Educators FAQ's
- How many students participate in GW Summer Scholars?
- What is the typical profile of a GW Summer Scholar?
- What should a student consider when choosing a pre-college program?
- How selective is the 6-Week program?
- What should teachers and counselors consider in recommending students to the 6-Week Pre-College Program?
- Will participation in the 6-Week program enhance an applicant's chance of admission to GW as an undergraduate?
- For students in the 6-Week program, are there resources available to help with the undergraduate classes?
- Are there resources available to help students in the program? What if a student is not ready for a 6-Week college experience?
How many students participate in GW Summer Scholars?
Mini-courses average around 25 students per course. The 6-Week program will enroll approximately 40-50 students. Undergraduate courses typically enroll 20-30 students per course.
What is the typical profile of a GW Summer Scholar?
GW Summer Scholars come from diverse educational, economic, and cultural backgrounds. The program attracts a significant number of students from outside the Washington, DC. metro area, including students from overseas. The students are high achieving, ambitious, and academically advanced. They are often involved in numerous extracurricular activities, and in some cases, have participated in other pre-college programs in the past.
What should a student consider when choosing a pre-college program?
First and foremost, students really should know what they hope to accomplish by participating in such programs. Too many students assume that participation in such programs assures some advantage in their applications to universities as an undergraduate. This is not necessarily the case, particularly with more selective schools. Students should view pre-college programs as an opportunity to learn more about themselves, using this experience as a point of reference and perspective for considering college choices down the road. They should also use this opportunity to learn more about possible courses of interest, programs of study, styles of teaching, campus environments, college life, and living away from home.
How selective is the 6-Week program?
The program is intended to provide opportunities for accelerated study to students who demonstrate both the academic readiness and social maturity necessary for study in an intensive, fast-paced program of study. Admission decisions are made purely on an assessment of the student's potential to succeed in a short-term summer program. Typically, academic backgrounds range from an overall B average in college prep courses to high A's in honors and advanced-level courses.
What should teachers and counselors consider in recommending students to the 6-Week pre-college program?
Students enroll in two college-level courses taken in a short six weeks. One class is taken with undergraduate students and the other with fellow scholars. The Writing Seminar for Summer Scholars course is required and will include an intensive schedule of short texts and significant writing assignments. Courses are graded, and faculty do not make special exceptions for high school students. This is truly a college-level experience. Students who have a demonstrated and consistent record of academic achievement in demanding courses, and who are self-motivated typically do well in this program. Students should also have strong study habits and conflict-resolution skills, and should demonstrate the self-sufficiency necessary for living in a loosely structured urban environment.
Will participation in the 6-Week program enhance an applicant's chance of admission to GW as an undergraduate?
Although successful completion of a university level course enhances the overall academic profile and is an excellent indication of the student's potential to do well in a university setting, participation in Summer Scholars does not assure or imply admission to GW.
For students in the 6-Week program, are there resources available to help with the undergraduate classes?
Yes. Faculty keep regular office hours and are available to help students with their classes. Students are expected to take the initiative to meet with faculty regularly to discuss their progress. Advising support is also available from Summer Scholars staff. For students with physical or learning disabilities, Disability Support Services are also available at an extra cost for 6-Week students.
What if a student who has asked for a recommendation is not ready for a 6-Week college experience?
Then please do not recommend them for one. Equally important to academic success is personal success and the confidence that the student feels by having a worthwhile experience. It would be best to advise the student to find a better-suited options. A 10-day mini-course might be a better option, as it is shorter. Mini-courses provide are also a lower pressure option, as they are non-graded, noncredit opportunities for academic exploration.
