<p>So I'm currently a sophomore and I just did a program at Brown for a writing course, and I can truly say it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I want to go to a new program this year though, as I like trying out new environments, etc etc. What I loved about Brown though was how laid back things were, and that it wasn't incredibly difficult to get in- yet, everyone there was still very intelligent. If you could suggest any programs that don't cost a fortune (or I could perhaps get financial aid for) and have courses in either creative writing, government, international politics, or history, I'd truly appreciate it. Also, I'm looking for a program that is longer than two weeks. Thanks so much!</p>
<p>Definitely check out Girls or Boys State. These programs are run by the American Legion, and take place in your state capitol for about a week. To go, you have to be a rising senior. Your local Legion post (for boys) or American Legion Auxiliary unit (for girls) chooses you. I went this summer in Florida, and it was completely free, transportation by bus was provided free, and I even got $100 in spending money for snacks and souvenirs. I learned a LOT about government. Each state’s program also selects two people to go to DC for Girls or Boys Nation, but that’s really hard to get into.</p>
<p>These programs are a little more “traditional”, and you don’t get as much independence as you would at most summer programs. It can also be very exhausting; you’re pretty much going from 6 or 7 am to 10 pm with no rest. But it’s definitely worth it.</p>
<p>Of course that’s neither longer than 2 weeks, nor laid back, nor available to you as a sophomore! But there are tons of other programs. You could apply to be a Senate page next summer, or even during the school year. Not only is it free, you actually get paid a salary! That is REALLY selective. Many states have page programs for their state legislatures, though, which are easier to get.</p>
<p>I’ve heard of programs called Junior State of America and Presidential Classroom where I think you basically take advanced social studies courses in DC. I don’t know much about these though.</p>
<p>See if you can find a book called What High Schools Don’t Tell You. I haven’t read it in a while, but they list TONS of summer programs in all these subjects. There’s another book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Getting into Top Colleges, which lists a bunch of summer programs in the back (mostly courses on college campuses, similar to Brown’s).</p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>Here’s a resource to help find programs:
<a href=“https://www.teenlife.com/pages/summer-programs/[/url]”>https://www.teenlife.com/pages/summer-programs/</a></p>
<p>Here is a great 6 week program at Tufts :
[Tufts</a> Summer Study Writing Program](<a href=“Page Not Found - ASE - TUFTS UNIVERSITY”>Page Not Found - ASE - TUFTS UNIVERSITY)</p>
<p>Here are some ones I have heard of though I don’t know if they have writing. we were looking for engineering/science courses but many of these schools have big summer programs with lots of options:
Yale, Cornell, B.U., JHU, Fordham, Syracuse, GWU, U.Richmond, UNH</p>