the “feel” of the campus. . many consultants will work with families on a sliding scale or do some pro bono work. “A consultant’s expertise can save a family significant time and stress as well as “When you tour the campus, ask questions of your thousands of dollars as they help a student find a college tour guide: what they do on the weekends, what is that values them and where they will thrive,” she said. the food like, housing, etc.” said Carrie Thompson, Associate Director of Admissions at Clarion University Some high schools have counselors who can provide of Pennsylvania. “The more questions you ask during that kind of service, but independent counselors can your college process, the better you get to know each help fill any gaps. “: Local librarians can be very good university and the more comfortable you will be with at helping to track down and navigate resources, your final choice.” McDermott said.

DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU’RE A SENIOR

Stephanie Kennedy, an educational consultant, and JUNIOR YEAR: Get serious about your search and Debbie Zugates, an admissions officer at Duquesne what you know you want in a college, including University, offered the following timeline to prepare your learning style, the environment, and the for the application process: academic rigor. Meet with college reps and attend college fairs. When you visit colleges, be sure to FRESHMAN YEAR: This is when planning begins. Work include a visit with students and faculty from with your guidance counselor to ensure you’re taking your planned major. the right courses and developing your academic portfolio. It is best to not get caught up in the rankings and prestige of the college or its name recogni- SOPHOMORE YEAR: This is a reasonable time to start tion. This is not the same as college fit, and it can with personal reflection of who you are and what you really lead you off track to the wrong choices. want in a college. Do some research online before you invest loads of time and money into college visits, SUMMER AFTER JUNIOR YEAR: Focus on your but get yourself on a few campuses. applications, particularly your essays, which will be required by most selective colleges. Most SUMMER BEFORE JUNIOR YEAR: Do some serious re- colleges are looking for reflective personal writing search on yourself and the colleges, but if you use this in the essays, so this is not a last-minute assign- time to visit colleges, you’ll find them quiet and mostly ment. Consider attending a pre-college program without students and faculty – not very true to life. to explore a major.

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 5 THE ROLE OF PARENTS STRESS REDUCTION

As tempting as it is to get heavily involved, parents Having a plan is a key part of the process, said Debbie should remember that is the student’s process, said Zugates, assistant vice president for undergraduate ad- McDermott. missions at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. “Knowing deadlines can help make the process feel more manage- “The student should be filling out the forms and, when- able,” she said. ever possible, they should schedule appointments and make travel arrangements,” she said. “Parents need to And knowing what to expect can help considerably, she learn how to sit in the backseat and give up the steering said. “Admissions and financial aid counselors can walk wheel.” you through the process so you can feel well-informed,” Zugates advised. “Talk to friends and family who have Ziobro looks back and can think of one thing she’d recently been through the process to get their insight.” change. Her daughter applied to 20 colleges. “ I wish that she’d gotten serious about her dream schools and Stay organized throughout the process, said Barry N. had narrowed her applications down to ten or fewer Liebowitz, managing partner of International College schools,” Ziobro said. “As it was, she got accepted to Counselors. “Between multiple classes, homework, extra- 12, waitlisted for four, and rejected by four and still curricular activities and other responsibilities, life can get struggled to decide on Smith – where she is very happy, stressful,” he said.” So, find a system that works for you, thank goodness!” including a calendar or planner and binders.

One way parents can help ratchet down the stress is to But stay balanced by finding some time to relax. “Wheth- limit the number of conversations about the process. er it’s doing yoga, going to a movie or listening to music, McDermott recommends picking one day a week for it’s important to unwind,” said Liebowitz. family talk about colleges. “Otherwise it can become an all-consuming conversation, and fatigue and irritation A final tip from McDermott: “I think keeping a sense of will set in,” she said. humor always helps.”

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 6 FIVE MAJORS That Guarantee Employment After Graduation

BY CARA IMPERATO

ant the perfect job offer before you’ve so employers will be eager to hire. And it’s not even crossed the stage at graduation? uncommon for health care employers to offer sign-on That’s every student’s dream — and bonuses, so you shouldn’t have to wait long for a it’s possible. These majors will prepare well-paying job offer. you for well-paying careers with steady growth or constant demand. Let’s take a look at each one – and the doors they’ll open for you. ACCOUNTING OR FINANCE

A career in accounting or finance will always be a safe NURSING bet. In fact, the National Association of Colleges and Employers, or NACE, named these two fields the top two Nursing puts you on the front lines of health care. You in-demand degrees for 2018. Every organization needs should be comfortable with the sciences since you’ll an accounting department. Plus, with the complexity take courses like anatomy, chemistry, microbiology, and of financial investing, analysts and advisers are in high nutrition. Your major will also include hands-on experi- demand. You’ll take classes like accounting, financial ence through supervised clinical internships. After you markets and investing, microeconomics, macroeconom- pass a national exam, you’ll be ready to practice in any ics, and economic theory. Your degree could also posi- setting. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing tion you for a job as an actuary, a well-paying role in the predicts nursing shortages over the next few years, insurance industry where you analyze the cost of risk.

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 7 COMPUTER SCIENCE AMERICAN STUDIES

You’ll be in hot demand by choosing computer science Surprised? This liberal arts degree focuses on or a related major. Whether you want to be a software American history, society, and culture. An American engineer, app developer, or systems administrator, com- Studies major is attractive to many employers because puter science will give you the right foundation. In fact, it requires students to do in-depth research and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs in analyze critical issues. Developing these skills prepares this field are projected to grow 13 percent in the next you for work in law, journalism, academics, govern- decade, faster than most occupations. To make yourself ment, business, and other industries. Business pub- extra marketable, take classes on cloud computing, big lisher Kiplinger even identified the field as a top major data, and information security. for career success. Pair this major with an internship in your desired field and you’ll have a strong edge in the job market. BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Above all, it’s important to consider your natural skills Business administration offers highly practical skills stu- and personality. Will you enjoy a career in this field for dents can apply in many different industries. This adapt- many years? Be sure to balance practical concerns ability makes it easier for graduates to find work after with your quality of life. college. Business administration was even the third most in-demand major among employers in 2018, according Consider taking electives in other areas of interest to NACE. You’ll learn how to analyze a business’ strengths, or add a minor to give you more flexibility. That manage operations, and improve profits. Add an account- way, you’ve got a solid major to ensure great job ing or marketing minor to boost your resume. There are prospects, but you’ve still opened the door to also majors that combine business administration with a other opportunities that interest you. Choose growing industry, like construction or health care. wisely and good luck!

