Opportunities Abound To Have A Productive Summer

Students looking to have an academically productive summer have limitless opportunities.  They can apply to programs at any of the Ivy League colleges and universities, immerse themselves in educationally oriented volunteer programs worldwide, or attend courses at local colleges that focus on specific subjects that they may want to pursue in college.

Choosing to attend a New Jersey based program is often less costly for students, as travel costs are minimal and students can often live at home. The range of NJ colleges hosting academic programs is large, as is the choice of subject matter.

The College of New Jersey offers several summer programs, including “Create Your Business – Business Simulation Academy for Business and Entrepreneurship,” “Natural Science Investigations Academy for Science, Career and Research Exploration,” and “Vitalities: A Summer Academy for the Exploration of Health Professions.” Students interact with college faculty and explore a variety of career opportunities.

Rutgers University hosts a “Summer Science Scholars Academy,” which is a selective three-week program for students who plan to pursue a career in the health professions.  Students are exposed to a medical school curriculum as well as clinical experiences through interactive seminars. There is also a two-week “SLAAM” program focusing on research and applied work within the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department.  At the Mason Gross School of the Arts, summer programs are offered in music, dance, theater, visual arts (including portfolio preparation) and film.

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers two-week programs with an option to earn college credits.  Programs are offered in a wide spectrum of subjects: robotics & artificial intelligence, digital animation, cybersecurity, business of sports, creative writing, genetics and astrophysics.

Stevens Institute of Technology hosts a gamut of pre-college programs for motivated high school students.  Topics include: Civil Engineering Design & Architecture, Entrepreneurship, Electronic Music Production, Pre-Law Stem & Society, Pre-Med Biology, Intro to Coding and App Design, and Virtual Reality.

Seton Hall University presents a “Summer Institute of International Law and Human Rights” led by faculty from the School of Diplomacy.

Montclair State University hosts a week-long “Model UN Summer Academy.”  Students work on topics including public speaking, debate, negotiating, and multiculturalism. 

Rowan University offers a “STEAM Academy” with coursework and workshops including such topics as human biology, computer programming, forensics and engineering.

Stockton University’s “CSI Summer Camp” offers students hands-on experiences in criminal investigation and trial work.

It’s important for students to enjoy their summers, including family vacations and leisure time with peers.  But it’s also important for students to have something to write about on their college applications when asked to, “Share a Summer Experience that had a Positive Impact.” 

Susan Alaimo is the founder of SAT Smart. For the past 25 years, SAT Smart’s Ivy League educated tutors have prepared students for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, Subject Tests, AP courses, and all high school subjects. Visit www.SATsmart.com or call 908-369-5362.