Interlochen Creative Writing

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

<p>I'm thinking of applying to Interlochen (a summer camp in Michigan) this summer for creative writing. It's famous for music, but its creative writing program is gaining ground. It's past the due date, but admissions are accepted late. </p>

<p>Here's my question: Is this camp strong enough in creative writing for me to attend for three weeks of my summer? I'd give up a week in NY with my friend and some R&R BUT I love writing and want to actively pursue it. I know a friend who's had great experience with the music program and a former mentor who's attended the boarding school for creative writing. It's also a "campy" camp with lake time, hiking, and cabins. </p>

<p>Thoughts? It'd be great if anyone had personal experience, but I of course would love any blind advice. </p>

<p>Oh, and I'm a hs freshman. So technically I could lounge all summer by the pool (except for two-three weeks of trips, which is kind of a time-sucker). But that's sounding less and less appealing the more I think about it and the further I get from the Interlochen due date.</p>

2

<p>I never majored in creative writing (though I did attend some readings) but I went to Interlochen for five summers and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Part of the magic of the place is the fact that you can major in anything, but still be surrounded by so many different kinds of art. I was a visual arts major, but because of the atmosphere I was able to attend concerts, acting performances, creative writing readings, and so much more. So while I can't speak specifically on the quality of the writing program, I can most definitely vouch for the quality of the experience. Is it worth three weeks of your summer? Well, to me it was worth eight.</p>

3

<p>Sounds like my type of place, but sadly too short. I personally love writing and discussing equally...spending three weeks in this environment would be heaven for the creative monger in me.</p>

4

<p>I was a high school creative writing major last summer and have already enrolled again for this year.</p>

<p>Interlochen is an absolutely amazing experience. The kids who choose to go are some of the most incredibly talented people you'll ever meet. You'll be in a cabin with kids of all different majors, so you will get to make friends with all sorts of passionate people.</p>

<p>Walking through Main Camp, you might pass a group of choral majors harmonizing on their way to the cafeteria, a couple of theatre majors scattered on the grass rehearsing their lines, and the odd guitarist improvising on a bench near the Melody Freeze. You get to attend all student performances for free, whether that means an orchestra concert, musical theatre workshop, or dance production.</p>

<p>Your cabin is home base...as a writer, I spent plenty of time there, pounding away on my laptop. The Writing House is the coolest collection of writing classrooms you'll find anywhere, and you're free to hang out and write on the deck or in one of its many nooks and crannies. </p>

<p>The teaching was great. I've written all of my best stuff at Interlochen. All classes are small--mine had 8 people, which was the average. We became very close.</p>

<p>All in all, I wouldn't trade my three weeks there for anything. At the end of the session, I wished I could stay for the entire six weeks. I can't wait to be back.</p>

<p>My only concern would be whether there are openings left in the program. They offered all of my former classmates and me portfolio waivers for the same program, which means that several returning campers will have passed the "audition" stage and taken those spots. But then again, they have changed the writing program a lot this year, so they may be expanding. I don't know. You might want to email admissions and ask.</p>

<p>Please, feel free to PM me if you have any more/more specific questions. I would definitely recommend applying.</p>

5

<p>Like MFlevity, I went to Interlochen as a Creative Writing Major as well. Poetry, specifically. I had the best time I could ever imagine. Not only is Interlochen beautiful, but the entire vibe of the campus is entirely electric. You're perpetually inspired, whether by WYSO, by the lake, your classmates, etc. I made some of the best friends I could ever have there.
The classes were killer. My teacher last year was so funny, incredibly helpful, and brilliant poet in her own right.
Go! I hope you can get in before it fills up.</p>

6

<p>I am looking to do Interlochen as well but am concerned with the extremely high prices for a three week summer program. I started off looking at Interlochen for the music program actually, specifically on voice instruction, but was blown away at the price of $6,000 for only three or four weeks. I can't quite remember exactly how much the writing program was, but I can only imagine that it is similar to music. Could it really be worth that much money?????
I'm a freshman too, and the other issue that I had was the question of my age. Am I too young to be applying to something like Interlochen??? I guess being a freshman isn't that young when it all comes down to it but I also don't want to be put into something that is way beyond me...
And the last question: is the Interlochen summer camp really competitive to get in to? And is it prestigious at all? I honestly don't care about prestige in general, but I am genuinely curious, for if I am going to be paying $6,000, then I should imagine that its prominence should be quite outstanding.</p>

<p>A reply would be lovely!!! I guess it is kind of late, but it is always nice to keep such thoughts in hand...</p>

7

<p>Well, you're definetely not too young. It's grades 3-12! It is competitive to get into, and it is very prestigious. You should apply for financial aid, 70% of Interlochen students are on financial aid!
If you have anymore questions feel free to PM me.</p>

8

<p>I have had three kids at Interlochen, and they all loved it. Your price tag is wrong, I believe. Three weeks is about $3,000, not $6,000. There is money available, and I think a large percentage of kids can get at least a partial scholarship if they financially qualify.</p>

9

<p>Goodness, I need to write that personal essay and send my app in! You all make it sound so amazing. </p>

<p>treefarmer, what were your kids' majors? I'd be interested to see what Interlochen can offer to everyone.</p>

10

<p>Right. Three weeks' creative writing is around $3,500, and that's without scholarship.</p>

<p>Are you a freshman this year or a rising freshman? Rising sophomores must apply to the high school program (portfolio requirement for admission) but rising freshmen can choose to apply to either the intermediate (non-audition) or high school division.</p>

<p>I would recommend applying as soon as possible for the best chances of financial aid.</p>

11

<p>Hey, do you guys think it's too late to apply? I've been toying with the idea but I don't want to spend too much time if my chances are pretty slim to start with.</p>

12

<p>If you're worried, you can email admissions and ask if there are still openings. They're always pretty quick with replies.</p>

13

<p>Okay, thanks :) I actually decided not to apply. I probably won't have enough to vacation @ the Olympics if I go to Interlochen. However, I'd probably spread the word about this great opp.</p>

14

<p>To all those who have been to the camp:
Most of you said it was a "prestigious" camp, does that mean that those of us who have never had training would feel overwhelmed? I really want to go but i am worried that I might not feel adequate. It all sounds like great fun, but I am not an amazing writer. What is your advice, go for it or not?</p>

15

<p>Hi! Sorry I’m bringing back a six year old discussion thread, but I recently got accepted to the creative writing program (fiction and poetry) and was wondering if I could get some more info on it. Is the CW major at interlochen as credible sat he music seems to be? I’ve heard TONNES about performing arts, but very little about visual arts and creative writing. Any info would be helpful! I also started a thread on this, so replies there as well would be helpful :)</p>