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 8 EARLY DECISION EARLY ACTION

BY SUZANNE SHAFFER

ore and more students are applying application deadlines are around November 1 with early to college. Applying early is ap- decisions from the college in early to mid-December. pealing to students who get to ease the agony of waiting, but also to colleg- Early decision students have a significant advantage at es, which can take more time to evalu- many colleges. For instance, data collected from a 2018 ate individual applications and provide study by the Independent Educational Consultants each student focused attention. Association show that overall 22% of Brown University applicants were admitted. But 42% of ED applicants were If your student is ready to apply to college and is admitted, as compared to only 7% admitted on regular confident they have met or exceeded all college decision. requirements, applying early should be a consideration. • Early Decision: Applying ED is serious business. A student Early decision (ED) and early action (EA) can be should only apply ED to a college when they are abso- beneficial to your student. But before your student lutely love with it and cannot picture themselves going considers submitting an application early, they should anywhere else. Once offered admission, a student is understand the benefits and risks of applying. obligated to attend and cannot apply to any other colleges during regular admission. • Early Decision II: Early Decision II offers students the op- WHAT IS EARLY DECISION? tion to apply in early January and receive a binding offer of admission by February. The application deadline for this Applying ED means less competition for admission option is the same as for regular decision applicants, but slots. It also means your student receives a decision these students receive admission offers sooner than regu- early, before regular decision offers. However, more lar decision applicants and must commit on acceptance. students have elected to apply early decision, which means your student’s application must be stellar to The greatest disadvantage to applying ED is that if your compete with the other strong applicants. student is admitted, they are obligated to accept the offer. This means if they change their mind between the time they That said, students who have decided firmly on their apply and the time they receive an offer of admission, your dream college should consider applying early decision. student must discount any other colleges of interest. The If your student applies ED, they can be assured their offer is binding and early decision locks your student into a application is at the top of the applicant pool. ED college choice.

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 9 Another disadvantage is the inability to compare finan- Colleges do this for a number of reasons, but they cial aid offers. If your student requires financial aid, early most often want the student to show a special decision might be a poor choice. Most ED applicants commitment to their college. apply knowing they are prepared to pay for college without financial aid assistance. This does not mean the The obvious benefits to applying early action are the college won’t offer financial aid, but the aid they offer student is not obligated to attend that college and they will be your only option. Applying early decision could have the freedom to wait until May 1 to make a final mean your student might miss out on scholarships and decision. Since students can usually apply to other merit aid opportunities at other colleges. colleges when applying early action, they have the luxury of weighing their options when offers of admission If an early decision applicant is deferred, the college arrive. Applying EA also offers your student the flexibility will review the application again with the regular deci- to compare financial aid offers from other colleges sion applicants. Since the odds of being admitted from before committing. a deferral are slim, your student should regroup and start looking at other colleges. They may only have a few If your student is interested in one college but also wants weeks to apply by the January 1 regular decision appli- to keep their options open, applying early action is a wise cation deadline. choice. It has the benefits of ED without the risks of a binding commitment. The only risk your student may be taking is a time crunch. If your student applies EA to only WHAT IS EARLY ACTION? one college and is not offered admission, there are only a few weeks left to submit other applications before the Early action offers students the flexibility to receive a January regular decision deadline. decision early in the process even if they are not comfortable committing to one college. If your student’s application is already top-notch, applying EA to a desir- THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF APPLYING able college would mean they wouldn’t be competing EARLY DECISION AND EARLY ACTION with the droves of applicants who apply regular decision. Early action affords your student the luxury of In college admissions, the early bird gets the worm. If more time to decide on a college and evaluate financial your student is set on one school, then applying early aid offers if they apply to multiple schools. EA deadlines makes sense. Focusing all efforts on one college can are around November 1 with decisions arriving early to make the application process easier. In addition, early mid-December. applicants receive notification of acceptance before the winter break, allowing your student to enjoy the balance Early action programs vary widely. Some restrict par- of their senior year. ticipants from simultaneously applying early to other schools. Other programs allow students to apply early When choosing which application path is right for your to other colleges that interest them. Still other pro- student, be informed of the options available at each grams have complex rules. It’s crucial to understand the college. If they are ready and have considered all the types of early action programs available: possible outcomes, apply early. There are benefits and disadvantages to choosing the early application path; but • Early Action: Colleges that offer this option promise a if your student understands the risks and evaluates care- quick response if your student submits a completed fully the benefits, applying early decision or early action application by their early deadline. Students admit- could be the perfect choice. ted EA don’t have to promise to matriculate; they just want to hear back sooner than usual. Don’t forget that even though your student may be de- • Restricted Early Action: Sometimes known as Early clined early admission, there are always other options Action Single Choice, this option works much like available. Regular admission and rolling admission will standard EA admissions, but students are limited in give your student the opportunity to apply to college and the number of other colleges where they can submit receive other offers of admission. It’s never too late to early applications — and that number is often zero. readjust the college course.

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 10 BEYOND THE SCORE: Five Factors Admissions Officers Really Care About

