IN THE SUMMERTIME.....

It’s hard to turn our thoughts to getting into college when you have bright sunny days, girls all dress to get on the metro to go to the beach, or you are driving down Pacific Coast Highway blasting the radio in a convertible enjoying the hustle and bustle of the summer time.

However, students who are beginning to think about designing their plan to get into college need to look at the summer months as a time to engage in things of interest. Many of the paramount summer programs are held at colleges and private schools. These programs can fill up well ahead of the spring deadlines, however people plans change, and for that reason if you can do a summer program this year and get in, by all means go for it. Opportunity does not always knock a second time.

Focus on your academic interests: if you like science, then check out top science-oriented programs such as CIMI on Catalina Island. If you like writing, then look into journalism camps or poetry workshops. If you are looking to a specialty like Film Making, several Schools in Los Angeles and New York offer wonderful programs. If for some reason, your family can not afford these kinds of programs, ask about their scholarship programs. Don't be shy about applying.

If you are thinking you would like to do something next year, now is the time to contact these schools and inquire about their programs, or ask school counselor in the fall about what kind of programs are available to students with your interest. The internet is a good first step to sifting out your options.

Almost all the major schools like USC, UCLA, Stanford, Berkeley, Cornell, Columbia, NYU, Tanglewood, and Julliard have programs for high school students. You might also check your community colleges, as they can offer a wealth of opportunities, such as Santa Monica College, where you can get dual credit--- high school and college credits. Financial Aid is also available at all community colleges.