<p>My son just finished the advanced Creative Writing program for High School students at Columbia. <a href=“http://ce.columbia.edu/hs/courses.cfm?PID=4&Content=writingDivision[/url]”>http://ce.columbia.edu/hs/courses.cfm?PID=4&Content=writingDivision</a>
He’s a “hard marker” but he loved it! "It was everything I hope college will be " was his comment. Very involving, great teachers, great kids. One of his teachers was Scott Snyder (his book “Voodoo Heart” was favorably reviewed in the NYT Sunday Book review section 3 weeks ago) Prof Snyder not only took the time to read and critique my son’s writing at the program but also multiple previous stories he’d written. Another teacher spent extensive time helping him with a play he’s writing. The teacher spent the night wading through 70 pages of dialogue!</p>
<p>2 major caveats however:</p>
<li><p>Cost: $2,800 for the month plus $3000 for room and board. Fortuately son was able to stay with relatives or we couldn’t have afforded it.</p></li>
<li><p>Very strict drug and alcohol policy. One student was sent home the first week for smoking pot. Another student was sent home because a residence hall official claimed she smelled alcohol on her breath (according to son the evidence was that flimsy and he didn’t think she’d been drinking). Son is not into these recreational activities but thought the policy might be too strict.</p></li>
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