This summer, explore science, writing or something else

I applied to these programs to improve my writing and get a taste of college life. I also hope it will help me figure out what kind of college I want to attend. If I like being at a small private school, I’ll know that’s the kind of school I want to go to.

My sister did a summer writing program and she told me it helped her with essay writing. During the three weeks, she wrote essays and they helped her improve them by discussing grammar and how to focus the essay and write more clearly. The group also did other activities besides writing, such as visiting the biggest mall in the country, called Mall of America, outside Minneapolis, Minn. They also made journals and developed long-lasting friendships.

There are hundreds of summer programs in math, science, writing, or whatever your interest. To figure out what kind of program I wanted to do, I asked myself what I enjoy doing and what I would like to work on. I thought I wanted to do an engineering program because I enjoy math and science, so I did searches on Google for precollege engineering programs. You could also go to your school’s college and career center to look for programs.

At first I found only expensive programs. Ones that were five to seven weeks cost $5,000 to $7,000 and programs that lasted one to three weeks cost $1,000 to $3,000. But after doing more online searches and looking on a lot of programs’ Web sites, I found some that offer financial aid. However, after my report card came out I decided I wanted to work on my writing. I searched for writing programs and found two: The Putney School summer writing program in Vermont and Carleton College’s summer writing program in Minnesota.

The Putney program costs $3,000. I am saving up, but there is financial aid available if I do not have enough money. I also am prepared to spend money on an airplane ticket since the cost of the program does not cover getting to the college. Although the program is far, I will be happy to go to a new place where I do not know anybody because I am excited to make new friends.

If you are like me, and cannot wait to see what college is all about, check out these Web sites for a list of summer programs:

http://www.petersons.com/summerop/
http://www.studentsreview.com/summer_prog.shtml
http://web.mit.edu/tbp/www/highschool/programs.html
(science and engineering)

For more information on The Putney School Writing Program, go to www.putneyschool.org.