BY LISA MEYERS

veryone knows that grades are key in college Future engineering majors won’t get a major boost by admissions, and at most schools, scores on taking AP U.S. History, she said; colleges care more about the SAT or ACT play an important role as well. whether they take calculus. But beyond these basics — and if you’re not an athletic star or the child of an alumnus or bigtime donor ESSAYS: When admissions officers are looking at a slew — what is it that sets some students apart? Here are of equally qualified candidates, it’s often the essay that five factors admissions officers consider: will make the difference, Rabin says. Remember that the college wants to get a sense of you and what kind of con- EXTRACURRICULARS: It would be a mistake to stuff your tribution you will make to the campus community. resume with as many extracurricular activities as you can jam into your schedule, says Bonnie Rabin, college Write about things that sincerely matter to you, not what admissions adviser and founder of College Career you think will matter to an admissions officer. Go deep: Consulting in Florida. Be prepared to reflect on your experiences or the book you love most. Tell about what you learned and how you “Only do what you’re interested in,” she said. “Look changed from that experience. for connections to your academics or intended areas of study.“ TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS: Try for a letter that will mark you as special. How? College consulting company Extracurricular activities might connect to your Ivy Coach recommends writing the letter yourself, or at interests in obvious ways; maybe you’re a future least sections of it, detailing some of the special things environmental sciences major leading a campaign to you accomplished and what stood out about you. reduce reliance on single-use plastic. But don’t be Teachers who have more than 100 students a year are afraid to look at activities that might bring unexpected unlikely to remember many specifics, so you can offer depth to your story. your version by calling it notes that you hope will be useful to them. Rabin recalls a future pre-med student who wrote his successful essay about how his work as a In many cases, teachers will pick up the ideas, or even supermarket clerk would help him be a better adopt sections verbatim, if they feel it is an accurate doctor because he had learned how to deal kindly reflection of your work. with difficult customers. COMPETITIONS: Entering competitions can set you COURSE SELECTION: It’s well known that students should apart from other applicants, Rabin says. It shows show that they’re not afraid of taking the most chal- you’re willing to bring your interests into the outside lenging courses at their schools. But be selective, Rabin world, and test your accomplishments — whether counsels, taking the more difficult classes that are -ei they’re in rocketry, writing, art, or inventing — against ther of interest to you or that will help make your case. those of others.

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 11 Seven Ways to PAY FOR COLLEGE

BY SARAH GOOD

t can be fun to daydream about college: the vendors, but colleges? Absolutely. Many colleges are willing ivy-draped campus, making new friends in the to do a little haggling on the price of an education. dorm, long intellectual discussions with like- minded classmates. Thinking about paying for To make it work, marshal your numbers and then make your it all, however, is far less fun. case. Don’t just rely on the school’s estimates of what a year will cost and what you should be able to afford. Do the math For the 2018-19 school year, the average cost for yourself so you have a crystal clear idea how much money an in-state student at a four-year public college was you need to receive in financial aid or scholarships to make $9,716, according to U.S. News & World Report. Want the school a viable option. to attend a private school? The average price tag skyrockets to more than $35,600. And the numbers Then, write a letter to the school outlining your request and keep inching up every year. the logical reasons you need more assistance. Perhaps you have unexpected expenses, or your family is in a precarious So what are educationally ambitious students — and financial position. If other colleges have offered better aid their parents — to do? Fear not: You have options be- packages, mention that too. Schools have more incentive to yond buying a lottery ticket and crossing your fingers. help out if they know they might lose you to the competition. Here are seven of our favorite strategies to get that Follow up your letter with a phone call to the financial aid final college bill down to a manageable number: office and always be persistent, but pleasant.

LET’S MAKE A DEAL! SERVE YOUR COUNTRY. Sure, you can negotiate with car dealers and flea market Some of the most generous scholarships available come

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 12 from the U.S. Armed Services. Join the Reserve Officer CONSIDER COMMUNITY COLLEGE. Training Corps — you probably know it as ROTC — and Don’t turn up your nose at your local community col- the military will pay for as much as 100% of your tuition, lege. Spending a year or two at a public two-year school plus an additional sum for living expenses. The Army, can make the difference between owing thousands and Air Force, Navy, and Marines all have ROTC options; graduating debt-free. the Coast Guard’s College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative offers a similar program. According to the American Association of Community Colleges, a year of community college costs less than The trade-off is significant. To qualify for the scholar- $3,700 on average. By spending two years at commu- ship, you have to commit to some combination of ac- nity college, then transferring to a four-year school, you tive duty and reserve military service for several years, could easily save more than $12,000. Living at home generally from four to eight. If a military career intrigues during those years can amplify your savings. you, however, these programs offer an outstanding and affordable way to pursue both your educational and To make the most of this plan, focus on core your service goals. courses during your time at community college so you can delve into your major once you reach your CHOOSE A CO-OP. dream school. Not all colleges approach education and career preparation the same way. Some schools offer co-op pro- GIVE YOURSELF SOME CREDITS. grams, in which students spend a semester or more If you arrive at school with college credits already working paid jobs in their fields instead of taking classes. earned, you will have to take fewer classes to graduate. And fewer classes often translates into lower bills. Taking this route requires some careful research to make sure you are not stuck in unpaid internships. Just How do you earn those college credits? The most com- about every college promises enticing internship oppor- mon route is taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes tunities for students. A true co-op experience, however, in high school and scoring well on the year-end test. So integrates the work experience thoroughly into the consider taking as many AP classes as your workload curriculum, only connects students with paid work, and (and sanity) allow. offers significant assistance in finding a relevant gig. Another option is a dual enrollment program, in which PURSUE PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS. high school students take classes at a local community You don’t have to be valedictorian or a star athlete to college. These classes count toward high school gradua- score a scholarship. There are scholarships out there tion requirements and earn students college credit. As a for golf caddies, vegetarians, aspiring funeral services bonus, the programs often let you explore subjects not professionals, left-handed applicants, and outstand- offered by your high school. Be careful though — make ing amateur duck-callers (no, really). Whoever you are, sure your credits will transfer to most colleges. there is probably a scholarship for you. GET A JOB. BUT NOT JUST ANY JOB. You can also look for scholarships that you can enter by Working to pay your tuition bill is a time-honored tradi- answering a question, writing an essay, or completing a tion. But score a job at the right place and you can get small task. For its Easy Scholarships, DoSomething.org even more help with your college costs. Many major asks applicants to do a small service project then enters companies offer programs that pay for some or all of them to win scholarships of $2,500 or more. Or, write their employees’ college educations. 250 words explaining how you’d survive the zombie apocalypse and enter to win a $1,500 scholarship from Work part time at Home Depot and get up to $1,500 Unigo. towards your college costs. Starbucks covers 100% of employees’ tuition when they enroll in an online degree And if you really dedicate yourself to the search, Debt. program through Arizona State University. Even more com offers a $500 scholarship for the student who companies offer tuition benefits when employees pur- applies to the most scholarships. sue a degree in a field related to the company.

