Featured Archives - Summer Springboard

Start Planning for 2021

marianne — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 17:41:57 +0000

We are excited to announce our 2021 dates!

Summer Springboard combines academic immersion with hands-on learning, career exploration, and college prep on the campuses of top American universities.

UC Berkeley

Late June: June 20-July 2, 2021

Early July: July 4-July 16, 2021

Late July: July 18-July 30, 2021

Yale University

Late June: June 20-July 2, 2021

Early July: July 4-July 16, 2021

Late July: July 18-July 30, 2021

Georgetown University

Late July: July 25-August 6, 2021

Boston

Late June: June 27-July 9, 2021

Early July: July 11-July 23, 2021

Late July: July 25-August 6, 2021

UC San Diego

Late June: June 27-July 9, 2021

Early July: July 11-July 23, 2021

Late July: July 25-August 6, 2021

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My Summer Springboard Experience

marianne — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 22:35:18 +0000

Written by Maris Brail, Summer Springboard alumni

My name is Maris and last summer I attended the creative writing program at Yale with Summer Springboard. As someone who has gone to summer camp for over six years, I can definitively say that this has been one of the most positive summer experiences I have ever had. The people, the programs, the staff, and the field trips all contributed to this.

Campus Life

The rooming situation at Yale is unique, with single and double rooms all surrounding one large common room. Although I had a single room, I bonded and became incredibly close with my dorm-mates. Every night, we would stay up late just talking and getting to know each other talking about our experiences and interests. Within a few days, I knew that I had made true friends that I could rely on. But I didn’t just become close with those in my dorm. I made amazing friends in my writing class, my “family group”(a group of around nine kids assigned to one staff who do activities together) and by just talking to those around me. This program gave me the opportunity to meet people from different cities, states, and even countries and create everlasting connections with them in just two weeks.

Academic Track

As a student who does multiple athletic and art activities, I don’t have very much time to just focus on my creative writing, and do it for fun. However, the writing program at Summer Springboard gave me an opportunity to focus and grow in my writing with the help of the talented, qualified instructor and supportive classroom environment. Furthermore, each program has specific field trips to reinforce the learning they are doing inside the classroom. The creative writing group went to Mark Twain’s house and got the opportunity to explore the Story Cottage, a small house with book-themed rooms where were heard from a published mystery author. Each track has a field trip similar to this, the global medicine track visited a simulation center where they could practice and apply the skills they had been learned, the law program went to the New Haven courthouse and watched a trial. These field trips gave us the opportunity to see the concepts we had been learning about take place in real life.

Key Takeaway

I would definitely recommend applying and attending Summer Springboard, so you can explore the college campus of your choice, study one of your interests, and meet incredible new people.

Maris Brail is one of Summer Springboard’s new marketing interns. She is in 10th grade at @gannacademy and is a member of the dance company, junior varsity soccer team, and theater. On the weekends, she volunteers and teachers swim lessons at her local pool. Maris attended the Creative writing program at Yale, and fell in love with both the stunning campus and the great community at SSB. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to her on Instagram @maris_brail.

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What Sets Summer Springboard Apart?

marianne — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 16:54:26 +0000

Written by Lillie Dawes, Summer Springboard alumni

Choosing the right summer program can be overwhelming. With so many options, making a decision can be hard. Each program has a unique set of features to offer. As someone who’s been to multiple academic summer camps, I want to share what sets Summer Springboard apart.

A College Prep Program Like No Other

SSB allows high school students to explore a career field such as medicine and healthcare, business, engineering, or media and design. SSB’s curriculum is designed to help you navigate many aspects of your chosen field. Also, SSB offers an enrichment activity called The True You, where you explore possible colleges, learn about how to write application essays, and learn about yourself in general!

Enriching Activities

SSB offers a variety of enrichment electives during the afternoons. These provide useful life skills or a deeper understanding of the college applications and admissions process. Some electives include The True You, Photography, Public Speaking, English for Speakers of Other Languages, and Outdoor Athletic Training.

Hands-on Learning

During the academic course, students participate in hands-on learning and projects to deepen understanding and curiosity. As opposed to some programs, SSB gets out of the classroom and into the real world during outings and excursions related to the field of study. Each excursion is unique, such as exploring a Public Health Lab or visiting a planetarium.

