Pre-college experiences for rising juniors and seniors

[Pollyanna]

If you have a high school age child you know there are a million different pre-college experiences to choose from. I highly recommend doing a pre-college experience, even if your child doesn't seem very interested, have them look at all the different offerings across the country. Seriously, they could find an experience for any interest. One thing that is important to remember is that you need to start applying no later than January and I would actually apply in late Nov or early Dec because many of the programs have either a rolling admission or are very competitive. Plus, if your high school counselor needs time to write letters of rec or to send in transcripts etc the application process with take even longer. Last year dd went to Duke's creative writers camp. It was a good experience and helped her with her writing. This year she did the pre-college field study experience at the The University of the South (http://sei.sewanee.edu/programs/precollege/). I cannot say enough about this experience for not only our daughter but for all the kids, it was truly amazing. Here is a link to the blog from the last three years: http://sewaneeenvironmentalinstitute.../sei-2011.html If your child is interested in science, the environment, or even if they are not this experience is worth a look. If your child's high school does not provide a list of options you can find tons of information on college confidential under the discussion tab, just search pre-college or summer programs.