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 13 SAT VS. ACT: How to Know Which Test Is Right For You

BY SARAH GOOD

t’s time to start thinking about the big college admis- total of 154 questions, giving you about 1 minute 10 seconds sions test. So which one will it be: the SAT or the ACT? per question, while the ACT has 215 questions, for a rate of Let us help you figure it out. about 49 seconds per question – and that 20 second gap can make a significant difference in the time stress you feel, What are the differences in the format? especially if you are prone to test anxiety. Both the ACT and SAT include four multiple-choice sections presented in the same order every time. The How do the scores work? SAT includes reading, writing and language, math with The SAT combines the reading section with the writing and a calculator, and math without a calculator. The ACT language section to create one verbal score (technically includes English, math, reading, and science. Both called the “evidence-based reading and writing” score) and include an optional essay. adds up the math sections to get an overall math score. Each score runs from 200 to 800, for a total between 400 With essay, the SAT lasts 3 hours and 50 minutes, and and 1600. the ACT takes 3 hours and 35 minutes. Then median score among SAT test-takers in 2017 was So the timing is about the same? 1055; to score better than 80 percent of your peers, you’d Kind of. The time you will spend in the room is very have needed a 1230. (Way more details available from the similar between the two tests. But the SAT contains a College Board.)

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 14 The ACT gives you a score between 1 and 36 on each The reading is a bit more variable. The ACT always section, then averages the four numbers to get your presents four passages with 10 questions each. The composite score. From 2015 to 2107, the median ACT questions don’t generally come in the same order score was roughly 20; a 26 would outscore 82 percent the answers appear in the reading – the final ques- of test-takers. (Check out the ACT numbers.) tion could be about the first paragraph. In the SAT, the questions are ordered to follow the passage. The Wait a minute … the ACT includes science? SAT also includes some questions in a unique for- How much science do I need to know? mat: Paired problems first ask you a question about The short answer is: not much. The science section is content, then ask you to choose the line that best less about knowing the parts of a cell or the rules of supports your previous answer. thermodynamics, and more about how well you know the overarching principles and skills needed to under- Are the essay sections the same? stand science. The test asks you to read charts and Not at all. The SAT asks you to read a passage and graphs, draw conclusions from data, identify experi- write an essay analyzing the persuasive techniques – mental variables and controls, and occasionally apply word choice, tone, literary devices – the author uses given formulas to new information. to create a compelling argument. The ACT describes an issue – artificial intelligence or funding for the It can absolutely look a bit overwhelming the first time arts, for example – then provides three possible you tackle it, but, with practice and familiarity, the sci- perspectives on the matter. You are asked to evalu- ence section is no more complex or challenging that ate the three points of view and come to your own any other parts of the test. conclusion about the question.

What’s the deal with the math? Which one is easier? Most test-takers find they have a decided preference It depends on your particular math strengths and for one essay format over the other. Remember, weaknesses. however, the essay score is not wrapped into your overall score, and many schools don’t even require Compared to the SAT, the ACT definitely includes some an essay score. more advanced math concepts, such as basic trigo- nometry and more challenging geometry. ACT prob- Do colleges prefer one test to the other? lems are presented in a very straightforward, almost Nope. textbooky way. OK, but how do I decide which one to take? The SAT, on the other hand, focuses more on master- Generally speaking, the SAT may be right for you ing and applying linear algebra and understanding if you have concerns about timing, prefer math data. The problems often describe real-world situations problems that apply concepts to real situations, and ask students to use their math knowledge to draw or feel you need a little more guidance in reading conclusions. comprehension. The ACT might be a better choice if you are comfortable with scientific principles and The SAT has a section that does not allow a calcula- advanced math, not totally comfortable with vocabu- tor; calculators are welcome for the entirety of the ACT lary questions, or really want to have your calculator math test. by your side.

What about reading and writing? In reality, though, the best way to pick the right test The English section of the ACT and the writing and lan- is to take a practice test (here’s the SAT and here’s guage section of the SAT are nearly identical. You read a the ACT), determine your initial scores, and decide passage and, as you go, answer questions about gram- which one feels better to you. It is hard to overstate mar, word choice, style and punctuation. The major the value of going into the test a little more relaxed difference: The SAT includes occasional graphs to read and confident. So try them both out, then go with and interpret in the writing section. I know, it’s weird. your instincts.

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 15 FIVE COLLEGE ESSAY TOPICS ADMISSIONS COUNSELORS ARE TIRED OF READING

BY MARYBETH HOLLEY

eachers know it, guidance counselors know it, qualified applicants vying for the same slots at major and even colleges know it: High school students universities, an exceptional college essay can be the dread writing the personal college essay. difference between being accepted or rejected.

The pressure is high, the word count is low and it can So how can you set yourself apart from thousands of be next to impossible to know where to start. While other high school seniors? It may be simpler than you there are dozens of resources online telling you what think. Find a unique subject, a story only you can tell, you should include, knowing what you shouldn’t include and be sure to avoid the following cliché personal can be just as helpful. Luckily for you, admissions coun- essay topics: selors tend to be vocal about how to avoid a swift kick into the rejection pile. HOW SEEING OTHER PEOPLE’S SUFFERING MADE YOU APPRECIATE YOUR OWN PRIVILEGE. College admissions counselors are always on the This is perhaps the most egregious of all college essay lookout for unique, memorable essays to give them topics. Admissions counselors cringe when these a better picture of the applicant’s personality. It’s ex- essays come across their desks, and with good reason. tremely important for them to feel they know applicants While your mission trip or high school volunteer beyond their GPA and SAT scores. With thousands of work may have indeed changed your perspective,