Explore the Life of a College Student

As a participant of SSB, you get the chance to explore college life. Within boundaries, you can explore the campus, go out to eat, eat at the dining hall, explore the dorm, and many other things! Compared to other programs, SSB gives participants a better opportunity to get a feel for the campus and the college town. Also, SSB’s weekend excursions provide memorable experiences. Some campus-specific excursions include going to San Francisco, New York City, or theme parks such as Six Flags or Great America.

Lillie Dawes is one of Summer Springboard’s new marketing interns. She currently attends Haas Hall Academy in Rogers, Arkansas. She attended Summer Springboard at UC Berkeley last summer and participated in the Global Health track. She hopes to use the skills and knowledge she received to someday make a difference in the world. Feel free to reach out @lillie.dawes

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Get a Head Start on College and Career Exploration

marianne — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 19:29:27 +0000

The new year is a great time to set resolutions, goals and intentions for yourself. From getting a better SAT score to signing up for AP courses, a common goal for many teens is to excel in school and start the preparation for college.

We recently asked our alumni to share why it’s important for teenagers to explore college and career options.

Alumni Testimonials

In this day and age teens are constantly told what is considered a “good” career or a “good” college, when in fact these things could not be the right fit for them. By having the opportunity to explore different options, teens gain insight into what and where will really be the best place for them as well as learn about other opportunities in the world.
– Lillie Dawes (Summer Springboard alumni 2019, UC Berkeley, Global Health)

It provides a sense of security and direction. Adolescence is often a confusing time, especially with figuring out your passions and where you want to go college-wise and career-wise, so I think it is highly beneficial for teens to get a head start. I can personally say that exploring colleges and careers has made me feel more confident and secure about my future!
– Ally Harris (Summer Springboard alumni 2019, Yale, Trial Law)

For some, maybe they have grown up knowing exactly what they wanted to do, but I still think that exploring other options would greatly benefit them and they can gain a new perspective from these other careers. For those who don’t know exactly what job they want as an adult, I believe that exploring various options will allow for more experience and that they can narrow down what they do or don’t want to do.
– Gabriel Barros (Summer Springboard alumni 2019, Yale, Business)

The world is wide open at this time, and in order to become what you want to be, you need to experience it first hand. This is exactly what Summer Springboard can offer you. I finally understood what I was meant to do in life. It definitely changed my view about college majors/careers because I felt invigorated and eager to go to college! I learned that as long as I’m passionate about what I’m studying, I’ll enjoy it.
– Maris Brail (Summer Springboard alumni 2019, Yale, Creative Writing)

Key Takeaway

Remember that all goals should be achievable, measurable, and ultimately enjoyable. Summer Springboard was founded to give college-bound teens a supportive environment where they can explore their personal and academic passions.

While our summer programs on the campus of Yale University, UC Berkeley, Cal Poly, UC San Diego, Georgetown University, American University, or Boston may look similar to other programs – they’re not.

Our distinctive program design helps students better understand their strengths, weaknesses, and unique personality traits so they can make more informed decisions about their future.

Interested in learning more?

Summer Springboard provides pre-college summer programs for teens at UC Berkeley, Yale, Georgetown, Boston, Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, and UC San Diego. Call 858-780-5660 for more info.

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How To Make The Most of Your SSB Experience!

marianne — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 22:07:19 +0000

Written by Lillie Dawes, Summer Springboard alumni

My name is Lillie, alumni of the Summer Springboard program at UC Berkeley. Summer Springboard was two weeks that changed my life and that I will never forget. Today, I would like to share with you my top tips for getting the most out of your SSB experience!

#1 – Enter with an open mind!

At Summer Springboard, you will meet people of different ethnicities, genders, and perspectives. I found that having an open and accepting mindset allowed me to develop long-lasting bonds quickly, along with getting to know all sorts of unique individuals.

#2 – Ask questions in your Academic Track!

Being curious and asking questions in your Academic Track is one of the best ways to get the most out of your studies. Summer Springboard’s excellent instructors enjoy answering all of your questions! Curiosity is one of the foundations of learning, after all. Ask on!

