I’m debating between applying to the semester session and the summer session of the US Senate Page Program. I don’t want to miss out on school back home, but I’ve read the semester term is the better option… Which, in your experience, is better? Is one a superior route than another, or will they both offer essentially the same thing? Any experience/knowledge regarding the program would be greatly appreciated… Thanks in advance!
The summer program only lasts 3 weeks. It really is barely enough time to get to know people around the Capitol and know your way around. Keep in mind there are also significantly more Pages during the summer so your work on the floor is generally limited to 30 mins on the floor and then 1.5 hours off the floor in a rotation each day. However, if what you’re looking for is just an easy fun thing to do over the summer, then that’s what it is. The semester program is difficult, but in my opinion worth it. There are still staffers around the chamber who recognize me when I come around to visit since there are only 30 of us and we were there for 5 months. It’s difficult to leave school and the Page School is definitely not an easy feat, but overall I do believe the experience is better. However, keep in mind, some senators only nominate Pages in certain sessions, so it may not be up to you. Make sure to reach out to potential sponsors’ offices to see if and when they may be appointing pages.
How difficult is the page school? Is it managable if your used to all honors and ap classes? Will it ruin my gpa? I applied for the spring program but this has always made me nervous
Personally, Page school is the most difficult school I’ve ever gone through. But that’s mostly because you are literally a full time student AND a full time employee at the same time. My GPA did suffer a bit, but mostly because the classes all transferred back to my high school as regular classes as opposed to honors/ap classes. So it would depend on your school mostly.
Definitely shoot for the semester program. The semester pages and summer pages are whole different worlds. Summer pages (especially this summer, with elections coming up) don’t work nearly as much and hardly have the same experience semester pages do. The semester program is an incredible time, and like someone else said, there’s still cloakroom staffers, cops, and doorkeepers that recognize us when we go back.
Keep in mind the job is tough with tons of long days. Pages wake up at 5, go to school in the basement until 1 hour before the Senate goes into session. It was not uncommon for us to work late into the night and we even went overnight a few times. Proctors at Webster Hall are also pretty strict and it can take some adjustment while getting used to living at Webster.
Page School is extremely tough, but it won’t sink your GPA. The teachers are spectacular and are really willing to help. Some are a bit scary at first however, lol. We were given lots of homework, usually every night in all four classes, but it wasn’t overwhelming, at least for me. You get plenty of time to work on it during the day. Classes are taught at an AP level and pages have the opportunity to take AP exams if you go in the spring. You can also take the SAT or ACT during your tenure. My home school added weight to my PS classes, so work with your home school and see what they can work out.