Are you making plans for the summer? Parents of high school students may be interested in GW’s Summer Scholars Pre-College Program, a six-week residential program for rising seniors, from July 5 to August 14. Summer Scholars offers an authentic college experience for students who seek an intellectual challenge and who are ready to “test the waters.” Summer Scholars engages students in an intensive program of college coursework and study that examines topics of academic interest through seminars and activities that focus on college preparation. The program promotes an atmosphere of independent learning, allowing participants to organize their day around scheduled activities.

Summer Scholars take an undergraduate course for credit and explore interests through specially organized talks and activities representing a cross-section of academic disciplines and learning communities. Enrichment programs such as First Year Writing, the College Life Seminars, and Beyond Admissions, prepare students for the realities and rigors of college. In First Year Writing, students hone critical thinking and analytical writing skills through in-class assignments, in response to selected readings. Exercises focus on idea development, organization, structure, and composition, as students strengthen skills necessary for academic discourse in a college environment. Students then attend their selected undergraduate course, which they take with other GW students. A diverse itinerary of enrichment programs or study workshops is offered each afternoon. On Fridays, GW students lead discussions in the College Life Seminars, focusing on a wide range of qualitative topics such as the freshman experience, student activities, and student leadership. Beyond Admissions is a highly interactive workshop that encourages students to explore non-traditional sources when considering college choices. An exercise in comparing college applications and examining essays leads to a discussion of how they are used in the admissions process. Mock interviews and admission committee simulations provide insight into the process. Weekends are reserved for recreational activities and field trips.

Summer Scholars also have access to university facilities including the libraries, computer labs and recreational facilities. Each student is assured a high degree of personal attention, so that their college experiment will be personally meaningful and rewarding. Scholars take classes at the urban Foggy Bottom campus and reside with other program participants at the GW’s Mt. Vernon College. Live-in Resident Advisors assist in coordinating group activities, floor meetings and late evening fun. Summer Scholars also have access to summer in the city and Washington, D.C.’s exceptional variety of educational and cultural programs. Admission to the program is selective and limited to a small number of applicants. Applications are currently being accepted and decisions are made on a rolling and space-available basis. To learn more about GW Summer Scholars please visit our web site at www.gwu.edu/summer/scholars, or contact us at scholars@gwu.edu or by phone at 202-242-6802.