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 16 framing another’s suffering as a way to propel yourself to greater happiness comes across as out of touch and condescending. Universities are leery of accepting students who lack the empathy to realize the issue with this perspective. Be careful not to use the less fortunate to highlight your relative privilege. THE PRESSURE IS HIGH, THE WORD COUNT IS LOW AND IT YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH DEATH. Dealing with death, especially the death of a loved one, CAN BE NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE is certainly a formative experience. While admissions TO KNOW WHERE TO START. counselors understand and appreciate the impact death can have on a student’s life, this topic rarely WHILE THERE ARE DOZENS OF sheds new light on an applicant. The purpose of the RESOURCES ONLINE TELLING personal essay is to provide a more nuanced picture of the student in question. While writing about dealing YOU WHAT YOU SHOULD IN- with the death of a loved one may be touching, grief is CLUDE, KNOWING WHAT YOU typically too universal a topic to set an applicant apart. (Typically, stories about divorce fall under this same SHOULDN’T INCLUDE CAN BE umbrella.) JUST AS HELPFUL. TELL A STORY IN WHICH YOU’RE THE TRIUMPHANT HERO. In college admissions essays (and in life), there is nothing less flattering than someone droning on about WHAT YOU LEARNED FROM FAILURE … their own virtue. Universities are much more interested WHEN YOU DIDN’T REALLY FAIL. in accepting humble, hard-working students than When people are asked to discuss a personal weakness self-aggrandizing egomaniacs. There’s a reason why we in a job interview, they’ll often provide a weakness that root for the underdog in movies, or why superheroes can also be interpreted as a strength. They might say have personal challenges despite their physical they take on too many responsibilities or struggle with advantages. Perfection is boring, and it makes for perfectionism, for fear of appearing too flawed to earn painfully dull essays. Instead of the story of how you the position. In the same way, students are often wary made the game-winning shot, tell the story of how of admitting their faults and failures to admissions coun- you went from ball-hog to team player and how it selors. They fear judgement and ultimately, rejection. positively impacted your life. However, admissions counselors know their prospective students are human and prone to error. Honesty and WHAT YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR SPORTS humility are far more important than perfection. Don’t WIN/LOSS. be afraid to discuss how true failure shaped you. Almost every young athlete has a story of a sports loss or victory that helped define them. Unfortunately, If this list contained college essay topic you planned to that’s precisely the problem with picking this topic write about, don’t despair. Admissions counselors are for your college essay. Admissions counselors read quick to mention that the right “angle” can make many several variations of the same sports story several of these topics acceptable. If you have a truly one-of-a- times a day. There’s nothing particularly notable about kind perspective on any of these issues that no one else a student athlete scoring a winning goal or missing an could write, then feel free to use it! The key to compos- important pass. Sure, there are moral lessons to be ing the best college essay possible is to tell a unique learned from victory and failure, but these lessons are story that reveals something important about who you familiar and predictable. Unless you’re confident that are as an individual. your experience with high school sports was so unique that no one else could possibly write a similar essay, We all have stories that only we can tell. Tell yours try to find a different topic. with confidence!

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 17 PROGRAMS THAT PREPARE YOU FOR COLLEGE

Get a taste of college life, explore possible majors, or challenge your comfort zone in a foreign country. A summer program is the perfect way to learn more about your interests – and yourself – while boosting your college application and maybe even earning college credit. Your college essay will write itself after an experience like any of these!

INTOPREP SAT/ACT TEST summer courses offered to students AMERICAN UNIVERSITY - PREP CAMPS ages 15-19 who have completed one DISCOVER THE WORLD OF Everything is ready but your SAT/ year of high school science, preferably COMMUNICATIONS ACT score is short for your dream biology or chemistry. These 2-week Discover the World of college? Please join us at our Bryn sessions are of an analytical nature, Communication at American Mawr Residential Camp or one of and students are expected to prepare University offers interactive our day camps. INTO PREP offers laboratory reports and analysis of workshops for students entering the unbeatable Score Guarantee: their field work. We also offer students grades 9-12. You will learn to build a Improve your SAT/ACT Score by 270/6 the chance to explore their collegiate digital portfolio, write a script, shoot points, or earn a score of at least options with college tours and the and edit a film, write a news story 1500/33 points. We also offer fall and opportunity to receive 4 credits from like a pro, speak with confidence, spring classes. the University of Maine Machias. persuade, inform, educate and Location: Bryn Mawr, PA Location: Seal Harbor, ME entertain. intoprep.net/courses/sat-psat-prep www.acadiainstitute.com Location: Washington, DC www.american.edu/soc/discover LIFELAUNCHR ALFRED UNIVERSITY LifeLaunchr provides expert, SUMMER PROGRAMS BOSTON ARCHITECTURAL personalized college admissions Alfred University offers summer COLLEGE: SUMMER programs in Astronomy, Art, Creative coaching to help students find their PROGRAMS Writing, Computers, Ceramic & Glass best-fit college and get in. Starting as Summer Academy at the Boston Engineering, Robotics, Equestrian and early as freshman year, LifeLaunchr Architectural College (BAC) is a Swimming. Students enjoy learning, helps students with all aspects of the design exploration program for making friends, and experiencing admissions process: essays, college high school students entering life on a college campus. With our selection, application assistance, grades 10 and above. Students dynamic, engaging, talented and caring financial aid, and scholarships. explore both fundamental faculty; terrific facilities; and lovely Location: Online design skills and critical thinking surroundings, an Alfred University www.lifelaunchr.com/schedule- skills through drawing, collage, summer program could make this your-free-consultation/ photography, model-making and your best summer ever! mapping complex systems. They Location: Alfred, NY ABBEY ROAD PROGRAMS learn to use larser cutters, 3D www.alfred.edu/about/community/ Stanford alumni founded Abbey printers, CNC routers, and design summer-programs Road’s study abroad summer virtual reality enviornments. programs to provide quality academic Visit design firms and museums. programs that facilitate cross-cultural AMDA SUMMER CONSERVATORY Scholarships available. understanding, personal growth, and NYC+LA Location: Boston, MA academic enrichment. Teens get to AMDA’s High School Summer thebacsummeracademy. see some of the most beautiful sites Conservatory provides world-class wordpress.com in Europe and North America, learn performing arts training - changing foreign languages, experience true the lives of young performers. Choose BOSTON LEADERSHIP language and cultural immersion between campuses in New York City INSTITUTE while having the time of your life! or Hollywood for this once-in-a-lifetime Take part in our award-winning Location(s): Multiple Locations opportunity to live and train in the summer STEM (Science, www.goabbeyroad.com heart of the entertainment capitals Technology, Engineering, Math) of the world. teen programs. Students will Location(s): Los Angeles, CA; ACADIA INSTITUTE OF engage in experimental research New York, NY OCEANOGRAPHY & take exciting field trips. Options www.amda.edu Acadia Institute of Oceanography’s include Biology, Chemistry, Advanced Sessions are pre-college

