Pre-Med Summer Programs for High School Students

Pre-med summer programs for high school students have a variety of options to explore the healthcare field during the summer. What I generally recommend is that students consider a broader exploratory interest after 9th grade, then apply to those programs in specific healthcare fields after 10th and 11th grades. One of the reasons that I suggest doing it this way is because I want students to realize early on that they do not have to major in a science in order to attend medical school. Yes, you should be comfortable with the sciences, but your major can be as far-ranging as philosophy or music, as long as you meet the course requirements to apply to medical school.

Pre-Med Summer Programs for High School Students Students must know that these pre-medical summer programs tend to be very selective, with rigorous application processes. The applications are typically due during the winter and often include submitting transcript, test scores, essays, and teacher recommendations. The application process itself is worth the effort, whether or not you’re admitted. It’s good experience.

Here are several programs that high school students with pre-medical interests may want to explore:

Boston University Research Internship in Science and Engineering – students participating in this program get a rare opportunity to conduct research with university professors. Perhaps there is even an opportunity to publish as well.

Drexel Mini-Med Summer Camp – This summer opportunity allows students to observe surgical procedures, shadow physicians during clinical office hours, and participate in medical simulations.

University of Florida Student Science Training Program – The emphasis of this program is on research with a faculty team for students not only interested in healthcare, but also math, computer science, or engineering. This could be a good opportunity to learn about other fields that may inform trends in healthcare.

These are examples which I hope will encourage you to research other programs or, better yet, create a similar program in your own community that would be a good match for next summer! Please let us know what you discover in the comments below.

Career Exploration for Students: What Do I Want To Be When I Grow Up?

Do teenagers really know what they want to do in life? In short, some of them do and some of them definitely don’t. When I’m guiding my college-bound high school students, it doesn’t matter if they know what they want to be when they grow up. I encourage career exploration for students to happen in the summer.

Case Study 1: “I want to be a medical doctor.”

Becoming a medical doctor is more than just majoring in biology. There are different types of doctors. There are many summer options where high school students can learn more about the medical field:

  • Do research at a university
  • Participate in clinical rounds through a shadowing program
  • Volunteer in a hospital, or
  • Travel on a cultural exchange that supports healthworkers.

Each summer when my students spend time in one of these activities, it always changes their perspective on the health field . . . either confirming their interest, finding a new sub-specialty interest, meeting a new mentor or deciding that they have a totally different interest.

Case Study 2: “I don’t know what I want to do in college or after.”

The most popular major for incoming college freshmen is “Undecided.” That may work well for a campus that offers the flexibility for students to explore different majors and still graduate in four years. If a college doesn’t offer that flexibility, then students can waste a lot of time and money “figuring out” what they want to do. I encourage my high school students to participate in an activity of interest during the summer. In the summers after 9th, 10th, and 11th grade, students can

  • Participate in an academic program on any topic, from history to psychology to physics
  • Volunteer in local community
  • Be creative through the fine or performing arts
  • Get a job or any other purposeful pursuit.

Either way, there is no reason that any college-bound teen should say . . .”I just hung out for the summer” especially if you’re “undecided”.

Case Study 3: “I want to be an engineer.”

This is probably the second most common interest I hear from high school students. I hate to say it but I don’t think that most high school students really know what an engineer does. There are countless summer engineering programs for high school students, especially for girls. Students can learn about the specific fields of engineering as well as meet engineers. Some programs even incorporate a hands-on problem for students to solve. These programs go a long way in helping students to not only learn about the various fields but determine if they like it enough to pursue as a major in college. (The engineering majors are one of the more intensive and time-demanding majors to pursue.) The cool thing about the summer engineering programs is that you can even find programs that are free to attend.

Case Study 4: “I think I want to do business.”

Business is a popular field of interest, yet very broad. When I ask my students which area of business interests them, they often say “management” or “general”. Still . . . very broad. That response tells me that a student has several options for the summer:

  • Attend a summer business program across topics
  • Collaborate on a business project
  • Participate in a job shadowing/internship, or
  • Get a job.

