Pre-college summer programs can be truly transformative, offering a unique blend of learning, networking, and personal growth to high school students. And there is quite a mix of selective, vigorous, free, and pay-to-play programs to choose from. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend Harvard University’s Pre-law Summer Program organized by Harvard Student Agencies. Here are my insights from this experience to help you find a great pre-college program that aligns with your goals.
Learning through personal experience
My time in Harvard’s summer program was both eye-opening and disappointing at the same time. Outside of the program itself, I was able to explore downtown Boston and envision myself walking those streets as a college student. It was great to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle; I enjoyed being independent and feeling a sense of possibility and excitement about the adventures that lie ahead. With any on-campus pre-college program, take it as more than just an opportunity to participate in the academics but everything surrounding the college. Now on to the positives and negatives.
Pros of my pre-college program
The best part of my Pre-law program experience was learning more about the legal landscape, something I had limited knowledge of prior to the program. I learned about the court system, specific Supreme Court cases, and different kinds of law. Program attendees were also offered a tour of Harvard’s undergraduate campus as well as the Law School campus, which was nice but not something that mattered greatly to me.
Moreover, the program introduced me to a group of like-minded peers who shared my interest and ambitions in law. Engaging in discussions, debates, and mock trials with other students challenged me to think critically and develop my analytical skills. Ultimately, the program provided me with a different perspective on the legal field, confirming my passion and commitment to becoming a lawyer.
Cons of this summer program
However, there were some downsides to attending the Harvard Student Agencies’ summer program. Depending on which program you sign up for (Pre-law, Business, etc.), the class sizes can vary. In my Pre-law program, there were 50 kids in one classroom with only two undergraduate students to supervise them and, at times, only one instructor. If you find yourself in a program like this, classes might feel chaotic and overwhelming at times. Another risk of any summer program is if you’re looking to learn from people with real-world career experiences and what being in your field of interest really looks like, you might not get that. The only teachers offered in my program were undergraduate students, meaning they had little exposure to the legal field.
Related: All About Pre-College Summer Programs
Questions to ask during the pre-college program research and selection process
When you start your pre-college program research, you need to realize that paid programs are much less competitive than free programs due to their costs. That isn’t to say you won’t be accepted to a competitive free program, but it may be harder to secure a spot. Most colleges offer pay-to-play programs to diversify their revenue, and attending one (more often than not) doesn’t increase your chances of getting into that college later. Here are some questions to ask to find the right pre-college program for you.
- What are the program’s objectives? What do they hope the students will get out of the program, and is it clear based on their program’s web page?
- What are your objectives? What knowledge do you hope to gain through a summer program? Do you want to be able to network or have a better shot at getting into that college? Do you just want to get a sense of what attending that college might be like?
- Who will be teaching and participating in the program? A program could be run by students, professors, administrative staff, an external organization, or a combination. Knowing who is instructing you will help you understand what you will learn.
- Are all applicants accepted to this program or is it more selective? For pay-to-play programs, it seems like all or most applicants are accepted. Be prepared to be with other students who run the spectrum of knowledge and experience if there is no selection process.
Related: Answers You Need to Your Questions About Pre-College Programs
While Harvard’s Pre-law Summer Program provided some exposure to the legal field, it did have room for improvement. The experience, although somewhat marred by large class sizes and less experienced instructors, still grew my understanding and love of law. So for my fellow high school students, be sure to ask questions about your pre-college program(s) of interest and do your research! There are so many options out there, and some of them can be life changing. To figure out what fits your interests and goals, you have to do a deep dive into all the programs you’re thinking of applying to. Weighing both the positives and potential drawbacks can help you make the most of your summer experience.
Learn more about pre-college programs with all our articles and advice before using our College Search tool to find the right school and program for you!
