Summer before college

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

Hello,

Does anyone know of any good programs to partake in the summer between the final year of high school and beginning of university?

I have from late June until mid-October (around 3.5 months) and am not quite sure how to spend my time. I’ll spend some time taking trips with family, and intend to complete a few Law/ Finance work experience in London, but would like to take part in some research-oriented opportunities, and also spend some time (without family) abroad (ideally in California) doing something worthwhile.

I’ve found a number of interesting options such as UC Berkley’s Summer Session (I’d intend to take an Econometrics class), but the $10,000 it will cost for 6 weeks of tuition, housing, and food, seems excessive.

Are such courses (aimed at undergraduates) worthwhile? Are there any other similar opportunities that perhaps don’t cost so much? Is it possible to email faculty at universities and ask if I could RA for them? Any other suggestions on summer courses or alternative ways to spend this summer?

Thanks a lot.

2

Have you considered working? IMHO, it’s the greatest learning experience not to mention the spending money you will earn. Many times work experience (even if it’s a low-level job) helps students truly understand what they might want to major in.

3

Thanks - yes I have, hence my plan to do some work experience at law firms and banks. In terms of paid work, I’m not really sure what exactly I could do! And in terms of majoring, I’m from the UK, so I applied for a particular course and study just the subject (or in my case, three subjects).