I just got accepted into vtech( yay!) for fall 2016 but it says that it is a conditional admission. The condition is that I am required to attend summer academy. But I don’t understand why. Is it because I came from Africa 10 years ago? Or because I got a D in calculus? Or is it because I barely got in and they feel like I need a little bit more preparation? It also seems like its an acctual semester and i have to take classes that count. This all seems expensive. I don’t mind doing this even though I had originally planned on working over the summer I am willing to do it. I just want to know why I got it because I can’t find answers online. Can anyone give me more information on this.
I don’t know about vtech in particular, but a number of schools do this for students who they know can succeed but who may be at a disadvantage to their peers for any number of reasons – coming from a weaker high school, being the first in your family to go to college, being an English language learner. A lot of these programs connect you with resources (advisors, tutors, career counselors, a peer group) that are dedicated just to the program and continue through your four years, and particularly at a bigger school, they can really make a difference to your happiness and success.
You didn’t “barely get in”, but they may feel like you need more preparation. The academic part will be helpful, but I’m going to guess that when you look back on it, you’ll feel that one of the best parts was that when the school year started in the fall, you already knew people, had friends, and were comfortable.
Congratulations!!
These pre-college programs are sometimes targeted for certain groups that are completely capable of performing well in school but may be at a disadvantage for a number of reasons (just look up stereotype threat to get an idea of how perception can influence performance). Making connections and getting used to the climate before hand can really have a big impact on academic performance. The school may be targeting these programs at people who got sub-C grades or at certain groups (first-gen, low income, URM, etc.). If you’re curious you may be able to ask them about the reasoning since programs really vary by school.
Besides the school’s reasons for having those programs, they’re also a great way to get to know some people before school starts and get a head start on academics.
Congrats on getting in!
Thank you @gardenstategal and @lagging for those uplifting comments. I know understand why they have the program but what i still don’t understand is why im i required to do it in order to attend? I feel like i am up to par with my peers and i’m doing well in school, so i don’t get why.
Your best bet would be to contact the school and ask about it since no one but the school can tell you exactly why they require it for you. It may be because of a D or it might be from something else. They may be willing to remove the conditional aspect of your offer if you get a certain grade for math in your final semesters of high school or they might be willing to not require it if you needed the summer to work and pay for school.
Thank you @Lagging, hopefully I can work something out and if not then an early start won’t hurt.
If you want to know the exact reasons, I agree that you can only find out by contacting the school If you need to work over hte summer. maybe you can work out an alternate plan (ex. taking a class or two at a CC near you). But I would consider it a good thing. They school sees your potential and wants to be sure you have all the tools you will need to succeed there.
Stop worrying about the why, and go take advantage of the opportunity. You have nothing to lose, and much to gain.