There has been a lot of interest lately in starting a business. For my students interested in entrepreneurship, I encourage them to

  • Check out summer entrepreneurship programs
  • Attend local, small business resource events, or
  • Write a business plan.

Again, with all the different options for high school students interested in any area of business, every teen can find out if this area interests them or not, before going to college.

In our upcoming blog posts, we will highlight specific summer programs for high school students to explore career interests.

What to Wear to a College Fair or Campus Visit

If the title of this article captured your attention, you are asking a great question, “What should I wear to a college fair?” or “What should I wear to this campus visit?” The answer is not always obvious based on what I see teenagers (and sometimes their parents) wearing to these events.

NOT

Here are some quick tips and I will start with what not to wear:

  • Cut-off jeans
  • Shirts with the backs cut out
  • Graphic T-shirts with obscene or explicit language/images
  • Heels that are 6 inches high (when your feet hurt, it’s hard to listen!)

Hopefully, these brief tips do not leave you saying “I need to go shopping!”

YES

Here are a few suggestions for what you can wear:

  • Comfortable, clean shoes
  • A collared shirt
  • Pants, belted at the waist, i.e. not sagging
  • Jeans are OK as long as they are worn neatly!

A good rule of thumb if you’re still wondering  . . . . when in doubt, dress up! 

Which fairs will you visit? Safe travels and be sure to take our comparison checklist with you to make sure you make the most of a college fair!

wear

 

 

Where to find summer coding camps for Teens

compass college advisory

I am particularly concerned about girls in STEM. Over the years, there’s been a significant drop in females graduates in computer science for example. According to the girlswhocode.com website, women represent only 12% of computer science graduates versus 37% in 1984. What happened??

For me personally, I started out in the STEM area as a college freshman. The large, lecture-style STEM freshman year courses were clearly designed to weed out the ill-prepared students. My high school AP Physics course did not prepare me for the rigors of introductory physics at Stanford. Even with a “curve”, my test grades in this course discouraged me from continuing in the department.

In my consulting practice, I have had several female clients who are excited about the STEM areas earlier in high school. As the senior year draws near, however, their interest wanes. One of the ways that I try to keep their interests high or sometimes pique their interest is to introduce STEM summer camps.

Here is a list of camps that offers a great starting point for finding camps for all teens, especially girls: Summer Coding Camps for Kids.

My hope is that the summer camps will stimulate their creativity and show them practical applications for STEM.

Another telling statistic today is that only .4% of female freshmen plan to major in computer science, whereas 74% of middle-school girls are interested in STEM. What’s happening in middle and high school for these girls??

College Fit Finder: What does “College Fit” mean?

santa clara campus

During a recent talk to high schools, Peter V. Johnson, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Columbia University stated elegantly:

columbia-main-gate
Columbia University, where I almost attended!

“We do not admit statistics to an institution. We admit people to an educational community.”

His statement defines college fit which we have been hearing more and more about these days. Using a college fit finder can help students identify the best schools for their needs.

Student perspective on College Fit

There are 2 sides to this “college fit” coin. Dean Johnson intimates the importance of fit from the college’s side. On the other side of this coin, the student can select colleges based on fit. While I don’t have a pithy quote like Dean Johnson, I will share three aspects of college fit from the student’s side.

Three aspects of college fit that students can consider when developing their list of colleges are

  • Academic fit
  • Social/cultural fit
  • Financial fit

Questions to ask about these components may include:

  • Academic – Does this college have my major interest?
    What are the required courses for graduation?
    How long will it take me to graduate based on the course offerings and schedule?
  • Social/cultural – Will I fit in?
    Can I get the type of support I need within this campus community?
    What will I do on the weekends?
  • Financial – What available scholarships will make this college affordable for my family?
    What financial sacrifices must I make to graduate from this college?
    Am I OK with those financial sacrifices?

Students have the best chance of graduating on time when these areas of fit are considered up-front.

