by Amanda Farrell, College Counselor
Moving into the summer, there are many options for teens. Both getting a summer job and enrolling in a summer/pre-college program can be valuable experiences, particularly for Juniors for whom staying busy over the summer is key to success in the college application process. The decision on whether to pursue a job or an educational opportunity (or both!) ultimately depends on the individual's goals and circumstances.
If one is looking to gain work experience, earn money, and develop customer service skills, then getting a summer job can be an excellent option. This can help a teen learn about responsibility, time management, and teamwork, among other things. Additionally, a summer job can provide valuable networking opportunities and help teens develop a strong work ethic.
On the other hand, summer programs allow students to learn about exciting topics and experience a taste of college life before committing to a particular university or major. Camps and courses offered over the summer explore topics such as business, engineering, medicine, and the arts while allowing students to meet like-minded peers. These programs vary in length, lasting anywhere from 1-7 weeks, and often involve living on campus. Some offer minimal college credit as well.
In addition to what are often very expensive program costs, students should keep in mind that these summer offerings do not provide guaranteed admission or even preference in the admissions process. Should you wish to pursue one, however, there are a number of great choices close to home through the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University.
Penn Academies include:
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Experimental Physics Research Academy
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Global Culture and Media Academy
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Neuroscience Research Academy
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University of Pennsylvania – Leadership in the Business World
Drexel Summer Institutes programs include:
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Arts and Sciences
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Biomedical Engineering
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Business
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Computing and Informatics
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Design, Arts, Media
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Engineering
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Entrepreneurship
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Food and Hospitality Management
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Medicine
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Public Health
Other summer programs in Pennsylvania include:
- Lehigh Summer Engineering Institute
- Carnegie Mellon – Summer Academy for Math + Science (SAMS)
- Computers and Cyber Security Camp (through Penn State Berks)
- Discovering Engineering (through Penn State Berks)
- Temple Summer Academy (applications due April 1)
- Tyler Schol Summer Studios (Temple University; applications due April 1)
- Tyler School of Architecture Institute (Temple University; applications due April 1)
- MathILy – Bryn Mawr College
If you're looking to travel for a unique summer program, consider one of the following (note that many have deadlines approaching soon):
- Arizona State University – Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Catholic University Pre-College Summer Sesions
- Foundation for Teaching Economics – Economics for Leaders (EFL)
- Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Camp
- Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSIM)
- Indiana University – Young Women’s Institute
- Johns Hopkins University Engineering Innovation Pre-College Programs
- MDI Biological Laboratory Biomedical Bootcamp
- Michigan State University – High School Honors Science, Math and Engineering Program (HSHSP)
- MIT Summer Programs
- Ohio State University – Ross Mathematics Program
- Princeton University – Summer Journalism Program
- University of Dayton - Summer Engineering Experiences
- University of Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge Junior Scholar
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy – Academy Introduction Mission (AIM)
- U.S. Military Academy – Summer Leaders Experience
- U.S. Naval Academy – Summer Seminar
Whether you choose to take a job or pursue an educational opportunity, make sure you find time to relax and enjoy those beloved summer months!
- enrichment programs
- pre-college
- summer jobs