There are several benefits to signing up for a pre-college summer program that you can take before you show up for your first full year of college. The goal of a pre-college summer program is to prepare students for what college life will really be like once they are settled in their dorm and are getting ready for class. The following pre-college summer program benefits will help you get used to your new environment for the next school year. Whether you spend one week or two months (even in a Covid-safe virtual program ), use your time wisely and learn as much as you possibly can.
Allows You to Learn the Campus
One of the best things about a pre-college summer program is that you get to learn the campus and how it is laid out. Some college campuses are quite large. As a freshman, it can be quite overwhelming to have to run from one end of the campus to the other in just a few minutes to get to class on time. During the time you spend at the pre-college summer program, you can familiarize yourself with the campus and get to know the shortcuts you may need once school actually starts. Think of learning about your campus as an adventure. Explore to your heart’s content and learn as much as you can.
Gets You Used to a Tight Class Schedule
A college class schedule can be overwhelming for a first-year freshman. A large campus can make it difficult to get to class, especially if you are still learning the layout of the grounds. Attending a pre-college summer program is the best way to get a handle on the tight schedule you may have to deal with when school starts. Learn how to be more organized. Keep all of your classwork for each subject in one spot so you can quickly swap materials for your next class. Make notes to remind yourself about short-cuts or things you may have to avoid.
Gives You a Chance to Learn About Dorm Life
Living in a dorm with another student can be an eye-opening experience. You will have to learn to co-habitat with your roommate and possibly share a bathroom with four to six other students. While this may sound like it would be easy to do, you may be surprised at how hard it can be to use the bathroom when you truly need it. The answer may be to create a schedule so that everyone has equal time. Be considerate of others and remember that emergencies do happen for everyone. Dorm life can be a lot of fun if you go into it with the right mindset.
You Are Able to Learn the Environment
Attending a pre-college summer program will also allow you to learn the overall environment of the school. You may be able to find a group that you would enjoy belonging to at some point. Check out the fraternities and the clubs. If you have a hobby see if you can find a group of people who share the same interests. Is the school a supporter of the environment? Do the students support any unique causes or fundraisers? Ask around and learn as much as you can about the school, its students, and the environment you will be living in for the next year or so.
You Get to Test Your Own Independence Skills
Attending a university away from home will also test your own independence skills. You will be on your own making your own decisions and caring for yourself without having your parents or siblings to back you up. It can be a scary experience for a student to be on their own for the very first time a thousand miles from home. A pre-college summer program gives you a chance to find out if you are really ready to take on the world by yourself. For those of you who are, it will be a tremendous learning experience that you will always remember. If you don’t feel comfortable with how things were at the pre-college summer program, you have the option to take a gap year to prepare.
Taking a pre-college summer program gives you a chance to test the waters before diving into them. College is a big step and it’s important that you don’t overwhelm yourself. Too much too fast can make learning difficult and sabotage your educational goals. Attend a pre-college summer program and find out what you need to work on before arriving for school. It will give you a good chance o prepare yourself for a successful first year.
Related:
Top 50 Best Pre-College Summer Programs
Top 35 Colleges That Support A Gap Year
Top 25 Best Value Online High Schools