#3 – Get to know the campus!

One of the most enjoyable parts of Summer Springboard is exploring the college campus. From going out to dinner with my RA group to going shopping with my roommates, we seized all opportunities to get out and soak in the college! Not only did I create fond memories, but I also got to know the incredible UC Berkeley campus and the college town, Berkeley. You only have two weeks, so take every opportunity to get out and make memories!

#4 – Engage in electives and activities!

Summer Springboard offers many useful and fun activities and electives. One of the most important is The True You, where you receive valuable insight into yourself and college. Engaging with The True You is a great way to get a head start on college prep! In addition to The True You, there are many fun activities. Some of my favorites included a campus scavenger hunt, lip-sync night, and a Summer Springboard dance! Participating in these activities will for sure help you make the most of your experience.

#5 – Enjoy the excursions!

The weekend excursions are arguably one of the best aspects of Summer Springboard. At UC Berkeley, you get to travel to San Francisco for a day and then to Great America Theme Park the next! These were the two most fun and memorable days of my experience because I was able to spend time and grow closer with my friends and create lifelong memories.

I hope you keep these tips in mind when attending Summer Springboard and make the two weeks the absolute best two weeks of your life!

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Meet the 2019 Campus Directors!

Vinh Le — Mon, 13 May 2019 23:27:46 +0000

“What makes Summer Springboard programs different from the rest?” We get this question a lot from prospective parents and students. And we love answering it. We know that when it comes to summer programs, there are a lot of options out there. But what makes Summer Springboard stand out? Read further as we explore this question, and a few others, with our Campus Directors David Allen (UC Berkeley Campus Director), Dianne Nolan (Yale Campus Director) and Jake Friedman (Georgetown Campus Director).

Tell us a bit about yourself. What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies?

David: I’ve moved around a lot, living in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, New York, New Jersey, Provence and the Côte d’Azur in southern France. In the end, I find I’m happiest when there’s a beach nearby, so I’m at home where I live now in San Diego, California where I enjoy kayaking, running, writing and growing my two business ventures. I’m a father of two grown children, a boy who is starting college in San Diego this fall and a girl who is a college senior in Boston. Because I lived and worked in France for ten years, I have many friends in Europe and enjoy visiting often.

Dianne: I am a positive, fun loving inquisitive person, married to my highschool sweetheart Mark, mother of three sons, and professionally an educator, mentor and collegiate radio analyst. In my free time, you can find me buried in a book, writing a screenplay, jogging, arranging family gatherings and exploring the world. I am a lifelong learner and get a kick out of meeting new people, hence belong to various groups and organizations.

Jake: I put most of my time into my work at the Community Charter School of Cambridge. In addition to teaching, I am the head coach for two of our high school teams. Coaching girls’ soccer and boys’ basketball have been two of the most rewarding experiences of my life. In the winter when I’m not working with students I’m usually watching college basketball. I love playing pick-up basketball and going for runs. I’m currently alternating between re-reading the Harry Potter books and reading books on behavioral economics.

What is your educational background? If you could go back and study something different, what would it be?

David: My BA and MA degrees are in English, with a specialization in American Literature. I loved my years at university, far more than I enjoyed high school, but I’m also a bit jealous of my children because the variety of paths and the level of customization they have in college developed so much. If I were to begin my college career now, I think I would still choose a Humanities major, probably go for an MFA in Creative Writing, but I’d double major in something complementary, like Entrepreneurship or International Business. Another thing I wouldn’t change is going abroad as often as for as long as possible. Fluency in a second language and true cultural immersion is a game changer.

Dianne: I received my undergraduate degree at Rowan University majoring in Health and Physical Education, and immediately moved on to West Virginia University, serving as a teaching assistant, earning an MS in Physical Education with a concentration in psychology. In anticipation of changing careers, I continued my formal education at Fairfield University with a MA in corporate and political communications. If I could turn back time, I am more inclined to go to Law School with a concentration in political and media relations.

Jake: I went to Lexington High School in MA and graduated from Duke University with degrees in political science and economics. I also have a masters in effective teaching from a teacher training program in Boston. I would love to go back and study behavioral economics and some psychology.

