Carleton Liberal Arts Experience 2009

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

<p>I find it odd that no one has started a thread about the program...ever really. Well it's March 1st, which means you have exactly a month to put in applications, so I'll be taking any questions anyone has about it.</p>

<p>First of all, yes it is a program geared toward African-Americans. But there was an Asian girl there, and not everyone fits the stereotype. That was the main thing I was afraid of. There were all sorts of amazing people there. </p>

<p>But the program itself, if you didn't make it to TASS or anything, this is a great way to spend a week. Even if you've never heard of Carleton College, do apply. It's absolutely **free**, including airfare to and from. You take two classes, plus have a seminar discussing a book they assign you for a few hours. About 52 kids are invited every year (may be 50 this year), so there are plenty of people to hang out with. It's also pretty selective, 17% acceptance rate is what I've heard. That's more selective than Carleton itself. I had no idea about it; my counselor just gave it to me and told me to apply. I put together an essay in about ten minutes and sent it in. </p>

<p>But the classes are really great. They're really varied, from Digital Photography to examining fossils in the foothills to visiting a turkey poop farm (which isn't a very good activity for hot, humid summer days). You also take SAT/ACT prep and take a class on writing a good college essay. The faculty you meet are really amazing; they're there for you to email whenever, even if you don't apply to Carleton. There's also plenty of time to hang out and socialize. You also get to visit Midtown Minneapolis once during it to see a play. Overall it was a pretty fun trip.</p>

<p>Yes, it does go by extremely quick, but they also invite you back in either Feb. or May to experience the campus in full swing. I just got back from that part. It was about four days longer, and it was really cool to see everyone again and sit in on classes and meet with faculty. The only thing I must say about the reunion is that people have known each other better than others over the course of the eight months and it feels more like high school than anything. You have a whole lot more freedom than during the six days. But overall, a great experience; I would highly recommend it.</p>

<p>Not only that, but should you choose to apply to the Summer Writing Program, you get a $1,900 reduction on the $2,300 price tag.</p>

<p>And if you apply to Carleton, I believe they reduce your loans by $5,000 in the first year, and $2,500 each year after that.</p>

2

<p>Erm, near the end you started throwing around numbers so I'm a bit curious (and definitely interested in applying), what is the price tag for the program? And how is financial aid and stuff. It seems like if you apply to the writing program it's cheaper?</p>

<p>I'm just a bit confused and was hoping you could clarify.</p>

3

<p>Absolutely free! Read through my post again. I hope it makes sense.</p>

<p>Basically, the program is through the Multicultural Outreach department, seeking to diversify the campus. They **want **you to come to Carleton.</p>

4

<p>Oh wow, I apologize, I suppose I missed that. But then what were the prices you were referring to near the bottom of the post?</p>

5

<p>At the bottom, those how much less you would have to pay if you wanted to do the SWP in your Junior year, and if you wanted to apply to Carleton.</p>

6

<p>Ohhh, I see. Great. I'll definitely check this out, thanks!</p>

7

<p>how competitive is this? would they only accept students who are ultimately at the caliber of students currently at Carleton…I have a student (I’m a counselor) who I believe would benefit greatly from this program, but who I don’t think would ultimately be able to get into Carleton</p>

8

<p>I applied to CLAE for this year but how selective is the program about grades? What were your grades when you got accepted? Also, do those that are accepted receive college credit?</p>