While most students spend their summers relaxing by the pool, six of Holy Trinity’s students spent their time off at Pre-College programs. Juniors Micheal Helft, Matthew Jeong, Hudson Jiminez, and myself, and sophomores Chance Hudson, and Paige Mullen represented Holy Trinity all across the country at summer programs of their choice. 

Of the six, four of Holy Trinity’s students were enrolled in a program at Brown University. Brown is an Ivy League school, located in Providence, Rhode Island. From Quantum Computing to Childhood Psychology, and even Prehistoric Anthropology, Brown had a class for everyone.

When most people think of academics over the summer, they groan in agony; in reality, Pre-College programs like these are designed to be fun. Programs like Summer at Brown offer various extracurriculars for students each day. These events not only allow students to meet new people, but also allow students the ability to build communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. “Some of my favorite memories were hanging out with friends during the block parties or playing volleyball,” Jiminez mentioned.

Pre-College programs are designed to emulate the college experience. Students who are enrolled are required to go to class five days a week and live in the campus dorms. By having no set schedule, students get the true college experience and learn how to manage their time. 

“Having to figure out when to do my homework and when to hang out with friends was a challenge for the first few days, but I can better manage my time now,” Jiminez said. 

These programs are a great way to prepare students for a college experience and the rigors of Holy Trinity’s high school curriculum. From every HT student interviewed, each of them noted that they felt better prepared for high school and college. Jeong, who studied illustration at Rhode Island School of Design claimed that, “Commuting to classes and living in dorms, it’s the same experience as going to RISD.” 

Each and every student recommended a Pre-College program to students interested. Not only are these programs fun and engaging, but they show colleges a student’s dedication to secondary education. If students are interested in any of these programs, “Put yourself out there, and apply if you’re interested,” Mullen advised.