<p>Ive been looking into summer programs because i know i want something to write about in college essays and something to look good for college apps. Im very passionate about law/human rights/advocacy so i want a program about any of those things, whether college classes or a volunteer program.
i looked at summer@brown and georgetown but people are saying they arent prestigious programs, and its too late for TASPS, does anyone have anything? Please im extremely stressed out about how to make the most of my summer, id appreciate any response!!</p>
<p>*rising SENIOR</p>
<p>Duke University TIPprogram just opened up for registration. You have to be qualified a ‘gifted’ to be in the program, but you can check the ACT/SAT cutoff and see if you would qualify.
Davidson College has a July Experience program that is well thought of, from what I know of it.
Both of those are fairly costly.
Another option is to do substantial service in the summer. Giving your time to an area in need and putting yourself in a position to learn and grow from it…and to perhaps gain leadership, is always a good thing! Same with working. The old fashioned summer job still holds some weight. You would be suprised by the numer of kids applying to college who have never held a paying job.
HTH–
T</p>
<p>Yes, look at Duke Tips offerings as well as Johns Hopkins CTY and the other gifted programs throughout the country. There are a handful-each drawing from a specific region of the country. It is sometimes possible to participate in their programs through reciprocal qualification. The best summer programs fill quickly but there are some good ones out there. I would not get so hung up on “prestige” ratings. Look for programs that are in your fields of interest. You will be measured by your passion and commitmentl; not by whether you attended Underwater Basketweaving at Prestige U versus Underwater Basketweaving through Interesting Organization.</p>
<p>Dear Journey,</p>
<p>You might consider taking a look at the St. Albans School of Public Service program in Washington, D.C., a summer public policy/politics/public service program for rising high school seniors from June 23 - July 20) It is a small, co-ed, residential program (35-40 students), on the campus of St. Albans School (which is on the grounds of the National Cathedral). We use case studies from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government as the bedrock of our curriculum, and the students meet for Q&As with everyone from a sitting U.S. Supreme Court Justice to State Dept. Foreign Service officers to public health workers.</p>
<p>Here’s a couple links that you might find helpful to check out the School of Public Service:
- Our main website, with a description of the program and application requirements: [St</a>. Albans School](<a href=“http://www.schoolofpublicservice.org%5DSt”>http://www.schoolofpublicservice.org)
- A text and photo blog of last summer’s program, which gives a day-by-day look into the curricular and extracurricular activities: [School</a> of Public Service Blog](<a href=“http://www.schoolofpublicservice.blogspot.com%5DSchool”>http://www.schoolofpublicservice.blogspot.com)</p>
<p>Lastly, here’s a review from one of our 2012 participants, a young man from the Boston area, that does a fantastic job of describing our program:</p>
<p>"St. Albans SPS is definitely the perfect summer program for anyone interested in government, public service/policy, law, or economics. The program is comprised of case-studies from the Kennedy School of Gov, speakers from all facets of DC and political life, and curricular trips in and around the District. St Albans benefits both from the superb caliber of faculty and students (who are all not only smart, but in my experience were all also incredibly and genuinely interested) and also the big-name speakers it is able to pull. What defines the St Albans experience for me is that just a few days after arriving at the program, we were in a private meeting at the Supreme Court discussing Constitutional Law with Justice Elena Kagan. We were repeatedly given similar opportunities, where we would spend a few days on a given topic, and then meet the person(s) who were and are at the center of these issues today. The program does an excellent job of putting into concrete practice ideas and areas that you may have previously been only abstractly interested in, and can shape your interests more specifically while testing which ones you actually enjoy the most. Another great part of St. Albans is the simulations which are done frequently throughout. These scenarios had students playing the role of PAC Directors, lawyers and Supreme Court Justices, int’l diplomats and freshman congressman managing our reelection campaigns. All of these experiences were able to give us a flavor for the various sides of politics and government, without letting one necessarily dominate the focus. Activities out of the classroom are also a great part of SPS. Whether they were curricular trips (such as the US Congress or various DC Think-Tanks) or just fun weekend trips around DC, VA, and MD, the opportunities to explore the area are a vital part of St Albans. All the stuff that I had seen when visiting DC as a tourist was covered, but so too were quirky, lesser-known sites that made the trip unique. I would definitely recommend St Albans in the highest possible degree to anyone who’s considering a political or legal path, or who is just interesting in exploring these fields. Not only will the experience itself be well worth the investment, but everyone involved in the program will have a similar passion and a great camaraderie. "</p>
<p>–2012 Participant, Boston MA</p>
<p>Any other feedback about potentially interesting non STEM programs for high schoolers? I know GWU and UMD have summer scholar programs. UVA does though impossible to get in to.</p>
<p>Never mind. I realize there is a lot of good info already available in this forum section.</p>