How important to the college admissions process is knowing yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, what you like and don’t like?

David: Well, a loaded question, because of course Summer Springboard is premised upon the belief that awareness and reflection are key components of college admissions and indeed of a rich and fulfilling life. I couldn’t agree more. I work with a lot of students on their college application essays, or personal statements. Colleges are almost pleading with you in the essay prompts to step out from the data–grades, test scores, lists of activities–and tell a story that exposes who you are at your core. That’s because they REALLY want to see if you have bothered to ask yourself that question. If you haven’t, they know you aren’t sure where your passions lie, and by extension, what you have to offer their campus communities.

Dianne: It is extremely important to have a strong sense of self as each University has its own personality and is a unique community. Each offers something different and goes about its business its own way. Charting your collegiate course is all about finding the right fit, a place that is challenging yet comfortable depending on your personality, values, goals and ‘likes and dislikes”

Jake: I actually went to university of Michigan for a year before transferring to Duke. Even once at Duke, which I absolutely loved, it was tough to adjust to a place when seemingly everyone already had their group. I learned two really important things in that process. One was that I personally wanted a much smaller school than Michigan. I loved the size of Duke. It was just the right such that you regularly saw friends and were always meeting new people. There are components like size of school, style of campus, academic strengths, and in my case quality of sports, that can be identified beforehand. However, I also learned how important your personal mindset is to being successful. Part of why I fell in love with my campus is because I wanted to fall in love with the school. After transferring I wanted it to be the right place for me. I spent a lot of time thinking about what I wanted out of college and using what was available on campus to give myself that experience.

What is your favorite part about the Berkeley/Yale/Georgetown campus?

David: Every university campus and community is unique, but Cal Berkeley is … “uniquer” than most. It may be consistently ranked as the #1 public university in the US and one of the top research universities in the world, but it is also referred to fondly as Berkeley. It’s an urban campus with a lovely Sequoia grove and a river running through it. It’s the edgy 1960s vibe of Telegraph Avenue on one side of campus and the bourgeois chic of the Gourmet Ghetto on the other. It’s diverse, beautiful, full of energy, and there are reserved parking spots for Nobel Laureates … because they have so many Nobel Laureates on the faculty!

Dianne: Everything is special! The Yale Campus is unique, rich with tradition yet top notch in technology and facilities. Living in one of the residential colleges during our stay, enjoying the courtyard, butteries and rooms make for an engaging experience. I enjoy working out at Payne Whitney Gym, visiting the Art Gallery, and exploring Chapel Street.

Jake: Within the campus I love the views of the Potomac. I’ve always loved U.S. history so I’m a bit of a kid in a candy shop in Washington DC.

What inspired you to be Berkeley/Yale/Georgetown campus director?

David: I’ve been directing summer academic programs for college-bound teenagers for 25 years, since I was a young college lecturer in my late 20s. I like working with teenagers because they are in one of life’s great intersections, and the decisions they make at this point in their lives can have enormous consequences. They’re also funny, and full of excitement about life and friendship. They love being taken seriously as young adults, showing what they are capable of, and they know anything is possible. It’s launch time for them, and as exhausting as this job is, it’s also very satisfying to mentor students and staff. I’m grateful for the chance to be part of this crucial juncture in their lives.

Dianne: The Program, The Students, and the Yale Experience. Last summer was a life changing experience for me. Being a part of a program that offers students the opportunity to grow as young adults was extremely rewarding. I totally enjoyed our weekend trips and activities with the staff and students. Living at the college and getting
to know the students was special and we left as life long friends. I am a Yale
Junkie and hooked by being surrounded by greatness.

Jake: A friend and coworker suggested the organization. He had led one of their international trips and raved about the quality of experience provided for students. As a teacher and athletic director I’m excited to work with students in a new setting. I love Washington DC and have always enjoyed my time on Georgetown’s campus. I am particularly impressed by the range of offerings provided by Summer Springboard and the focus on the whole individual.

What do you think sets Summer Springboard apart from other pre-college summer programs?

