15 Summer Programs at Macalester College for High Schoolers
At summer programs, high schoolers will meet like-minded students from across the globe, experience life on a college campus, challenge themselves academically, and create lifelong memories. If your teen is based near Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, or wants to learn more about the school, they might consider doing a summer program on its campus.
Why Summer Programs Benefit High Schoolers
Whether your high schooler is interested in creating art or writing code, there is a summer program out there for them. These experiences often expose students to potential college majors, as well as career paths. Summer programs also help students build a peer network and meet college faculty.
Since summer programs are often held on college campuses, students will also be able to sample the independence they’ll soon experience when they go away to school. For students interested in attending Macalester College, they’ll love the chance to explore more than just campus life; many of the programs take advantage of the college’s gorgeous facilities—using their labs, observatory, and studios. Students will also be able to explore off-campus gems such as Minneapolis Institute of Art.
15 Summer Programs at Macalester College for High Schoolers
Macalester College has a reputation as one of the country’s best liberal arts colleges, priding itself on providing students with a global education. If your high schooler is interested in getting a closer look at this awesome institution, or just wants to dive deeper into a subject they’re passionate about, check out these 15 fantastic summer programs offered at Macalester College.
1. Algebra and Trigonometry: Gateway to Calculus
A course for students looking to expand their knowledge of mathematics, this course challenges students as it prepares them for the SAT, ACT, and future calculus classes.
Specialty: Math
Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
Program Cost: $1,750
Program Length: 2 weeks
Additional Requirements: Students are required to write a 200-word essay about themselves and why they’re interested in taking the class.
2. Chemistry is a Blast!
Explore the field of chemistry and dive deep into lab work—taking advantage of Macalester’s renowned lab—in this course where students take part in hands-on experiments and investigate a myriad of topics in the field.
Specialty: Physical Sciences
Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
Program Cost: $1,750
Program Length: 2 weeks
Additional Requirements: Students are required to write a 200-word essay about themselves and why they’re interested in taking the class.
3. Electricity and Engineering
This program exposes high school students to the various available careers paths in engineering and the role engineers play in today’s high-tech workplace. Students will learn the principles behind electronics, such as how circuits work. They will also explore the cutting-edge field of robotics.
Specialty: Engineering
Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
Program Cost: $1,750
Program Length: 2 weeks
Additional Requirements: Students are required to write a 200-word essay about themselves and why they’re interested in taking the class.
4. Math and Programming: Let the Games Begin!
For high schoolers interested in gaming, this course teaches students how video games are made and how to create their own, exploring the math behind the programming.
Specialty: Math
Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
Program Cost: $1,750
Program Length: 2 weeks
Additional Requirements: Students are required to have taken Algebra 1 or received a teacher’s approval to take this course. Students are also required to write a 200-word essay about themselves and why they’re interested in taking the class.
5. Physics Phenomena
Your high schooler will hone their mathematical skills in this program, exploring how and why objects move the way they do. Students will learn the laws of physics and how to apply them to real-world situations.
Specialty: Physical Sciences
Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
Program Cost: $1,750
Program Length: 2 weeks
Additional Requirements: Students are required to have taken a year of Algebra and to write a 200-word essay about themselves and why they’re interested in taking the class.
6. Biomedical Science and Technology
Students will not only learn about anatomy and physiology, but also examine the technologies that help us understand the human body, such as MRIs. Ideal for students interested in pursuing a path in healthcare, this program answers some of the world’s most interesting medical questions.
Specialty: Life Sciences/Biology
Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
Program Cost: $1,750
Program Length: 2 weeks
Additional Requirements: Students are required to write a 200-word essay about themselves and why they’re interested in taking the class.
7. All Roads Lead to Rome: An Introduction to Latin and to Roman Culture
Over the course of this program, high schoolers will explore the influence Latin and Roman culture has had on our language and society—learning the fundamentals of the Latin language and studying ancient Roman art, songs, customs, architecture, and myths. Sure to please any teen, the course culminates in an authentic Roman banquet.
