Summer programs at Summer Discovery are full of fun and exciting new experiences for students, no matter which campus they choose to attend. That being said, a little planning can go a long way when preparing to head out to your program.
From researching what to expect out of your program to getting the details on what to pack for your stay, there’s a lot to consider when you start to get ready to leave. If you want to make sure that you feel prepared to go without forgetting anything, then you’ve come to the right place! Continue reading for 5 tips on how to plan ahead for your summer program.
1. Embrace an Open Mind
If you’ve ever thought about attending a college prep program, then you likely understand that many high school summer programs offer a wide variety of courses and host students from around the country. Summer Discovery is the same, with over 10 university campuses and over 300 courses to choose from, tailored to your own interests.
Keeping an open mind will help you make the most out of your summer program. Understanding that each student comes from a different background and has different strengths to bring to each activity will help you feel comfortable showcasing your own talents.
2. Think About Topics That Interest You
Before committing to a summer program, it is important to consider the academic areas you’re passionate about. This will help you find a course and a campus with Summer Discovery that suits your goals and enables you to make progress in your field of interest.
Explore your past experiences and do a little research on some of our course offerings here, to get an idea of what may be the perfect choice for you. When you prepare in this way, you ensure that you’ll be getting the most out of your summer experience.
3. Communicate with Your Parents and Contacts
Leaving for any summer program can feel overwhelming if you haven’t quite finished preparing. One way to plan ahead that can help you feel ready to go is to communicate with your parents, family, and friends, and let them know what program you’ll be doing and the dates you’ll be there. Talking about this exciting upcoming experience with the people closest to you will help you feel more comfortable with the idea of leaving and eager to set off to enjoy your program.
4. Get the Details on Your Chosen High School Summer Program
Once you’ve solidified your spot in your chosen high school summer program, you can look into the specific details of your courses. Aside from the class time, you can look at the daily schedule and what activities may be available outside of your courses.
At Summer Discovery, our programs differ depending on the campus and the program options, but we’ve provided a sample daily schedule here that you can use as a general guide. Knowing more about what to expect daily while you’re away will help you feel more prepared for your experience.
5. Create a Comprehensive Packing List
Try thinking about each aspect of your program and what you may need. It can be helpful to split your packing list into sections: Clothing, Essentials, Accessories, Footwear, etc. From there, you can write out what you’d like to bring from each category.
Once you’ve created an exhaustive list, then you can begin packing and cross items off as you find a place for them in your luggage. If you want a packing outline to use as a guide, we’ve created a document here that may give you some more ideas on what to bring. Don’t worry too much about your packing list, because as long as you have your essentials and come ready for a one of a kind experience, then you’ll have an incredible summer.
Are you interested in our high school STEM summer programs?
Contact Summer Discovery for more information!