Hi all, We are looking for any review or more information about the Georgetown Summer programs for HS students. My son was accepted into 5 week credit program to study poly-sci and is now having second thoughts about attending as the 3 week summer Immersion classes seem more interesting, varied, hands-on and geared toward high-schoolers. He likes the idea of earning credits and is happy to go 5 weeks instead of 3 – but is concerned that the 5 week program is limited to just one class with one professor that meets 2 hrs a day for 4 days a week. Anyone know what the students do the rest of the time in the credit program? He is particularly interested in hearing about visiting lecturers, travel around DC, simulation exercises and social events. He was also accepted into the AU pre-college program and is considering that as well. We have a call into G’town to discuss options so will report any findings here. Thanks for any review or input.
Thought I would share what I learned by talking to representative for Georgetown HS programs today:
The credit and (non-credit) immersion programs are two completely separate processes. You can’t simply decide to go to the other without applying separately.
The 3 week immersion programs are entirely filled up for 2016 and there is no option to apply.
However, there is still space in all of the one week immersion programs and many kids are stringing together two or three weeks of these for a similar experience. They are also more expensive:
Tuition for each week is $2,795* (includes tuition, housing, and meals) x 3 weeks = $8385!!
It is true that the immersion programs are more geared toward HS students and more hands on experience. Your entire day is scripted from beginning to end and there is little or no homework.
The credit programs are primarily made up of Georgetown undergrads with a minority of students being in H.S. Rep says this program is for serious students who want to earn the college credits and also demonstrate to Georgetown that they are able to compete academically.
Students in these programs will have two hours of class each day and about 2 more hours of homework. They have same teacher every day and don’t travel around DC, have visiting lecturers etc – they are basic intro college level courses. Students are encouraged to participate in evening social events with other high school students. You live in the same dorm as all HS students in both immersion and credit programs.
Application process is easier for immersion programs: complete profile, 500 word essay and simple form completed by HS counselor to ensure that you have no serious issues. Credit program applications also required teacher recs, HS transcript and submission of PSAT or SAT scores.
Hope this helps a few others. Still looking for independent reviews of either program.
I can’t speak for either program with any level of personal experience, but I would recommend that he attend the Georgetown program of he wants to apply to Georgetown later on. Demonstrated interest in the University goes a long way. Additionally, the program would be a good indicator of if Georgetown is a good for for him. The same goes for AU. If AU is his dream school, he should attend that program.