<p>I have a few questions about the WSP program:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>How much does the program actually help in improving your writing for future college apps/scholarships?</p></li>
<li><p>Is the program pretty intensive or relatively lax?</p></li>
<li><p>Do most of the attendees WANT to be there (as opposed to forced by parents)? Do most attendees go on to attend liberal arts colleges or other?</p></li>
<li><p>What are some pros/cons of this program in general?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Hi setupcontrol. I was a rhetoric assistant for this program last summer, so I feel I’m equipped to answer your questions. I can tell you the whole program is a great experience and the students love it.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>The program is 3 weeks long, and I can tell you I definitely saw improvement in people’s writing over the course of those three weeks. Perhaps more valuable than improving your writing though is getting to experience what going to a liberal arts college is really like, learning from professors, living in dorms, and meeting in discussion groups. </p></li>
<li><p>Like everything at Carleton, the program is pretty intensive.</p></li>
<li><p>Generally, most of the attendants want to be there. I have heard that in the past there were a few who were forced by their parents to go, but after meeting with the head of the program (Deborah Appleman), they shaped up their attitude pretty quickly.</p></li>
<li><p>Pros: It is a great experience where you will form strong bonds with other people in the program, learn what it’s like to go to an elite liberal arts school, improve your writing skills, participate in interesting discussions, and learn some interesting things that almost all the students say helped prepare them for their AP English classes their senior year. There is also quite a bit of fun stuff thrown in, including a talent show, activities for students, trips to the Twin Cities, etc.
Cons: They are pretty strict with the students in terms of staying in the dorms at night, lights-out times, etc. (understandable given that they’re minors). You will also be spending part of your summer writing papers and doing homework, which not everybody would love.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Haha…Deborah is the best!</p>