David: There are a lot of great summer experiences out there, but I think Summer Springboard stands out for a couple key reasons. One is the focus on reflection, self-discovery and taking the time to pause and carefully consider the next steps in life. It’s not just a collection of summer classes; working through the big questions is baked into the experience here. I’m also a big fan of the academic track system. Again, it breaks up the traditional model of a morning and afternoon course, which may have little connection to each other. Instead, there’s a real focus on doing a deep dive in one career area and making real-world connections through field trips and project-based work.

Dianne: The quality and content of the programming including the accomplished instructors,and speakers along with the personal touch sets Summer Springboard apart from other programs. Each student is offered a unique course of study and the opportunity to explore their intended major in college taught by outstanding professionals. Additionally the emphasis on individual growth such as “True You” away from the classroom serves our students well. The programming in the evenings is fun and the students are able to bond with each other.

Jake: I think what sets Summer Springboard apart from other pre-college summer programs is the thoughtfulness in their approach on helping students with their future decisions. Summer Springboard is committed to providing a wonderful experience while students are on campus in addition to ensuring that students walk away knowing themselves better than when they entered the program.

Why do you think a summer program like Summer Springboard is valuable?

David: We all know that planning, preparation and practice are the keys to success in everything from sports to career, and for that reason, Summer Springboard is aptly named. It provides a launching pad, an extra boost of power as students prepare for a major new phase of their lives. What is it like to step out of the rigid class schedules of high school and explore whatever direction your passion leads? What is it like to study in a selective group of students who all place in the top 15% nationally? What is it like to manage my own free time, finances, and take responsibility for my own health and safety? Our residential staff and faculty are all here, not to step in as surrogate parents, but to act as guides and facilitators as our students figure all of this out on what amounts to a dry-run for college and independence. I often think of it as training for a trapeze act with a net and some safety ropes.

Dianne: Charting your collegiate course is challenging and often a difficult task. Summer Springboard affords students the opportunity to explore, learn, and seek guidance, side by side with students and staff from around the globe. The sharing of ideas while participating in hands on projects is priceless. It allows for individual growth, opening the eyes, ears, mind and heart to different views. I often hear from former students, how much they appreciate their Summer Springboard experience and the positive effect it has upon their lives.

Jake: Academic areas of interest, building relationships with peers and understanding what makes you happy away from home are crucial pieces to having a successful undergraduate experience. So much of freshman year of college is about getting to know yourself and Summer Springboard is carefully design to give students a head start on that process.

What will Summer Springboard students take away from program once they return home?

David: Summer Springboard students benefit from all of the program elements I mentioned above, however, the greatest takeaways might be those that aren’t even mentioned in the brochure or on the website. I always enjoy watching students develop confidence in their “soft skills” on program. They arrive worried about making friends, feeling homesick, being on their own. A few late-night conversations with a roommate, some pizza delivery and a game of cards in the hallway, a walk into town for lunch with new friends … it quickly feels like college and it’s amazing the effect. Students leave full of confidence in their ability to succeed in college, to thrive independently as a young adult, to make friends and build a life away from home. That’s an awesome thing to know in advance of one’s college years.

Dianne: They will go home with a clearer picture of their future. The academic experience provides hands on experience in their intended major, their participation in the True You program allows for individual growth and living at Yale in the residential college, with SSB students and staff is an experience that stays with you for a lifetime. It is a two week experience to be surrounded by greatness.

Jake: I hope Summer Springboard students take many things away from the program after they return home. It would make me very happy to know that students stay in touch with friends they’ve made during their time with us. I know our wonderful academic programs will ensure that students have a better understanding of the field in which they student and their level of interest in that field. There are so many components to deciding what college is the best fit for someone. I do not expect students to walk away with everything figured out but I do expect that our students will take away a stronger understanding of what they are looking for in their college experience.

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Meet the Medicine and Healthcare Curriculum Advisors

marianne — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 22:46:11 +0000

Whether your vision of your future self includes a white coat and a stethoscope or scrubs and a heart monitor, the best way to launch a career in medicine and healthcare is to gain practical, hands-on experience. Now is the perfect time to gain real world insight and learn from professionals in the field about what drives them. In doing so, you can make better informed decisions regarding your academic and career path as you enter the world of medicine and healthcare.

We are honored to have Dr. Andrea Tenner and Dr. Carol Chen from the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, as the curriculum advisors for Summer Springboard’s Medicine & Healthcare academic program.