In the same way, colleges have the best chance of admitting students who will contribute to the quality of their communities when they ask the right questions about students upfront. If you want to see the questions that matter to a college, check out their essay questions. Those questions say a lot about the type of people they want to join their educational community!

How To Get The Best Teacher Recommendation

studying in the library

During sophomore and junior year of high school, I discuss the importance of teacher recommendations in the college application. Learning what teachers should write in their teacher recommendation letter is quite eye-opening for students. More importantly, learning this information long before it’s required means that students will have an opportunity to work on developing those important student-teacher relationships.

For example, in a recent Common Application, teachers are asked to respond to these student qualities:

  • Creative, original thought
  • Productive class discussion
  • Disciplined work habits
  • Reaction to setbacks
  • Concern for others

These are in addition to academic and other personal characteristics.
If you are reading this shortlist and can’t think of ONE sophomore or junior year teacher who would rank you highly with these qualities, then it’s time for you to start nurturing 2-3 teacher relationships. This is meant in a sincere way. If you’re genuinely interested in the topic being taught, that’s one way of determining whether to further build a relationship with the teacher.

Many of my students will apply to selective summer programs. When they apply to a summer program during sophomore or junior year, this gives them a great opportunity to request a recommendation. The teacher who writes a summer program recommendation will learn earlier about your interests and how to write about your unique attributes.

Whether you’re requesting a teacher recommendation for a summer program or college application, here are 5 key things to do to get the best recommendation:

  1. Request the recommendation 3-4 weeks prior to the deadline, when possible. This will allow the teacher ample time to write a strong letter on your behalf.
  2. Provide the teacher description of the program of interest. Discuss why you’re interested in this program. When applying to colleges, let the teacher know the colleges of interest to you and why.
  3. Activities Resume – share your updated Activities Resume with the teacher so that he/she will learn more about your interests.
  4. If there’s a form provided or other instructions about what should be included in the teacher recommendation, give that to the teacher, as well. Make sure that if there’s a waiver for you to sign that you do so prior to giving the teacher the form.
  5. Most important . . . Give the teacher an addressed envelope to seal and sign. If the recommendation should be mailed, please fill out the address and place a stamp on the envelope. If the letter should be returned to yoMake sure that teacher signs across seal of envelope with your recommendation, to ensure confidentialityu, please write on the front of the envelope.”Teacher Recommendation for (Your Name)”. Please make sure that the teacher signs across the seal of the envelope (see photo). This ensures that the recommendation is confidential!

Teacher recommendations are an important part of your application portfolio, whether it’s for a summer program or college admissions. You may also follow these steps if a counselor recommendation is needed.

What’s worked for you in getting the best recommendation?

 

Should I Do Optional College Essays? Here’s Why You Should Consider It

High school seniors in the midst of college application season often find themselves grappling with a crucial question: “Should I do optional college essays?” It’s tempting to skip over these “optional” sections, especially when your plate is already full with mandatory essays, schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and the looming stress of graduation. However, understanding when and why you should tackle these optional essays can significantly impact your college admission prospects.

The Temptation to Skip: Is It Ever Okay?

Let’s face it—senior year is busy. Between maintaining your GPA, preparing for standardized tests, and managing other college application requirements, finding extra time to write an optional essay can feel overwhelming. Some college applications, such as those from Emory University, include optional questions like:

“Please write exactly five sentences that best describe you.”

On the surface, skipping this question seems like a reasonable time-saving decision. After all, Emory even states that “if you choose not to submit this essay, it will not affect your admission decision.” So, why not take them at their word and save yourself the trouble?

Why Skipping Might Not Be the Best Choice

While it’s true that not submitting the optional essay won’t automatically count against you, opting out may also mean missing a golden opportunity to stand out. When you see the word “optional,” think “opportunity” instead.

College admissions are more competitive than ever, and optional essays offer you an additional platform to showcase what makes you unique. In a sea of applicants with similar grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities, these essays allow you to present new, insightful, and non-redundant information that might not be evident from other parts of your application.