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 18 PROGRAMS THAT PREPARE YOU FOR COLLEGE

Biomedical Research, Engineering, you covered! At Centro MundoLengua offers precollege programs for Psychology, Neuroscience, and STEM we offer a large variety of programs for motivated high school students. Entrepreurship. teenagers wanting to study in Spain! Experience the excitement of Location: Wellesley, MA In fact, we even offer volunteering college life, take college courses bostonleadershipinstitute.com opportunities too! with renowned faculty, and enjoy an Location(s): Multiple Destinations “unforgettable, life-changing summer BOSTON UNIVERSITY www.centromundolengua.com with around 1,000 other high school SUMMER TERM students.” This summer, prepare for your college CLOSE UP FOUNDATION Location: Ithaca, NY future with exciting and challenging (ACLU SUMMER INSTITUTE) www.sce.cornell.edu/sc summer programs for high school The ACLU Summer Institute will bring students at Boston University Summer together a diverse group of students COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL Term. With five programs to choose to participate in a firsthand learning EXCHANGE (CIEE) from, you can earn college credit, experience for the next generation of Our immersive programs are discover new subject areas, perform social justice advocates. Students will 3 to 4 weeks long and offer an cutting-edge research in university learn directly from lawyers, lobbyists ideal balance between interactive labs, or immerse yourself in hands-on and community activists working to coursework, travel adventures and learning. defend civil rights and liberties critical engagement with local students and Location: Boston, MA to a free and open society. families. Explore the world and come www.bu.edu/summer/high-school- Location: Washington, DC home with new skills, newfound programs www.aclu.org/issues/aclu-summer- passion - and maybe even college institute credits! BROWN UNIVERSITY Location(s): Multiple Locations PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS COLLEGE OF WILLIAM & MARY: www.ciee.org/go-abroad/high- Each summer, talented high school PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER school-study-abroad/summer/ students from around the world PROGRAM IN EARLY make-next-summer-count enroll in Brown PreCollege Programs AMERICAN HISTORY to experience Ivy League academics The William & Mary Pre-College CROSS CULTURAL SOLUTIONS and prepare for a successful Program in Early American History CCS Summer High School Volunteer transition to college. There are more immerses rising high school juniors Abroad programs are designed than 300 courses, in one to seven in seniors in history through visits to for curious, passionate, and week sessions, on campus, online, or historic sites and museums in Virginia. adventurous high school students around the world, to choose from. Students earn 4 hours of transferrable who want to serve others and Location: Providence, RI college credit for their work during the connect to another culture while precollege.brown.edu 3 week residential program. traveling abroad. Location: Williamsburg, VA Location(s): Multiple Locations CENTER FOR STUDY ABROAD www.wm.edu/as/niahd/ www.crossculturalsolutions.org/ For over 20 years, CSA has offered precollegiatesummer high-school-volunteer-abroad non profit, low cost study abroad opportunities for students and CONCORDIA LANGUAGE DUKE UNIVERSITY YOUTH worldwide. High quality, accredited VILLAGES PROGRAMS programs that are affordable, open to Our summer language programs Duke Youth Programs offers a wide all worldwide, have easy registration immerse teens in one of 15 languages: range of intellectually stimulating and are flexible. Participants can earn Arabic, Chinese, Danish, English, Finnish, and fun activities for middle and high college/academic credits. Locations French, German, Italian, Japanese, school students. Participants can include Australia, Central and Latin Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, choose from a variety of options- America, Asia, Europe and the Spanish or Swedish. Our programs are --writing, STEM, leadership and Carribean. a powerful combination of language video production. Held on Duke Location(s): Multiple Locations immersion and summer camp fun. University’s beautiful campus, www.centerforstudyabroad.com Location: Moorhead, MN participants will have the chance www.concordialanguagevillages.org to experience college life. CENTRO MUNDOLENGUA Location: Raleigh, NC Are you a Middle or High School CORNELL UNIVERSITY SUMMER learnmore.duke.edu/youth student wanting an adventure? If COLLEGE PROGRAMS FOR you can’t wait until college to study HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS abroad, then don’t worry, we’ve got Cornell University Summer College 2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 19 PROGRAMS THAT PREPARE YOU FOR COLLEGE