Specialty: History
Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
Program Cost: $1,750
Program Length: 2 weeks
Additional Requirements: Students are required to write a 200-word essay about themselves and why they’re interested in taking the class.
8. Creative Writing
Storytellers will learn to bring their ideas to life, along with the finer points of creative writing, character development, and wordsmithing. At the completion of this course, students’ stories will be collected into a book.
Specialty: Writing
Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
Program Cost: $1,750
Program Length: 2 weeks
Additional Requirements: Students are required to write a 200-word essay about themselves and why they’re interested in taking the class.
9. Experimental Economics
Learn to think like an economist in this class. Students will use simulations, games, experiments, and current events to become experts in analyzing the problem of scarcity and how it applies to current economic issues and their own lives.
Specialty: Economics
Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
Program Cost: $1,750
Program Length: 2 weeks
Additional Requirements: Students are required to write a 200-word essay about themselves and why they’re interested in taking the class.
10. History of Philosophy: Applying the Big Ideas of the Past to Real Life in the Present
Students will develop critical thinking skills in this course by exploring key philosophical ideas and the historical issues that have driven thought. They’ll also apply this thinking to situations found in today’s world.
Specialty: General Humanities
Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
Program Cost: $1,750
Program Length: 2 weeks
Additional Requirements: Students are required to write a 200-word essay about themselves and why they’re interested in taking the class.
11. Nature, Nurture, and Human Diversity
Curious minds will love this program that explores what makes each of us unique. Students will analyze topics in biology and psychology by participating in hands-on activities, case studies, and discussion.
Specialty: General Science
Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
Program Cost: $1,750
Program Length: 2 weeks
Additional Requirements: Students are required to write a 200-word essay about themselves and why they’re interested in taking the class.
12. Drawing and Printmaking
Aspiring artists will learn how the masters created and made multiple prints of original artwork before computers and copy machines. This course focuses on figure drawing and multiplying those drawings with monotypes and relief printmaking.
Specialty: Studio Art
Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
Program Cost: $1,750
Program Length: 2 weeks
Additional Requirements: Students are required to write a 200-word essay about themselves and why they’re interested in taking the class.
13. Astrophysics: Light, Waves, and the Physics of Stars
High schoolers with sky-high ambitions will learn about astrophysics in this course. Students will learn the science behind light and electromagnetic waves, among many other topics. An optional late-night session at the Macalester Observatory is available to participants in this program.
Specialty: Physical Sciences
Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
Program Cost: $1,750
Program Length: 2 weeks
Additional Requirements: Students are required to write a 200-word essay about themselves and why they’re interested in taking the class.
14. Forensics—You Can’t Get Away with Anything!
This program explores the fascinating field of forensics, covering topics such as polygraphs, interrogation techniques, handwriting analysis, blood splatter analysis, and surveillance. Students in this program will also take a field trip to see where the SWAT team trains.
Specialty: Life Sciences/Biology
Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
Program Cost: $1,750
Program Length: 2 weeks
Additional Requirements: Students are required to write a 200-word essay about themselves and why they’re interested in taking the class.
15. Chemistry of Medicine
Science-minded students with an interest in the medical field will love this program. High schoolers will investigate the chemistry used to study medicine and drugs—learning how molecules interact with our bodies through biochemistry.
Specialty: Physical Sciences
Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
Program Cost: $1,750
Program Length: 2 weeks
Additional Requirements: Students need to have taken a chemistry class and are required to write a 200-word essay about themselves and why they’re interested in taking the class selected.
How Can You Help Your High Schooler Find the Best Summer Programs?
When choosing a pre-college summer program, there are many factors to consider, from cost to location. If your family is having trouble finding a good-fit summer program, be sure to reach out to teachers, guidance counselors, or mentors. They often have access to resources and connections that you might not otherwise discover!
For more guidance about extracurriculars, college applications, and how to choose activities that best suit your teen download our free guide for 9th graders and our free guide for 10th graders. Our guides go in-depth about subjects ranging from academics, choosing courses, standardized tests, extracurricular activities, and much more!
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