6 Reasons to Attend a Pre-College Summer Program

Written by Emily Cihon Fehnel, Director of Campus Programs, Admissions

Have you ever considered participating in a summer program at a college or university? Here are some reasons why you may want to consider signing up for one this summer. 

1. Explore a new subject area.
   Most high schools don't offer courses in biomedical engineering, optics, or philosophy. Sign up for a course to learn something new.
    
2. Confirm your interests.
   You've always wanted to be a doctor. Make sure you don't pass out in anatomy lab. Hands-on programs like Mini Medical School, Hajim Engineering and Rochester Scholars will help familiarize you with future career fields.
    
3. Try on college.
   See what it's like to share a bathroom and do your own laundry! And order pizza and hang in the common room all night.
    
4. Meet new people.
   Students from across the country and around the globe attend our summer programs.  Make some new friends.
    
5. Get off the couch and out of the house.
   Watching movies on Netflix is a great way to relax, but it won't impress colleges. Making your own film in our 16 mm Film Workshop might just be something to add to your résumé.
    
6. Travel somewhere off the beaten path.
   Be more than a tourist. You've traveled some, but have you ever been to Malawi or Samoa? Participate in a home-stay and conduct anthropological research. 

Discover your own reasons this summer at Rochester. For program information and class descriptions, visit the Pre-College Programs website.