<p>I need some help here. My S is going to attend Northwestern University's College Prep program this summer. I am wondering if a laptop is required or a good idea. I am hoping some of the former College Prep students might be able to share their experience. Thank you.</p>
<p>If it doesn't specifically say he needs a laptop then he could probably survive without one. My older sister was able to go to Harvard SSP for 8 weeks with a desktop computer.</p>
<p>Northwestern will have computer labs, right? What time do they close? What are your son's study habits? [Like, I'm bringing a laptop to my summer program because I'll probably end up staying up late the night before if my class assigns an essay. I like to work on my bed, or outside. If able to, I'd like to type my notes, etc.]</p>
<p>Sorry, I'm not a student so I don't know the policy about laptops in class and all that.~ Good luck. ^^</p>
<p>greensticky, thank you for your reply. Did your sister use Harvard's desktop computers or she actually brought a desktop there with her?</p>
<p>She used her own desktop, but she's the type of person who really likes to study in solitude.</p>
<p>No problem. ^^</p>
<p>leungpy1, I just answered you in the parent's forum, but my daughter is bringing a laptop to the Exeter summer program, which will hopefully be locked in her room most of the time but give her access to the internet/email and ability to write any assignments there and take elsewhere for printing.</p>
<p>For CMU Pre-college, I know it isn't necessary because they have 7 well-equipped computer labs. Check the labs and the dorms. Some dorms are equipped with free internet for those with their own computer. I know CMU has all-around connectivity. Much of it is a personal preference/work choice. bringing a computer is a good choice if you expect to have a lot of writing to do.</p>
<p>It all depends on the person. If you only need to check your email daily, surf a few pages, and maybe type up a few papers or do a little research, then the campus labs should be fine. If you have a bunch of applications that you use regularly that wouldn't be on a typical computer, or you download a lot, or stay up at late hours of the night, then you will definitely need your own computer. Also, if your son has some important files that he needs to update regularly or just simply has things on his computer that he can't live without, than a laptop would be a great idea.</p>
<p>I am definitely bringing my laptop to CMU with me this summer for 6 weeks, but only because I am that attached. It is my best friend. I also have a ton of applications that I use regularly that you might not find on a typical school computer, and all of the files on my hard drive are precious, so it would be silly to leave it at home for so long.</p>
<p>Generally, a laptop is a great investment. Check the program to see if it is required, but I doubt it, most of the time it is usually strongly suggested though. Most campuses, especially a school like Northwestern, have extensive wireless networks, so a laptop is quite convenient. If your son is going off to college within the next year or two, the laptop would be great, because he'll probably need to have one then too. If you can afford one now, go ahead and get it, a laptop is not really something that'll just sit on the shelf.</p>
<p>Thank you for all the good information. Any suggestion of what laptop will be good for this summer and also for college in the near future.</p>