For example, Emory’s optional essay prompt about describing yourself in five sentences isn’t just about completing another task. It’s an opportunity for you to highlight aspects of your personality, character, or experiences that haven’t been discussed elsewhere. It’s a chance to confirm to the admissions committee why you should be admitted.

The Rule of Thumb: When to Write the Optional Essay

The general rule of thumb is that if responding to the optional essay provides an opportunity to complement your application with new information, then you should absolutely take the time to write it. Here’s why:

  1. Provides Additional Context: The optional essay allows you to add context to your application. Perhaps there’s a unique aspect of your background, a challenge you’ve overcome, or a passion that drives you—things that are not fully captured in the rest of your application.
  2. Showcases Your Writing Skills: Even if the essay is short, it’s another opportunity to demonstrate your writing ability. Strong writing skills are crucial in college, and an optional essay lets you show the admissions committee that you can communicate effectively.
  3. Demonstrates Your Interest: Completing the optional essay shows that you’re genuinely interested in the school. It indicates that you’re willing to go the extra mile, which can be particularly important at competitive institutions where demonstrating interest can be a deciding factor.
  4. Sets You Apart: Optional essays can set you apart from other applicants who chose not to complete them. In a competitive admissions process, every little bit helps, and your optional essay might just be the extra nudge that sways the decision in your favor.

When It Might Be Okay to Skip

There are situations where it might be reasonable to skip the optional essay:

  • Redundant Information: If your response to the optional essay would simply reiterate information already covered in your main essay or other parts of your application, it might not be worth writing. The key is to provide new, valuable insights.
  • Quality Concerns: If you find yourself stretched too thin, resulting in an essay that isn’t well-written or thoughtful, it might be better not to submit it. Admissions committees can tell when an essay is rushed, and a poorly executed optional essay could do more harm than good.

Final Thoughts: The Optional Essay is Not Really Optional

So, should I do optional college essays? The answer is yes—if you can use it as an opportunity to enrich your application with additional insights, showcase your writing ability, and demonstrate your genuine interest in the school. Remember, in the highly competitive landscape of college admissions, every chance to stand out should be taken seriously.

In conclusion, while the term “optional” might suggest that it’s okay to skip the essay, viewing it as an “opportunity” can make a significant difference in your college application process. Use this chance to further highlight what makes you unique, and you might just find that it plays a pivotal role in your acceptance to the college of your dreams. Happy writing!

Different Types of Early Admission for College

Cedarville College

The college admissions process can be overwhelming, with numerous deadlines, requirements, and decisions to navigate. One aspect that adds another layer of complexity is early admission. So, what is early admission for college, and how does it impact your chances of getting into your dream school?

What is Early Admission for College?

Early admission is a process that allows high school seniors to apply to college earlier than the regular application deadlines, typically in November, with the promise of receiving an admissions decision by December. This process can take several forms, including Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), and Restricted Early Action (REA). Each of these options comes with its own set of rules and implications for applicants.

Early Decision (ED)

This is a binding agreement, meaning if you are accepted, you must attend that college and withdraw all other applications. ED is ideal for students who have a clear first-choice school and are committed to attending if accepted.

Early Action (EA)

Unlike ED, Early Action is non-binding, allowing students to apply early and receive a decision without committing to attend. This gives students the flexibility to apply to multiple schools and compare offers before making a final decision.

Restricted Early Action (REA)

Also known as Single-Choice Early Action, this option is non-binding but restricts applicants from applying early to other private colleges. It offers a middle ground between ED and EA, providing an early decision without the binding commitment.

The Impact of Early Admission Results

Early admission results are released well before regular decision deadlines, giving students who applied early a significant advantage in knowing their college options sooner. These results can also offer insights into the overall competitiveness of the admissions cycle. For instance, a spike in early applications at certain schools, like the 40% increase at Boston University or the 11% increase at Princeton for REA applicants, indicates a growing trend of students seeking the security and benefits of early admission.

Why Do Colleges Offer Early Admission?

