A lot of you may be wondering: what is a fun, productive way to spend a summer vacation? May I recommend attending a pre-college program at a university you might be interested in going to college at one day. I myself have done pre-college camps for three summers in a row; one at Johns Hopkins CTY (Center for Talented Youth) and two at Stanford’s EPGY (Education Program for Gifted Youth). In addition to being highly educational, this is a fun way to get away from home and experience living in a college-like environment. Programs like these offer a considerable amount of freedom that comes with responsibilities, such as increased accountability for your actions, especially for high school aged students. It’s also exciting to meet kids from all over the world; at EPGY, I had a roommate from Turkey and friends from China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Malaysia, as well as from all over America. The people I met at Stanford have become some of my best friends; I still stay in touch with many after two years. Everyone found a group of friends quickly, but the houses and classes are small enough so that everyone gets to know each other well.
Most programs require a written or electronic application, including things like short answer questions, essays, a school transcript, and letters of recommendation from teachers. The programs themselves can be pricy, but they offer financial aid for those who qualify. Most are three and a half weeks long, which from experience was a good period of time for me: not too long, but enough to get into your classes and get to know your peers well. However, there are both shorter and longer sessions: I’ve seen one and two week sessions, as well as four week programs. It really depends on your individual situation. With some application deadlines fast approaching, I urge you to do your own research to find a program best suited for your wants and needs. There’s something out there for everyone!