Smith Precollege Summer Programs: College Readiness Recently Updated

Eligible for rising junior and seniors in high school

Spend one intensive week working on your college application at Smith College! In the morning you'll work closely with mentors to strengthen your college application, including essays, personal statements, and resumes. In the afternoon, you'll take College-Level Composition to sharpen your academic writing and critical thinking skills. Learn directly from Smith faculty and admission professionals who understand what colleges look for.

You will learn how to write a compelling essay, ace a college interview and speak in public with ease and confidence—skills that will help you succeed in getting into college but will also help you succeed in life. You will attend workshops conducted by top admission and financial aid officers from Smith and other similar institutions. Selected workshop topics include affording college, critical thinking and reading, finding the right fit for postsecondary education, and taking a gap year.

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

• A Polished Essay
  You will finish the program with a completed, or semi-completed, admission essay to be used for the Common Application, as well as tips to customize your essay if the Common Application is not used.
• Public Speaking & Interviewing Readiness
  You will gain new confidence and skills for public speaking, specifically when interviewing and speaking comfortably about yourself and your achievements.
• Self-Editing Skills
  By developing skills in critical thinking and writing, including critical reading, revision, creating and defending an argument, you will learn how to read and revise your own work for any personal, professional, or academic writing assignment.
• Clear Choices
  After attending the program, you will come away with a better idea of the type of college or university that is a good fit for you. We will have explored what type of learning environment you thrive in and your areas of academic interest, giving you an opportunity to compile a list of possible schools that are right for you and to which you will want to apply.