<p>I have been searching for a pre-college summer program that has an exceptional creative writing program, and from what I have read on Columbia's website, their summer program seems to be quite a good one. Although it is very expensive, my mom says she is willing to pay for it if I am accepted. Before I commit to anything, I would like to know if the price is worth it... particularly for the creative writing class. </p>
<p>Is anyone able to share their experiences at the HS Columbia summer program? (The creative writing class, specifically) </p>
<p>This summer, I will have just finished my sophomore year, so I will be an upcoming junior. I'm leaning towards Columbia's program because I'd like to experience living independently in dormitories, sightseeing New York, and participating in a highly educational and beneficial writing class. </p>
<p>If I could get any feedback, that would be fantastic! Thanks.</p>
<p>Columbia Pre-College is pay-to-play. Rich kids are sent there by their parents who want to get rid of them for the summer, the kids are happy because they get to go to New York and party basically every night and hook up with like-minded rich and un-intellectual teens. Then there are a few kids like you who are mourning the fact that they wasted 5-6 thousand dollars on a program that's barely about education. Classes are big lecturers and are impersonal, the college professor just does it to pick up a pay check. The classes are ok to fairly challenging if you actually do your reading, which few people do.</p>
<p>For future reference, any pre-college program that does not offer college credit classes is not about educating, it is a money-making venture for colleges on the side and is shoddily done. Also as a general rule, the more expensive a program is the worse it will be - certainly the less prestigious and less challenging it will be at least.</p>
<p>I do not know the specifics of the Creative Writing class, however. You would be better off applying to a summer program that specializes as a writing conference/program for high schoolers. They would be good. Or enroll in college credited classes at the best university near you, the kind of classes that are filled with students from that university and also other college students who are taking classes during their summers. There are often a few writing/reading/english classes among these.</p>
<p>Thanks for your advice, I'll take that into consideration.<br>
I don't think I'm looking for college credits... mostly a really good experience and some improvement in writing. Nothing too serious, i guess.</p>
<p>I think I'll apply and make my decision later.</p>
<p>Seeing as you are on CC and type with decent grammar, you will definitely get in. And also I should probably add that the Creative Writing class isn't as much as I described Columbia's Pre College program to be in my first post. It is probably decently challenging and has better kids in it because it's a creative writing course. Still, it is not selective and the general vibe of the program is as described above. That said you'd probably get a good amount out of the class, you'd be writing after all.</p>
<p>But if I were you I would seriously consider whether that is worth the $7000 price tag.</p>
<p>That's good to know.<br>
And, what I really want is to just spend time writing. Mediocre instruction doesn't bother me so much, as long as I'm getting quality writing time in a class environment. </p>
<p>As for the money, I'm not so worried about it because I can afford it. After all, the cost covers a place to stay in New York and many fun excursions/activities... plus the opportunity to maybe improve on my writing. It's nothing like I've ever done before, and it sounds like a fun experience to me. The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that it's something I want to do.</p>
<p>Hi there! I actually did the Creative Writing program at Columbia this past summer. My own experience was definitely worth it, and despite what a previous poster said, I found it to be a very personalized program. There was some level of luck involved though... there weren't as many CW students as there were chemistry, biology, etc. and I was fortunate enough to be in the smallest class of the whole program! Mine had seven students, and the average class size was maybe 10.
My instructors were very well-qualified and they were genuinely helpful and interesting people; the day is divided into 3 parts, a lecture and two workshops. The former was a bit boring, but the workshops helped me flourish as a writer tremendously. You'll also be assigned to one of these instructors for individual attention, and they can meet with you to work on anything you want (I completed the first chapter of a novel I've been wanting to write). During the workshop, you learn not only about critiquing yourself but your peers' work as well. I can tell you that the packets of stories, poems, plays, and excerpts they gave me are still sitting on my desk today. At the end of the program, I had about six strong writing pieces, exposure to many new authors (not including the teachers, many of whom are fairly accomplished), new friends (I was a commuter, but there were people from California, India, Minnesota, you name it), and a better eye for my own writing.
It was pricey, yes; and be aware you spend a couple of days on poetry, prose poetry (I fell in love with it while I was there), plays, and stories. I personally hated play writing, I've never liked it, so I wouldn't do it if your only focus was short stories or something. For the most part, everyone I spoke with thought it was an amazing experience. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask! :)</p>