College Prep for the Rising Sophomore

• Students will receive wealth of knowledge about an extensive assortment of college subject matters;
• The standardized test preparation that is necessary for admissions to elite colleges and universities; and
• A better understanding of what they are interested in studying in college.

The Academy is open to rising high school sophomores with a minimum of a B average and strong letters of reference. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of their application essay, their academic record, and a teacher's letter of recommendation. Acceptance to the Academy is made on a rolling basis. Early application is recommended, as students will be competing for limited slots.

• PSAT test preparation.
• Enrichment and study of the college subjects through panels, speakers and field trips.
• Connections to college professors, college admissions counselors, and industry professionals.
• Networking events and student social programming.

The Sophomore Enrichment Academy brings together highly motivated students to gain a broad understanding of subject matter that will allow them to excel in the college admissions process and in college academics.

• PSAT Prep: All of our test preparation courses include skills review, test-taking strategies and tips, practice exercises and simulated tests. Participants will be given a short paper-based assessment to determine individual strengths and weaknesses. Assessment will be based on practice PSAT exams. The Program includes 20 hours of instruction throughout the four-week period.
• Curriculum: The content of the lessons will include critical reading (reading comprehension, sentence completion and paragraph-length critical reading), math (number and operations, algebra and functions, geometry, statistics, probability and data analysis), and writing (grammar, usage, word choice and essay). Post-Assessment, instructors will ask participants to write a short paper-based assessment to assist in measuring the participants' improvement. An instructor will meet with each student personally to discuss the results of the assessment. Instructors have extensive backgrounds in teaching, tutoring and coaching high school students in preparing for the PSAT. These sessions will include time in the computer lab to practice on-line as well as become familiar with the College Board website.
• Student Advisement and College Counseling: Preparing students for college is the crucial component of the Sophomore Enrichment Academy. This includes: academic advisement, career advice, assistance with researching, identifying and applying to college, and understanding undergraduate majors and course selection. The Academy will also include workshops emphasizing practical skills, such as preparing for and taking exams, speaking up in class, taking effective notes, time management and what students should know about making the transition from high school to college.
• Writing and Communication Workshops: Fundamental writing and communication skills are necessary for high school students. The ability to write effectively and speak eloquently is integral to success in all professional fields. Students are provided with writing instruction, enhancing abilities to read critically, create cogent arguments, write persuasively, and cultivate logical thinking and presentation skills. Improving their overall writing abilities and focusing on certain key writing strategies will enable students to be better prepared for high school, college, and beyond.
• Panels, Speakers and Field Trips: The program combines informative and hands-on seminars by distinguished faculty and professionals providing students a real life view of course work and the course work's associated field. The Sophomore Enrichment Academy supplies students with many opportunities to and engage with professionals as they share their experiences, expectations, and career paths.
• Networking Events: Networking is a great way for students to continue to develop and refine their interpersonal skills. Through building relationships in their areas of interest, students are able to obtain additional information about the paths to college, the college experience, and internships.
• Practical Skills Workshops: Students will participate in workshops covering topics such as the preparation of résumés and cover letters, interviewing, and networking. The Academy will also include workshops emphasizing such practical skills as preparing for and taking exams, speaking up in class, taking effective notes, time management and what students should know about making the transition from high school to college to graduate coursework.

• What's Love Got To Do With It?: This course will explore human-attachment relationships through a psychological lens. Investigate the social science behind human attraction and the interpersonal relationships that we call love.
• The Movie Business: Discover how corporate enterprises work behind the scenes of the film industry. In this business course you will get to explore the organization and operations of the movie industry.
• Mastering the College Admissions Essay: Writers block? No problem. This non-fiction writing course will give you the skills and tactics you will need to master your college admissions essay and get into your dream school.
• The Philosophy Behind Philosophy: Introduce yourself to study of philosophy from a historical, ethical, and contemporary lens. Embrace your inner Plato as you tackle questions about life, values, and reason.
• New York, New York: Discover the arts, theater, architecture, culture and history of the city that never sleeps. This interdisciplinary and comprehensive course about the arts involves classroom lectures, discussions, and fieldtrips in New York City.
• Look Whose Talking: This public speaking course will provide you with the tools you need to excel at writing speeches, speaking publically, and even debating.
• The Sociology of Sports: We are a product of human interaction. We celebrate when our favorite teams win and bash them when we lose. We turn professional athletes into heroes and shun them publicly when they slip up. We may even act macho on the playing field and dainty in the schoolyard. The sociology of sport explains human behavior and interaction in relation to sports. This course examines the social behavior of athletes, social interaction theory, and the interpretation of sports in different cultures.

*Course topics are subject to change and all topics mentioned may not be offered at every summer program.