<p>Is it really necessary to attend a precollege or post-college experience of some sort before applying to colleges? Like do colleges want to see that sort of thing? Is it a necessity?</p>
<p>Are you talking about those summer programs some colleges offer for high school students?
They’re not necessary at all. It wouldn’t be fair to those who aren’t able to do them. I’ve never done any and I got into Harvey Mudd.</p>
<p>Oh wow. Congrats!
That’s good to hear. I was worrying because I need to do an interview for Governor’s School for Visual Arts and stressing over whether I’d get in or not. And whether I should have a back up program to attend.</p>
<p>Thanks :)</p>
<p>I’m a parent. DON’T STRESS. Even if you don’t get in, just the experience of the interviewing process is great. </p>
<p>Pre-College, Governor School, CTY programs all are good to help you as a student determine your interests. It is a chance to study things that either you do not have in your normal school year or that you cannot go in depth during the normal school year. It should be used to HELP YOU determine a college path but it is NOT an open door into a college.</p>
<p>I encourage you to have a back-up plan if you don’t get in, but the back-up plan doesn’t need to be eleborate or costly. It can be a local art day program, volunteering in the visual arts with younger kids, studying visual arts via free web sites or getting a local paid job. </p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>wow, thanks! you’re right, i’m concentrating too much on getting accepted to college and forgetting whats more important. thanks for making my realize this!</p>
<p>If you’re talking about those summer programs where you pay to take courses for a few weeks on a college campus, don’t fear. They aren’t necessary <em>at all</em> to get into any college. Colleges want to see you pursuing your own interests, and there are many options outside of the often costly programs!</p>