Summer Springboard courses are taught by accomplished and passionate faculty recruited from many area colleges, universities and professional forums. Each faculty member is selected for their subject area expertise and proven ability to both challenge and captivate students. Both Drs. Tenner and Chen have developed and implemented educational curricula for teaching emergency care around the world.

Dr. Andrea Tenner serves as faculty at the Department of Emergency Medicine at University of California, San Francisco where she is also the Director of the Global Health Fellowship. She has developed and implemented educational curriculum for teaching emergency care in various countries globally.

BA: Rice University
MD: Baylor College of Medicine
MPH: Columbia University Mailman School
Residency: University of Illinois at Chicago, Columbia University, Emergency Medicine/Internal Medicine
Fellowship: Columbia University/New York Presbyterian, International Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Medicine Teaching Fellow

Dr. Carol Chen serves as faculty at the Department of Emergency Medicine at University of California, San Francisco where she specializes in pediatric emergency medicine as well as global health. She chairs the department’s continuing medical education course entitled “Building a Career in Global Health and Emergency Medicine”.

AB: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
MD: Duke University School of Medicine
MPH: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Training: University of California, Los Angeles Pediatrics Residency, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Global Health Fellowships

Last year students visited the UCSF Kanbar Center, which supports UCSF’s educational mission of teaching, learning, and assessment through simulation recreating routine and complex situations.

Students also enjoyed a behind the scenes tour of the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, a community hospital and Level 1 trauma center dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the community.

While the Summer Springboard program only lasts two weeks, this special experience and exposure to the medical field will make a long-lasting impact. Read below and see what students had to say after attending Summer Springboard last summer.

“My instructors are both very knowledgeable and kind-hearted people, having so much experience in the medical field. They introduced us to the world of medicine and also brought us with them to hospitals to experience their life.” – Bella L.

“I really enjoyed the medicine and healthcare course especially when I got to work hands on like suturing and the simulation labs. I also really appreciated being taught by real doctors from the ED and who have traveled to foreign countries for humanitarian aid; it was very inspiring.” – Elodie K.

“My instructors were amazing and had really interesting stories and experiences that they shared with us. They showed me what it was like to work in global healthcare and how rewarding and worthwhile it is.” – Lam N.

“They were kind and I felt that I really learned a lot from this course. They explained and responded to questions well and provided help when necessary. Everyday I learned something new and I enjoyed the content they taught very much! The simulations were fun and interesting and I feel that I was exposed to the healthcare field in a good way.” – Megha J.

Spaces are limited in the medicine and healthcare program. We encourage you to apply now!

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The Myth of the Dream College

marianne — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 21:42:46 +0000

As high school students eagerly await results from their college applications, there’s a lot of chatter about getting into your “dream college”. But what really makes a university a “dream school”?

In your process of exploring schools, you researched online, did campus tours and maybe even attended some classes. But behind all of the flashy catalogs and online rankings, there remains one elusive fact: there is no perfect college. There’s only the college that is perfect for you. But what is right for you?

Now is the perfect time for some deep introspection.

With the start of 2019, you may hear the common saying “New Year, New You”. But here at Summer Springboard, we encourage you to consider the New Year and the “True You”.

Understanding who you are is the first step towards evaluating colleges. Once you gain more insight into your own personality and style of learning, you can reflect on questions like: Rural or urban? Big or small? Liberal arts or specialized? Nearby or far away?

Our True You college prep curriculum starts with self-discovery and leads to a deeper understanding of the college application and admissions process. Through a series of self-assessments, campus visits, guided reflection and college admissions coaching, students become empowered to identify their individual vision of academic success and happiness.

But don’t take it from us. Read what these two students, Nicole and Cameron, had to say after attending Summer Springboard last summer.

“This program has taught me a lot, but not only in the academic portion. I’ve benefited from the medical class, but I think my biggest takeaway is from the True You. I don’t usually think about myself, like who am I really or which occupation I am suitable for. From the True You, I was able to discover my strengths and weaknesses, and how to improve my EQ. I’ve become much more independent, and should always take the time to reflect on myself.” – Nicole S.

