<p>I got a brochure for the Vanderbilt PAVE program in the mail yesterday. I'm thinking of applying but I'm not really interested in an engineering major. Should I still consider PAVE?</p>
<p>I got that brochure several months ago and I decided not to apply/go.</p>
<p>After doing dome research here on CC, I concluded it was more of a summer of fun than a challenging learning opportunity. For example, I read that many kids did their homework/binder the night before it was due and spent the rest of the time having fun(not a bad thing but everything in moderation). It costs quite a bundle and it doesn’t seem to offer results for cost.</p>
<p>I don’t think it boosts your college app. It accepts most of those who apply and can pay. If you want to have something that is competitive try a free summer program like TASP or RSI for science and humanities respectively.</p>
<p>I have mentioned this before on a different thread, but as a PAVE alumnus, I would hate to have anyone discouraged from attending what really is a life changing program. If you go back and look at some of the posts from previous years, you will find nothing but positive comments from the parents and students that have actually attended or been involved with the PAVE program. My parents and I considered many summer pre-college programs. I was initially drawn to PAVE because of its uniqueness and being a true college experience. Ultimately attending was one of the best decisions I have ever made. A number of my friends couldn’t believe everything I accomplished in PAVE. The funny thing is that it was so engaging and collaborative an experience that I don’t remember ever dreading an assignment.</p>
<p>Not only was PAVE academically challenging, it prepared me for college in ways I can’t even describe. I have always been a top student and have taken many AP classes. I was very involved in extracurricular activities (including Varsity Baseball, DECA, and SGA) but PAVE improved both my study habits and time management skills. I also participated in the health care experience offered to PAVE students and loved it.</p>
<p>PAVE is not just an engineering program. Although I was interested in engineering, many of my friends at PAVE were not and also got in-depth looks at dozens of disciplines in the sciences and humanities. Whether we knew exactly what we were interested in before coming to PAVE, or we had no idea what to major in during college, we were given the opportunity to explore a wide cross-section of majors and make important decisions before entering college.</p>
<p>The binder is a collection of the work completed during the program and has been an invaluable resource for me during my senior year of high school and currently during my freshman year of college. During PAVE, we were encouraged to keep our binders up to date so that by the end of the program, it really only took one night to add the finishing touches before submitting it. It also got me in the habit of keeping this semester’s work in organized binders to use when studying for my midterm exams and upcoming finals. </p>
<p>It wasn’t all work. I met and bonded with students from all over the US and other countries, participated in meaningful community service projects and had more fun than I have ever had in a summer. The professors were supportive and the head of the program, Doc V. takes a personal interest in every student.</p>
<p>This may sound like a paid advertisement but I assure you I am just a college freshman who proudly wears my “PAVE Mafia” shirt. The friendships and connections I made at PAVE will last a lifetime. If you are even thinking about attending, don’t hesitate to apply. I can say without hesitation that the worst part of PAVE was leaving.</p>
<p>I feel so strongly about the PAVE Program, that I am willing to personally speak to anyone that has questions. Just PM me.</p>
<p>Just got accepted a couple days ago. Really looking forward to it.</p>