Colleges offer early admission for several reasons:

  1. Enrollment Management: Early admission helps colleges manage their enrollment numbers more effectively by securing a portion of their incoming class early in the admissions cycle. This allows them to better predict how many students will ultimately enroll and adjust their regular decision admissions accordingly.
  2. Yield Rates: Colleges are keen to maintain high yield rates (the percentage of accepted students who enroll). Early Decision applicants, who are bound to attend if accepted, contribute positively to a college’s yield rate, making ED an attractive option for institutions.
  3. Identifying Committed Students: Early admission, particularly Early Decision, allows colleges to identify students who are highly committed to attending their institution. These applicants are often viewed more favorably because they have demonstrated a strong interest in the school.

Should You Apply for Early Admission?

Deciding whether to apply for early admission is a significant decision that should be made carefully. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Academic Readiness: Your junior year grades are crucial in your application, as they are the most recent full year of academic performance that colleges will review. If your grades are strong and your test scores are competitive, applying early could work in your favor.
  2. School Choice: If you have a clear first-choice college that you are committed to attending, Early Decision might be the best option. However, if you’re still considering multiple schools or want to compare financial aid offers, Early Action could provide the flexibility you need.
  3. Application Preparedness: The early application deadline means you need to have your application materials—essays, letters of recommendation, and test scores—ready well before the regular deadlines. If you feel rushed or unprepared, it might be better to wait for the regular decision deadline.

What Do Early Admission Results Mean for Regular Decision Applicants?

The release of early admission results can sometimes cause anxiety among students who are waiting to apply during the regular decision round. With many colleges admitting a substantial portion of their incoming class through early admission, it might seem like the odds are stacked against regular decision applicants.

However, there are a few important points to consider:

  1. Remaining Spots: While some schools do fill a significant portion of their class through early admission, many spots are still available for regular decision applicants. Colleges aim to maintain a diverse and well-rounded class, so they save spots for those who apply later in the cycle.
  2. Changing Dynamics: The profile of the regular decision applicant pool can differ significantly from that of early applicants. For instance, some students who apply early may decide not to enroll, opening up spots for regular decision applicants. Additionally, regular decision applications often come from a broader range of students, which can work to your advantage depending on the specific qualities and experiences you bring to the table.
  3. Keep Your Options Open: Even if a college admits a large number of students through early admission, it’s essential to keep your options open. Applying to a mix of reach, match, and safety schools during the regular decision round ensures that you have multiple opportunities to secure a spot at a college that fits your needs.

Conclusion: Navigating Early Admission Successfully

What is early admission for college? It’s an opportunity to potentially secure a spot at your dream school ahead of the regular decision process. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding the different types of early admission, assessing your academic readiness, and carefully considering your college preferences are all critical steps in deciding whether early admission is right for you.

Ultimately, whether you choose to apply early or wait for regular decision, the most important thing is to stay focused on finding the best fit for your academic and personal goals. Early admission can be a valuable tool in the college admissions process, but it’s just one part of a broader strategy to help you get into a college where you’ll thrive.

Additional Tips for Early Admission Applicants

  • Start Early: Begin working on your college applications the summer before your senior year to ensure you have enough time to polish your essays and gather all necessary documents.
  • Seek Guidance: Work closely with your school counselor and teachers to identify the best colleges for early admission and to get strong letters of recommendation.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up with any changes in the college admissions process, as policies and deadlines can shift from year to year.
  • Be Realistic: While it’s tempting to apply early to a reach school, make sure you have a balanced list of colleges that include safety and match schools where you’re more likely to be admitted.

By carefully weighing the pros and cons and preparing thoroughly, you can make the most of the early admission process and increase your chances of getting into a college that meets your academic and personal needs.

College of the Week: Colgate University

Colgate

What is Colgate University?