“I liked how the True You allowed us to find both our strengths ALONG with our weaknesses. This information will really help me develop as a person and provided me with resources that I can use in the future.” – Cameron M.

Remember, it’s not just about getting into the best school, it’s discovering the best school for you. Too often the choice posed is what college to pick. The real choice is what life to pick. The journey to success in career and happiness in life is deeply personal. We believe goals can best be realized when students have a true sense of what makes them unique.

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UC Berkeley Session 2: Spotlight on Computer Science

marianne — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 17:43:11 +0000

The computer science students at our program on the campus of UC Berkeley are hard at work building and debugging their apps. They are working through the entire development process: collecting user insights, creating a mockup, architecting the data, building a minimum viable product using block-based programming, debugging, and getting user feedback. As a special bonus, during this session they got the opportunity to visit technology companies such as Thunkable, Google Geo Education in Mountain View, and will be visiting Google in San Francisco!

Thunkable

Thunkable is the block-based programming software that our students use to build their apps. This software originated as part of the MIT App Inventor Project, which was backed by Google. The Forbes “30 Under 30” list featured the Thunkable founders, Arun Saigal and WeiHua Li, after their registered users made more than 13 million apps.

Our visit started with a software engineer leading a hands-on tutorial in the Thunkable X platform with an embedded interface powered by Microsoft’s Artificial Intelligence platform that compares vector device images with tagged and categorized images in a large database to discern whether a predetermined object is present or absent.

Then there was a Q&A portion, where the Thunkable staff members described their scholastic and career journeys and the different responsibilities that they have with the team. Nearly all of the employees are graduate and undergraduate students at MIT and worked on the original MIT App Inventor project. A common theme was passion among the staff and developing an understanding that coding is only one of the attributes of becoming a a success in computer science. The students thoroughly enjoyed the chance to spend time and learn from programmers and entrepreneurs who are creating the future.

Google Earth

Students got a behind the scenes tour of Google, where they heard an insightful talk from the Google Earth Education Team. As we all know, Google Earth and other Geo Tools enable everyone to interpret and understand these relationships by visualizing locations, directions, geophysical features, and environmental changes.

The visit started with a project manager sharing what Google Earth has been working on for the past few years as there’s been some major updates. Now there is 3D mapping of all the buildings in major metropolitans areas! Google Street View cameras were attached to dog sleds, camels, and other non-traditional transport to capture more of the world.

The team then passed out Google tools to the students and they each got to capture their own “street view” experience as they walked around the Google campus. The trip at Google ended with lunch in their infamous cafe!

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4 Tricks to Boost Motivation

andrew — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 21:17:19 +0000

Motivation is a tricky beast. Sometimes you have it and you feel overcome with drive and excitement. Other times you just can’t figure out how to get started and you are trapped in a spiral of procrastination. Scientists define motivation as general willingness to do something. It is the set of psychological forces that compel you to take action. So how do you get those forces to work in your favor.

Here are some tricks to unleash your motivation:

Get up and shake it off. Sometimes you just need to move. If you have been sitting idle scrolling through news feeds or staring at a screen your brain is probably dipping into idle mode. If you need to get things done, get up, take a walk, and stretch. Your brain will start firing again, and it will be ready to start a new task.

Write it down. Whatever you need to get done, write it down. Make a list, block off time on your calendar, put it somewhere you will see it. We are all more likely to accomplish a task when it is written down where we will see it as a reminder. If you aren’t into paper, there are tons of apps that can help set reminders and messages. Pinging you, at just the right moment when you need the motivation.

Build in a buffer. If a project is due on a Friday, write down the due date as Wednesday or Thursday. If you build in a buffer for yourself you will have time to review and turn in a great final product. You will also have time built in should something critical come up and interrupt your schedule.

Listen to a pump up song. A strategy used by athletes all over the World is listening to music that motivates them and gets them fired up before they compete. Why not use that same trick before you start your college essays or need an extra push to start cleaning your room. Blast the music, bust out some moves, and then get to work!

When you are having trouble getting things done just think about this quote from Steven Pressfield, “At some point, the pain of not doing it becomes greater than the pain of doing it.” Pick one of the 4 tricks from above and get after it!

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