Are you a high-schooler or parent of one who is eager to know what college life is really like?
Summer experiences at universities have been gaining popularity as an opportunity to acclimate and better prepare young adults for college.
These learning experiences give high school students who have completed 10th, 11th, or 12th grade an in-depth look into what it’s like being on campus and in the classroom.
At UVM, we know the transition to college isn’t always easy; that’s why our Summer Academy program has been helping high schoolers feel confident about college for nearly 15 years.
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Learn moreNew and Existing Summer Academy Courses
UVM Summer Academy is a 5-week, for-credit college experience for high school students. Students live one week on campus with a cohort of other high school students, followed by a four-week Summer U/Pre-College credit course. The program serves as an excellent bridge between high school and college, offering a glimpse into living on campus at UVM and a taking a real college class that counts for credits.
The week on UVM’s campus shouldn’t be confused with a summer camp — students participate in a packed week of fun and immersive college experiences while on campus, followed by a serious academic commitment to a real college class taught by UVM’s expert instructors. Students will leave the program with transferable credits and a sense of confidence that truly prepares them for college.
“A major goal for this pre-college summer program is for students to earn undergraduate credits through Summer U at Vermont’s only R1 research institution,” said UVM Pre-College Advisor, Aimee Adrian. “If you’re looking for a summer pre-college program that makes an academic impact, Summer U is an ideal opportunity. The credits students earn become a permanent part of their academic record at UVM and are generally transferable to other institutions. Gaining college credits through a pre-college program like Summer Academy can reduce first-year pressures and help students explore potential majors—benefits that can shape your entire collegiate experience.”
Summer Academy course offerings are adjusted based on students’ changing interests and UVM faculty input. New and existing offerings this year include courses in:
- Environmental Systems & Technology
- Engineering & Math
- Health & Medicine
- Innovation, Entrepreneurship, & Community Development
- History & Literature
- Visual Arts
“Confidence and independence are the cornerstones of UVM Summer Academy,” said Adrian. “Students often arrive uncertain or a little nervous, but then they “graduate” so to speak, knowing they can navigate a campus, work through a syllabus, manage their time, and succeed in college-level work. Plus, having pre-college classes on your transcript and college credits in hand gives you a tangible head start for college applications.”
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Learn moreA Lesson in College Culture
Summer Academy is not only an educational experience but also a cultural experience. UVM curates and oversees a special activity schedule for the students, including everything from beach time to a baseball game and a visit to the farmer’s market.
“Think about being in Burlington in July and going to the beach – it’s so important. Not to say it’s more important than the academics, but it’s also central to the UVM student experience,” Summer Academy Program Director Alison Maynard said. “There is the campus-based experience with labs, workshops, student panels, and there’s also this vibrant community that students get to live in and experience.”
“We have so many fun activities to fill their week,” Nichole Hathaway of UVM Professional and Continuing Education said. “There is usually a social justice piece that the RAs do with them. We also try to mix in wellness activities, and they can choose from everything from yoga to ice skating at Cairns arena.”
Of course, Hathaway says there is time each evening for homework (and socializing), too.
“These are high school students; we know they stay up late. They have designated time in the evening to do homework and catch up on projects together,” Hathaway said.
Why Summer Academy is Not Just for Prospective UVM Students
Though Summer Academy is an excellent primer for attending UVM, Maynard says that isn’t why all students attend. In 2022, between UVM’s Summer Academy and Pre-College courses, approximately 30 percent of high school students who participated later applied to UVM.
“Some students do it because they want to attend UVM and get a better sense of the campus and what they want to study. Some students are looking for a college experience because they, especially Vermont students, don’t intend to go to UVM,” Maynard said. “They want to differentiate themselves in their college applications and have this experience and credential to show they are ready for college.”
Another big reason many students attend Summer Academy is to get college credits for free with in-state dual enrollment or 50 percent off the regular tuition rate (out-of-state).
The Details and How to Apply
So, how do you decide if Summer Academy is right for you or your student? And what do students, faculty, and parents have to say about Summer Academy?
Visit the Summer Academy website to learn more or chat with an advisor.
To apply for Summer Academy students must first choose their credit course and then follow the instructions to complete a Pre-College/Summer Academy application.
“It’s intensive and rigorous, and they also have this experience where they are in this beautiful place at a beautiful time of year,” Maynard reflected.
UVM’s Pre-College Programs are both online and on campus.
Learn more
