<p>So I'm looking to go to a Precollege program this summer preferably two or three weeks in the Northeastern area. So there's my first question, has anyone atended a program that fits that criteria? What is the best precollege program? </p>
<p>Now I've been specifically looking at the Brown programs. It sounds like so much fun. My question concerns that the fact though that I hear it's not very selective. This will sound silly I do have good grades, so would I be seen as a nerd in that enviorment, or would it still be a great expierence? Also, if the courses last only 3 hrs a day, do you have the rest of the day to just chill?</p>
<p>Lastly I like writing so my other choice would be a program specifically for writing like the Iowa Young Writer's Studio. Has anyone attended a program like this? What were your expierences? </p>
<p>Sorry for the tons of questions, hopefully someone here can answer them ;)!</p>
<p>first -- many of the kids on this board speak of "selective" and "not very selective" in ways that don't really apply to every day kids out there. the selective programs (like TASP and RSI) accept only a very limited number of students. it seems like everyone thinks that if they aren't super difficult to get into, they are "not very selective". I disagree -- I will admit that the majority of kids applying to these precollege programs probably get in but realize that the applicant pool tends to be self selecting. Kids who hate school, are just barely passing and might be graduating from high school in order to attend beauty school are probably not interested in spending the summer at Brown studying physics and the social history of aborigines. These college programs don't take every kid, either -- they are looking for kids who are genuinelly interested in a college experience and their recommendations and grades need to show an interest in academics. That doesn't mean you need high stats -- my guess is that anyone with a 3.0 and decent recs can get in.</p>
<p>As far as the best precollege experience -- they are all a little different. read through the courses offered and the daily experience and see what interests you. My son liked the courses at Brown more than the courses at Harvard (and Stanford has terrible financial aid if you really need it) so he applied and was accepted at Brown. good choice for him -- but another school may be a better choice for you. </p>
<p>At Brown you will have to take 2 courses, so between the two classes and homework you will be pretty busy. taking 6 hours of college credit in the summer is like taking 12 hours during a regular semester. During your off time they have activities plus you can spend time chilling out. </p>
<p>One of the things my son liked about the Brown program is that the writing class is not graded -- just pass/fail. he really like the idea that he could really improve his writing rather than feeling pressure that he had to go into the class already writing at the "A" level.</p>
<p>financial aid varies depending on the program -- you need to thoroughly read the website -- it will usually say.</p>
<p>I will say that most programs have limited funds and the earlier you apply the better (some have rolling FA and some have your application due a certain date and then evaluate them all).</p>
<p>Also -- they are usually looking for someone who really demonstrates need, not just kids whose parents don't want to pay for it. You will need to submit tax forms for verification. they also look for merit when awarding financial aid -- so you need good stats and you need to show need. Excellent recs also help alot.</p>
<p>some programs don't have an financial aid at all -- and some will provide just a small part at best.</p>
<p>I believe that Harvard and Brown have excellent financial aid and if I remember correctly, Stanford also only offers partial scholarships.</p>
<p>some others with good pre-college programs and good financial aid include:</p>
<p>washington and lee summer scholars
carleton college summer writing program
boston university high school honors
summer writing institute rhodes
thomas more
genesis at brandeis
columbia union college -- capital summer session
george washington summer scholar</p>
<p>referring back to a previous question: you definitely wont feel like a nerd if you have good grades and go to the brown summer programs. The people are very open and most of them very smart. It seemed to me that a large group had previously gone to the CTY programs and cared about doing well in school. Of course there were the kids that did not seem quite as bright...but it was a very good environment to meet interesting kids from all over.</p>
<p>Columbia University's Advanced Creative Writing course is really good.</p>
<p>I took Adv. Creative Writing last year and everyone in my group was really talented, and I'd definitely consider going back. You should look into it.</p>
<p>I attended the Iowa Young Writer's Studio this summer. If you're still interested for next summer I definitely encourage applying. The program is fairly selective, and pretty prestigious. Your workshop instructor, the counselors living with you, have all been through the Iowa MFA program. The program is fun, stimulating and invigorating.</p>