Activities
The JHU/APL MESA College Prep Program
The JHU/APL MESA College Prep Program will help you prepare for success in college. You will practice for the SAT test, learn how to pay for college, develop a school list, fill out applications, and have lots of fun. We will discuss different Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers, and you will hear about the paths that engineers and scientists took to become successful from mentors and guest speakers. We will also visit area colleges! Please fill out the short application and return it no later than April 8th.
Program Information
ALL current high school students (members of 2014, 2015, or 2016 graduating class) are eligible and invited to submit an application to be part of the College Prep Program. We especially encourage applications from students who are the first in their families to attend a four-year college, students from low-income backgrounds, students who are underrepresented in STEM fields, students interested in STEM careers, and/or students in need of mentoring or advice about the college application process.
We are often asked for tips on how to be a successful applicant. Although our review process is holistic, we look primarily at the following three areas: evidence of academic achievement (not necessarily straight-As!), dedication and passion for your future, a willingness to work hard and make the most of this opportunity, and demonstrated need. We’re especially looking for students who need help taking their next steps in applying for and succeeding in college. But there are no fixed requirements, and students are invited to define “need” as it applies to their situation.
Classes will be held every Saturday from 8:45am-4:30pm, beginning May 11th and ending August 17th, 2013 at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD. All classes, including the award ceremony, are mandatory.
The program requires significant work outside of class to fully prepare for college. Completion is mandatory and required to remain in the program. For this reason, we strongly recommend that students who have many other summer activities planned delay their application until they can better focus on the CPP program.
Program Dates
- • April 8th: Applications due (postmark)
- • April 19th: Late application cutoff – applications received after 4/8/2013 will be considered if space is available, after on-time applications. Applications received after 4/19 cannot be considered.
- • April 25th: Acceptance/rejection notifications sent to students via email
- • May 12th: First class and first parent workshop (ends at 5pm)
- • May 25th: Memorial Day weekend; no class
- • July 6th: Independence Day weekend; No class
- • August 17th: Program award ceremony and last class
There will be additional parent workshops and two mid-week field trips in July and August.
Program Cost
Free to apply. Please DO NOT include a check with the application. $50 per student to register IF admitted. Admitted students showing documentation of free or reduced lunch eligibility will be granted a full scholarship. If you cannot afford the program due to special circumstances, please contact us.
Program Websites:
College Prep Program website: www.collegeprepprogram.org
APL STEM Office website: www.jhuapl.edu/stem
Maryland MESA website: www.jhuapl.edu/mesa
Application
