Summer School Issues

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

Hello!

I am an international student from the UK in my first year at university. This summer I want to register for summer classes in the US. I study politics right now, but I have a lot of other interests other than that and as you may know the UK doesn’t let us really mix our subjects. My career inspirations are in politics, journalism, social entrepreneurship amongst others. I’m still not 100% sure though, sometimes I wish I could go back to my passion for natural sciences…

My choices are -

General Chemistry (I love chem. and I sometimes I wish I cold transfer to the states to study it for real, but the only problem this program looks like a LOT of work for seven weeks, with three labs a week, so I don’t know if I will be able to keep up + I kind of want to have time to explore Boston).

Calculus I & II, I’ve always been really good at maths, and I like it a lot, plus I guess it could be beneficial for economics etc… but again… Haven’t studied maths for a year now, and I’m scared it will be way to challenging (I’ve done some calc in HS)

Principles of Economics - It’s worth 8 credits - both Micro and Macro, these are the subjects that are the closest to my career inspirations along with the degree I’m studying now.

Basic Journalism and two modules from Comp. Sci, Politics, Econ, Law, or Env. Science - This will give me a bit more flexibility and choice, but I’m kind of guessing that if I have such different modules I won’t be able to organize my time/work properly…

Anyways, I’m very confused. Would love to have some advice. Don’t know if I should use the summer to have fun and explore new subjects, or focus on subjects that are relevant to my desired career/studies.

Thanks guys,
Confused boy.

2

Dear Confused Boy,

Summer school classes in the United States are expensive. For example: tuition, room and board for two classes at Harvard Summer school will cost you and your parents $11,175 (US Dollars) not including travel and personal expenses. That’s a ridiculous amount of money for a student who is undecided and confused about their interests.

May I suggest that since you are already attending a university, and have not expressed an interest to transfer to a US college, that you take the time this summer to have fun and focus on one subject that is near and dear to your heart. In your situation – even if money were no object – attending an intense summer school program just doesn’t seem to be the right medicine for your ailment.

All best,

Dr. Gibby