College-Bound? Try Before You Apply

College is a huge financial investment, and with the number of different fields and careers expanding and developing, it can be hard for a high school student to figure out exactly what they want to do with their future. Weighing passions against return-on-investment, not to mention the equally difficult decision of choosing which school to go to, can make the college application season incredibly stressful for both students and their parents.

But what if you could test-drive college before making that decision?

Gain Clarity on Your Major

You might think you know what you want to study, but spending real time immersed in a field can either confirm your passion or reveal it’s not quite the right fit—both are valuable discoveries. A summer program allows you to zero in on your future specializations before you’re locked into a major. You’ll depart not just with knowledge, but with clarity about your career path.

Submit a College App That Stands Out

When you engage in college-level course work while in high school, you’ll learn best industry practices; utilize software, equipment, and skills relevant to your area of study; and get a unique hands-on experience before college even starts. Plus, you’ll depart with a product you can not only be proud of, but one you can use in your college applications to make you stand out as a candidate. It’s a great way to pad out your portfolio!

Leaving-the-Nest Test

Living on a real college campus—even for just two weeks—can provide invaluable insight into what your future college life could look like. From managing your time and classwork to creating new lasting friendships, you’ll build those real-world skills that will serve you well when it finally comes time to leave the nest.

Expand Your Network

College-level summer programs are designed to bring motivated, curious high school students—like you—together. You’ll meet like-minded students and faculty who care deeply about the same subjects, problems, and causes as you. When you engage with higher-level coursework and real-world applications earlier, you’ll get a head-start in your chosen field.

Know That You’ve Got This!

Probably the most important advantage you’ll gain from test-driving college life this summer is the confidence in yourself and in your chosen career. You and your parents alike will be informed, engaged, and better-prepared for the road ahead, better able to avoid expensive, last-minute major changes, uncertainty, and stress.