SY19-20 SA Summer Experience Application

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Scholar Information

Scholar Name*

First Name

Last Name

Grade Level*

Advisor Name*

First Name

Last Name

Current GPA (on the 4.0 scale)*

Guidance: If you do not know your GPA, please consult your advisor to learn how to calculate it.

Most recent SAT or PSAT scores if you have taken this exam

Guidance: If you don’t know your scores or you took the PSAT for the first time in October 2019, you can leave this blank.

Program Rankings

Guidance: Use the SA Summer Experience Program Catalog to research the programs available for your grade level. Each program listing includes a description and a link to the program’s website. If a program stands out to you, you should visit the program’s website to do more research before submitting program rankings. We cannot guarantee you will be matched to your top choices, so only select programs you are interested in attending (you will not be able to change you final program recommendation).

Please select your 1st choice program*

Please select your 2nd choice program*

Please select your 3rd choice program*

Please select your 4th choice program

Please select your 5th choice program

Faculty References

Please identify 3 teachers who know you and your academic strengths well and would be able to write a strong letter of recommendation on your behalf:

Teacher reference 1*

First Name

Last Name

Teacher reference 2*

First Name

Last Name

Teacher reference 3*

First Name

Last Name

Essay Questions

Imagine you are talking face to face with the Summer Experience selection committee. What would you tell us about yourself? What should we know about you? You will need to answer two questions- the first one is mandatory and you can choose one of the three other questions we’ve listed. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. We want to get to know YOU: your personality, your background, your interests in your own voice. We’ve provided some guidance for each question in case you need help.

In the space below, you will respond to the required question and 1 of the choice questions. You should select a choice question that is most relevant to your academic profile and best reflects who you are as a scholar.

Required Question: Why are you applying to the SA Summer Experience program? (350 words)*

Guidance: Think about what skills, knowledge or experiences you hope to gain from attending a summer program. This is a good opportunity for you to tell us about what you are looking forward to learning from this experience. What is motivating you to take on this challenge? Are there specific academic skills or lessons you are most looking forward to? Are you excited to live independently? Or maybe you are looking forward to meeting new people and stepping outside of your comfort zone? What short or long-term goals will this experience help you accomplish? Fast forward to next August… What will you hope to have learned before coming back to SA?

Choice Question 1: Think about an academic or scholar talent subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. (200 words)

Guidance: Many students have a passion for a specific academic subject area, something that they just can’t get enough of. If that applies to you, what have you done to further that interest? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had inside and outside the classroom — such as volunteer work, internships, employment, summer programs, participation in student organizations and/or clubs — and what you have gained from your involvement. Has your interest in the subject influenced you in choosing a major and/or future career? Are you inspired to pursue this subject further in high school, college or beyond, and how might you do that?

Choice Question 2: Describe a time or a situation during which you demonstrated leadership and positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time. (200 words)

Guidance: A leadership role can mean more than just a title. It can mean being a mentor to others, acting as the person in charge of a specific task, or taking the lead role in organizing an event or project. Think about what you accomplished and what you learned from the experience. What were your responsibilities? Did you lead a team? How did your experience change your perspective on leading others? Did you help to resolve an important dispute at your school, church, in your community or an organization? Your leadership role doesn’t necessarily have to be limited to school activities. For example, do you help out or take care of your family?

Choice Question 3: What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? (200 words)

Guidance: If there’s a talent or skill that you’re proud of, this is the time to share it. You don’t necessarily have to be recognized or have received awards for your talent (although if you did and you want to talk about it, feel free to do so). Why is this talent or skill meaningful to you? Does the talent come naturally or have you worked hard to develop this skill or talent? Does your talent or skill allow you opportunities in or outside the classroom? If so, what are they and how do they fit into your schedule?

Scholar Information

Program Interest

Program Rankings

Faculty References

Essay Questions