Writing college admissions essays, taking SAT prep courses and conducting mock admissions interviews may not sound like the ideal way to spend a summer before senior year of high school. However, due to the rising competitiveness of college admissions, many high school students are choosing to enroll in such college preparation programs.
Academic Study Associates, Musiker Teen tours and Brighton are three companies offering one- to three-week college preparation programs on campuses across the country. Many of the programs tour a variety of colleges and universities and all of the programs cost at least $2,000.
Bob Musiker, executive director of Musiker Tours, said the college admissions process has become more rigorous, leading many students to consider such programs.
"A higher percentage of people are going to college than ever before," Musiker said. "At the same time, a lot of colleges haven't had the opportunity to expand."
At the University as well as nationally, the quality of college applications has risen over the past few years, according to Dean of Admissions John A. Blackburn.
"Each year we seem to get a stronger and stronger group," Blackburn said. "I hear that from other admissions deans also."
Blackburn said attending admissions camps or taking SAT prep courses would most likely improve students' scores, but the practices are not necessary.
"I wouldn't think you'd have to go to college camps to go to selective schools," he said.
At the same time that the camps are filling up, the average income of college freshmen is rising. According to a study by the Higher Education Research Institute, at the 42 most selective state universities, 40 percent of this year's freshmen come from families earning more than $100,000 -- up from about 32 percent in 1999.
The University offers need-blind admissions, and Blackburn said admissions deans take students' backgrounds into consideration when reviewing applications.
"Most admissions deans will look at a student's background and know the students who have not had a practice SAT course," Blackburn said.
As for summer activities, Blackburn said it is more important that a student does something worthwhile.
"One student from Norfolk who worked on the docks for the summer wrote a wonderful essay about developing a new appreciation for people who make a living just by the strength of their backs," Blackburn said. "It's what people get from it and what they make from it that matters."
Connie Cuffee, coordinator of guidance and counseling services for Richmond city public schools, said counselors typically do not advise students to spend money on college admissions programs.
"We have SAT preparation as an after-school offering," Cuffee said. "I would advise students that they can get all the help and info they need free of charge."
Callie Sherard, a prospective student visiting the University yesterday from Greenville, S.C., said she has no plans to attend a college preparation camp.
"A lot of people at my school take classes for SAT prep, but not for college admissions," Sherard said.