<p>So I got my invitation to this yesterday, I think.
I'm currently on a gap year in Belgium, I won't be back until July 15th. I might be able to swing an early release, but then I'd have to cover costs to get back home.</p>
<p>Is it worth it?</p>
<p>Hello Seniorgirl94:</p>
<p>Great question. My son was just accepted into NCSU and received an invitation to START shortly after he confirmed his intent to attend. No one seems to be able to provide more information on this program beyond the details on their site. Frankly, it seems to me like it was originally intended for foreign students so they could acclimate to college in the US. </p>
<p>What I believe is that they may be expanding the program by opening it up to other incoming students. Reads like their capacity is 300 students and less than half of that participate historically. </p>
<p>It is essentially the 2nd summer term. Students may take courses that legitimately count towards credit/degree. It may prove to be a good strategy to take a course you may otherwise be dreading as apparently there’s a lot of tutoring support. As for my son’s situation, he’s quite familiar with the campus (we live in Raleigh) and he’s not likely to be overwhelmed by the large campus or the transition to independence.</p>
<p>Frankly, I was wondering if he received the invite because he’s a minority (Asian). I say that because there seems to be much more reference to START if you search the International Student pages.</p>
<p>I too would be interested to hear others’ thoughts or experience with START.</p>