EDU-PAL CHINA GAME EXPERIENCE - ID TECH CAMPS Edu-Pal China is an international GAME DESIGN CAMPS This summer, teens can explore a cultural exchange program that Calling all gamers, we have the top campus, make friends as they focuses on teaching English in a summer program for you! Our Game master new tech skills, and join a home environment while also being Experience program will introduce you community of over 400,000 alumni. fully immersed in Chinese culture. to the world of game development. At iD Tech Camps, students build With food and accommodation taken Learn from industry experts like in-demand skills in coding, game care of, you will also have the option professional developers and top-notch development, robotics engineering, for free Mandarin classes, city tours animation artists from AAA studios. and design. The top universities and travels. Pack your laptops, because this on the planet—Stanford, NYU, Location: Shenzhen, China summer is going to be epic! Caltech—have trusted and hosted www.edupalchina.org/copy-of Location: Seattle, WA our programs for over 20 years, game.experienceamerica.com inspiring students to dream BIG. EF INTERNATIONAL Held at 130+ locations worldwide. LANGUAGE CAMPUSES GEORGE WASHINGTON Location(s): Multiple Locations Learn a language abroad on the UNIVERSITY SUMMER & www.idtech.com/tech-camps adventure of a lifetime. You will see SPECIAL PROGRAMS the world, experience a new culture, The George Washington University’s IDYLLWILD ARTS ACADEMY and make friends from 100 countries Pre-College summer programs provide Idyllwild Arts has the attention of as you prepare for you global future. high school students with hands-on The Hollywood Reporter, which Start any Monday and study from two learning opportunities in and outside says “Lenny Kravitz and Paula Abdul weeks to a whole year. Ages 13 and up. the classroom by taking advantage of have attended the music school, Location(s): Multiple Locations GW’s strengths in research, diverse while Steven Spielberg and Annette www.ef.edu/ils communities, and a vast network of Bening have sent children.” Writing, local and global partnerships. music, theatre, film, fashion, dance, ENGINEERING SUMMER Location: Washington, DC and visual arts for teens on the forested campus two hours ACADEMY AT PENN summer.gwu.edu/precollege from L.A. The Engineering Summer Academy Location: Idyllwild, CA at Penn offers a unique summer GEORGETOWN SUMMER www.idyllwildarts.org/summer/ opportunity for a select group of PROGRAMS FOR HIGH SCHOOL teens-kids motivated and talented high school STUDENTS students. Experience rigorous and This summer, experience the INWARD BOUND challenging college-level studies at excitement of college life at our high-tech, ivy-league program Georgetown University. Our Summer MINDFULNESS EDUCATION On iBme teen retreats we practice in the heart of Philadelphia! High School Programs offer the meditation techniques and mindful Location: Philadelphia, PA opportunity to live on campus, movement, connect in small esap.seas.upenn.edu explore a range of subjects, and meet discussion groups, participate classmates from around the world. in fun workshops and have free EXPERIENCE AMERICA: PROJECT Location: Washington, DC time to make lifelong friends. FASHION AT UNIVERSITY OF summer.georgetown.edu Our programming guides teens SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (USC) in developing self-awareness, GLOBAL ROUTES Do you dream of being a renowned compassion, and ethical decision Globat Routes pioneers innovative, designer, stylist, or the next Anna making, and empowers them to value-driven, experiential international Wintour? Then join us at the apply these skills in improving their education. The New York Times University of Southern California to lives and communities. calls us “one of the most respected see what it takes to pursue a career Location(s): USA & Canada [organizations] in the field.” in fashion. Industry veterans will ibme.info/programs/youth guide and mentor you during your Over 10,000 students have had exploration of the ever-changing transformative experiences through ISSOS AT YALE SUMMER fashion scene. our industry-leading approach to Location: Los Angeles, CA community service, adventure travel PROGRAM Our exclusive ISSOS summer fashion.experienceamerica.com and cross-cultural exchange. Locations include Central and South America, schools offer high school students Africa, Caribbean and Asia. from over 80 nationalities (aged Location(s): Multiple Locations 13-18) the opportunity to combine www.globalroutes.org 2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 20 PROGRAMS THAT PREPARE YOU FOR COLLEGE

learning, creative enrichment and NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY community in which teens action-packed adventure in one CENTER FOR TALENT can deeply engage in studios of three amazing, historic and DEVELOPMENT and activities. picturesque university towns of Northwestern University’s Center Location: Napa, CA St Andrews, Cambridge and Yale. for Talent Development Summer www.oxbowschool.org/summer Location: New Haven, CT Program has earned global recognition www.issos.com as a premiere learning experience. PATHWAYS TO CELL STEM Academically advanced students enjoy SCIENCE LAUNCH GENERATION academic challenge through fast-paced Learn cutting-edge science from Summer programs for teens focused enrichment, honors, and Advanced professional researchers working on financial literacy leadership and Placement® courses, taught in a hands-on with stem cells in a entrepreneurship. Structured as a highly supportive environment. biotech lab? We offer this and hybrid of a conference and a summer Location: Evanston, IL more! Pathways to Stem Cell camp, we introduce personal goal www.ctd.northwestern.edu/ Science is the worlds only biotech- setting and finance skills through the summer2019 based provider of career education lens of entrepreneurship, helping & STEM programs. teens successfully launch out of high NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY Location: Monrovia, CA school into the next chapter of COLLEGE PREP stemcellpath.com their lives. Experience college life at Northwestern Location: San Diego, CA University this summer in the PHILLIPS ACADEMY www.launch-generation.com College Prep Program. High school SUMMER SESSION sophomores and juniors can take Phillips Academy Summer Session LOYOLA MARYMOUNT undergraduate courses for college offers a rigorous, engaging UNIVERSITY PRE-COLLEGE credit, or enroll in a two-week IN academic program for middle and SUMMER PROGRAMS (LMU) FOCUS seminar in a special topic area. high school students, with day- and LMU offers an engaging opportunity Location: Evanston, IL boarding programs available on for motivated high school students sps.northwestern.edu/college- its 500-acre Andover campus. With to get a sneak peek at college preparation over 60 courses, including online life through a unique two week and hybrid classes, Andover’s experience designed to challenge OTIS COLLEGE OF ART AND summer programs serve students students’ critical & creative ways DESIGN COLLEGE PREPARATION from all over the world. of thinking. PROGRAM Location: Andover, MA Location: Los Angeles, CA Otis College’s four-week, pre-college www.andover.edu/summer summer.lmu.edu art & design program is designed to develop your artistic and creative QUARTER ZERO’S NATIONAL OUTDOOR skills. Serious young artists seeking ENTREPRENEURSHIP LEADERSHIP SCHOOL (NOLS) to strengthen and enhance their art PROGRAMS Dive in and discover the wonders and design skills, as well as students Quarter Zero’s (QØ) Catapult of the outdoors. NOLS Adventure with limited art training, are invited Incubator is the summer Courses and Classic Expeditions for to participate. entrepreneurship program for teens offer a curriculum specifically Location: Los Angeles, CA young people with entrepreneurial designed to focus on their needs. www.otis.edu/summer-art potential. Our 6-week summer These expeditions provide an entrepreneurship program offers opportunity to disconnect from OXBOW SUMMER ART CAMP: students hands-on, exclusive insight technology and reconnect in the VISUAL ARTS IMMERSION into the world of entrepreneurship, wilderness. Each course introduces PROGRAM as they work on a team of peers lifelong leadership skills to prepare Oxbow Summer Art Camp is a unique and industry professionals (not students for leadership roles in art-immersion program in Napa, CA, professors) to grow a real company. school, on teams and beyond. which inspires teens to discover and Location(s): Multiple Locations Location(s): Multiple Destinations develop their art practice and sense of www.quarterzero.com/catapult- www.nols.edu self. Each summer we bring together incubator an inspiring group of artists who are passionate teachers, learners and creators. We build an open-minded

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 21 PROGRAMS THAT PREPARE YOU FOR COLLEGE

SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE a number of special events, and OF CHICAGO (SAIC) SUMMER ACADEMY students participate in a closing SAIC’s Early College Program is a The Summer Academy provides an exhibition of their work. great way to earn college credit and authentic, hands-on introduction Location: Boston, MA explore your passion for art at one to the liberal arts, the great books, massart.edu/summer-studios of the most historically significant and to St. John’s unique pedagogy. accredited independent schools of Off-campus excursions are fun and THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY art and design in the nation, in the provide a great introduction to the rich SUMMER PROGRAMS heart of Chicago! culture and history of the surrounding The College of New Jersey offers Location: Chicago, IL areas in Annapolis or Sante Fe. Pre-College Programs for high www.saic.edu/continuing-studies/ Location(s): Annapolis, MD; school students that focus on high-school/summer Santa Fe, NM learning through community www.sjc.edu/summer-academy service, college readiness, career SEVILLE ABROAD: SUMMER exploration, community-engaged PROGRAMS IN SPAIN STANFORD UNIVERSITY learning, academic and experiential Seville Abroad is an educational PRE-COLLEGIATE STUDIES (SPCS) research with TCNJ faculty. Some immersion experience that helps you Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer of the offerings are credit-bearing to approach a lifestyle that is different Institutes have summer residential while other are non-credit. Some to the one which you are use to, in programs held on Stanford campus programs are residential, while order for you to learn how to open that provides academically talented others are daytime. Visit our up to other cultures, to communicate and intellectually curious students website to learn more! in another language and, in short, to currently in grades 8–11 with intensive Location: Ewing, NJ offer you another part of the world study in a single course. precollege.pages.tcnj.edu that can enrich your personal life Location: Stanford, CA experience. summerinstitutes.spcs.stanford.edu THE EXPERIMENTORY AT Location: Seville, Spain DEERFIELD ACADEMY FOR sevilleabroad.com/summer- SUMMER SPRINGBOARD MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS program-in-spain Summer Springboard provides pre- An innovative middle school college summer programs on the summer program, the SOAR WYOMING campuses of UC Berkeley, Yale, Experimentory at Deerfield SOAR offers high adventure summer Georgetown, Duke, and Northwestern. Academy allows students to camps designed specifically for young Our mission is to help students delve into project-based, creative adults between diagnosed with ADHD increase their self-awareness so they learning. We focus on collaborating and LD. Each of our summer camp can make decisions about college and communicating, fostering programs promotes friendships, selection, academic majors, and creativity, and developing how we increase self-confidence, and careers that reflect their personal look at the world. It’s also a chance develop life skills. vision for success. to try one of a top boarding school. Location: Dubois, WY Location(s): Multiple Cities, USA Location: Deerfield, MA soarnc.org summerspringboard.com deerfield.edu/the-experimentory- at-deerfield-academy SOL ABROAD SUMMER STUDIOS AT Sol Abroad is a premier summer MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF TRAVEL FOR TEENS study abroad program for high school ART AND DESIGN Travel For Teens believes that students specializing in Spanish Summer Studios is an intensive four- summer travel should be both fun language and immersion. Anyone week program for the young artist and enriching. We offer cultural with an interest in Spanish language who is serious about his or her work. exploration, community service, and culture is welcome! No language Students from around the world come language, and photography as well experience required. Join us for the together to experience MassArt and as Younger Teens and Older Teens summer of your life! the environment of a higher education programs to Europe, Africa, Latin Location(s): Multiple Destinations institution in the visual arts. Students America, Oceania, Asia, and North www.solabroad.com take three required foundation classes America for students entering 8th and one elective, and are able to see grade through college. the development of their work over Location(s): Multiple Destinations the program. The program also offers www.travelforteens.com

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 22 PROGRAMS THAT PREPARE YOU FOR COLLEGE

UCONN PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER at the University of Maryland. During WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY UConn Pre-College Summer three weeks in July, students earn SUMMER IMMERSION provides rising high school juniors three college credits and learn about PROGRAMS and seniors the opportunity to live university life. The Wake Forest Summer and learn through four challenging Location: College Park, MD Immersion Program is a hands- and intensive one-week sessions oes.umd.edu/middle-high-school- on learning experience. Students to choose from at UConn Storrs, a students/terp-young-scholars dive deep into a field of study nationally ranked public university with access to world-class campus. VISIONS SERVICE ADVENTURES faculty, researchers, and industry Location: Storrs, CT We hold an unfailing belief in the professionals. pcs.uconn.edu ability of teens to contribute to a better Location: Winston-Salem, NC future. Through collaborative service immersion.summer.wfu.edu UMASS AMHERST SUMMER work, community building and cross- PRE-COLLEGE cultural living, VISIONS participants WASATCH ACADEMY UMass Amherst Summer Pre- develop an enduring sense of purpose SUMMER PROGRAMS College provides an opportunity for and a deeper understanding of Experience interactive, personalized motivated high school students to themselves and the world. academics. The Wasatch Academy earn college credit in an academic Location(s): USA, International summer program gives students or research based program, live in www.visions-service.com from around the world an the premium Honors Residential interactive learning environment Community, eat in our award-winning WAGNER COLLEGE PRE-MED in small classes with individualized dining hall, and discover what makes & SCIENCE PRE-COLLEGE teaching. For students seeking a Amherst an amazing college town. PROGRAMS truly personalized, one-on-one Location: Amherst, MA Experience college life, earn college learning approach coupled with a www.umass.edu/summer credit and explore the city that never whole lot of summer fun. sleeps. The Wagner College Summer Location: Mt. Pleasant, UT UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND Pre-College Program provides www.wasatchacademy.org/ OFFICE OF EXTENDED STUDIES motivated high school students with academics/summer-programs The Terp Young Scholars program invaluable opportunities to grow and invites high school students with learn in New York. WELLESLEY COLLEGE: exceptional ability and promise to an Location: Staten Island, NY SUMMER PROGRAMS outstanding pre-college experience wagner.edu/pre-college The Wellesley Pre-College Summer Residential Programs are designed for young, ambitious, and driven women who want to prepare for the academic rigors of a top liberal arts college. While advancing students academically, these programs provide the opportunity to gain confidence and build leadership skills beyond the classroom. Location: Wellesley, MA www.wellesley.edu/summer/ precollege

2019 TEENLIFE COLLEGE PREP GUIDE | 23 WANT MORE GAP, SUMMER, ARTS OR STEM IDEAS? Join TeenLife!