What are your plans this summer? Hanging around the house playing video games? Why not use some of that free time to make a video game – or explore what it’s like to be a vet, an engineer, maybe even a doctor? And even better, you could do this at your dream college! Maybe you want to try something new this summer. Colleges have tons of summer programs available for just about any interest you can imagine. Want to shoot your own documentary, program a robot, act on stage, or learn to row? Well, why not? A great place to explore your interests is on a college campus. Attending a summer program at a college you’re seriously considering will give you the opportunity to explore the campus and, perhaps, work closely with the professors that might be teaching you one day, all while you learn more about a topic that fascinates you. If you haven’t started thinking about your summer plans yet, now is the best time! Don’t wait until summer gets here to start looking for a program—the best programs fill up quickly. Some even have residential programs, which means you get to test your independence, live in the dorms, eat in the cafeteria, see what the surrounding community is like, and get an idea whether the college is a good fit or not. Finding summer programs can be challenging, so be prepared to dig a little. CAA suggests you start your search on your favorite colleges’ websites. Use the college’s search bar and enter key words related to summer programs. And don’t overlook local options, including programs at community colleges right in your own backyard. A summer program you can drive to will cost much less than a residential program halfway across the country. Costs for summer programs can range from $0 (free) all the way up into the thousands of dollars. However, just because a program is expensive doesn’t mean it’s necessarily better. And, many summer programs offer students financial aid. If they don’t, you could also petition for funding around your neighborhood, ask your family and friends, or coordinate a fundraiser by using a crowd-funding site such as www.gofundme.com. Take CAA’s advice and when you’re talking to a college admissions counselor in your senior year and they ask, “What did you do during the summer?” you’ll have some great experiences to talk about!
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