Hello CCers. I’m a junior in a relatively small city in Pennsylvania. I’m extremely interested in academics, and highly motivated, yet I feel as if I don’t have any sort of outlet to pursue my interest or my passions in a way that the most selective colleges will appreciate; how can I show the top notch colleges who I really am? My main interests are mnemonics (memory techniques and the study of memory) and tutoring of any kind. I’m also very open to any sort of tech internships, science/research projects, academic summer camps, and the like. (It may be important to note that I’m fairly low-income and as such cannot afford to spend TOO much money on travelling and the like.) Local colleges are generally very underequipped and not very prestigious - would taking classes or doing research projects at the colleges actually give me much of an advantage?
I apologize for the massive amount of questions at once, but I feel like this may be something that other high-achievers in rural communities may feel also.
(If this is in the wrong section, I apologize, and feel free to move it, Mods/Admins…)
You said that you are interested in tutoring. Are you interested in helping younger children or your peers? That is something that you can do in your community. If there isn’t a program already set up, you can start one.
Either. And I am looking into that, yes. My school currently has a tutoring program, but we’ll see what I come up with.
I have the same problem, except I have interest in the medical field. I email and call every clinic, hospital, or any other medical institution in town but none take in high school students to do any type of volunteer work or internships.And since there aren’t that many, I run out of options pretty quickly.
Aren’t there any Candy Stripers anymore?
First if you do have access to local colleges it doesn’t matter a whit that they are not prestigious or well equipped. Are you in a position to be so particular and turn your nose up? Research principles and experience is the same no matter the state of the art of equipment. I can’t even believe that you think you are in a position to judge if their equipment is sufficient for the research they are doing? Where is this attitude coming from? My gosh it blows my mind.
/rant, sorry.
So yes, if you can get involved locally that would be a fantastic thing. Selective colleges don’t care where it is done, the fact that you are doing it is important, and once you start something it can lead to other things. Same with taking college classes, that shows ambition and ability and making an effort and it is college class after all–it is only hs students, it seems, who worry about something being prestigious enough.
So if you are interested in summer programs, apply. TASP applications closed Jan 20. MITES is still open until Feb 4, if you qualify, The Summer Science Project, Duke TIP, Johns Hopkins CTY, and I am sure there are many others. Check your state public and private U’s for summer programs. Some are free and others just apply for scholarship, maybe you will get one.
If you are low income apply for Questbridge the Jr program application will be available in Feb.
http://www.questbridge.org/for-students/cps-college-prep-scholarship
I don’t think Girls Who Code has anything in PA, but see if you are eligible for somewhere else or if they have resources for people who don’t have a local event.
http://girlswhocode.com/programs/
Google has several programs for students, CCSI and other
https://www.google.com/edu/resources/programs/
Thanks @BrownParent. I’ve already applied to TASP, probably going to apply to MITES, and a few of the others. I’m not saying this because I’m not going to apply, but the chances of getting into those programs are abhorrent.
I do appreciate the comment about the colleges, and I guess I am being stupid. I’m lucky to have the opportunity to take classes at a local college, no matter the name.
I’ll take another look at QuestBridge too, thank you
I think colleges want to see students taking advantage of the resources that they have, so they’re not going to hold it against you if your area doesn’t offer much. Just make sure you’re participating in activities that interest you. Colleges understand that low income students can’t spend a lot on ECs.