Located in the charming town of Hamilton, NY, Colgate is recognized as one of the most beautiful college campuses. The community is rich in diversity with 25% of students from multi-cultural backgrounds and 7% international students (representing 40 countries). Two-thirds of Colgate students study abroad through 26 semester-long programs, which include an Economics program in Geneva, Switzerland.  If a student can not study for a full semester, then there are 3-week, faculty-led extended study programs, and numerous summer programs.

 

Colgate University Graduation rate: 87.9%

 

Colgate University Enrollment:

2,969 undergrads

Academics:

Colgate students have a liberal arts core and 52 majors to choose from. The most popular majors are English, economics, and art history. At Colgate, 99% of faculty hold a Ph.D. or highest degree in their field.

Social:

There are over 170 organizations and clubs for students to participate. 25 Division 1 athletic teams and fitness facilities offer opportunities for Colgate students to stay active year-round. Campus life at Colgate is vibrant and active. However, shuttle buses travel to NYC twice a day if students want to getaway.

Colgate University Tuition:

Tuition and fees are $55,000, with students receiving an average award of $40K.

Check out these campus photos of our visit to Colgate:

 

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Pros and Cons of ACT vs SAT

When it comes to college admissions, the ACT and SAT are the two primary standardized tests that students in the United States can take. Both tests are accepted by most colleges and universities, but they have distinct differences that can influence a student’s choice. Understanding the pros and cons of ACT vs SAT can help students and parents make an informed decision.

Pros of the ACT

  1. Science Section: One of the most distinctive features of the ACT is its science section. For students who excel in science and are interested in showcasing their analytical and scientific reasoning skills, this section can be a significant advantage.
  2. Math Content: The ACT includes more advanced math concepts than the SAT, including trigonometry. For students who are strong in math, this can be beneficial.
  3. Time Per Question: The ACT generally allows more time per question compared to the SAT. This can be advantageous for students who work well under timed conditions but need slightly more time to process each question.
  4. Straightforward Questions: Many students find the ACT questions to be more straightforward and less tricky than those on the SAT, which can help reduce test anxiety and confusion.

Cons of the ACT

  1. Fast-Paced: Despite the overall higher time per question, the ACT is known for its fast pace and can be challenging for students who need more time to read and comprehend passages.
  2. Science Section Pressure: While the science section can be an advantage for some, it can also be a drawback for those who are not strong in scientific reasoning or data analysis.

Pros of the SAT

  1. No Science Section: For students who are not comfortable with science, the absence of a dedicated science section on the SAT can be a relief.
  2. Evidence-Based Reading: The SAT emphasizes evidence-based reading and writing, which can be beneficial for students with strong reading comprehension and analytical skills.
  3. Math Sections: The SAT math sections focus more on algebra and data analysis, which may be more familiar and comfortable for many students compared to the more advanced math on the ACT.
  4. Guessing Penalty Removed: The SAT no longer penalizes for wrong answers, which can encourage students to answer more questions without the fear of losing points for guessing.

Cons of the SAT

  1. Trickier Questions: Some students find the SAT questions to be more complex and tricky compared to the straightforward nature of the ACT questions.
  2. Time Pressure: The SAT has a different pacing that can be challenging for students who need more time to process and understand the questions.

Choosing Between the ACT and SAT

Choosing between the ACT and SAT ultimately depends on the individual student’s strengths, weaknesses, and test-taking preferences. Here are a few tips to help decide:

  • Take Practice Tests: Taking practice tests for both the ACT and SAT can help students understand which format they are more comfortable with.
  • Consider Academic Strengths: Students should consider their strengths in subjects like math and science. If a student excels in advanced math and science, the ACT might be more suitable.
  • Evaluate Reading and Comprehension Skills: If a student has strong reading and analytical skills, the SAT’s emphasis on evidence-based reading and writing might be a better fit.
  • Test Timing: Consider the timing of the tests and how well the student performs under different pacing conditions.

Conclusion

Both the ACT and SAT have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on the individual student’s skills and preferences. By understanding the differences and taking practice tests, students can make an informed decision that will best showcase their abilities to college admissions committees. For more detailed insights, consider consulting resources such as The Princeton Review and College Board.