Want to dig deeper? Click the topic headings below to expand each section and be sure to contact us (see information above) if you have any questions!
Living on Campus
-
While at the Summer Academy you will experience a taste of college life! This is a great opportunity to form a new network of friends from around the world while participating in evening and weekend events such as dining and movies out, a trip to the beach, attending local churches, completing service projects, and exploring downtown Grand Rapids. Each year, a staff of current Calvin students are hired as resident assistants to live in the residence halls and mentor Summer Academy students.
Summer Academy students also enjoy the use of campus facilities, including our sand volleyball courts, state of the art pool, rock climbing wall, weight room, tennis courts, and our newly fieldhouse recreation complex. Students also have access to computer labs, library, music studios, and movie theater.
Academics
-
As a Summer Academy student, you will have the opportunity to enroll in a college course that is taught by our distinguished faculty. This course is a three-week course that covers the content of an entire semester. The specific courses offered changes each year, however each available course will count toward graduation requirements at Calvin.
Communication Arts and Sciences: Visual Rhetoric (3 credits)
Is a picture really worth a thousand words? Do pictures really speak for themselves? In this course, we will learn how visual images influence our attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviors. We will learn how we as viewers make meaning from images themselves and how we understand images when they are paired with words or sounds. We also will analyze the strengths and limitations of visual images and words. From this, students will learn how to create more effective visual images for presentations and other forms of communication.
Introductory Psychology: Perspectives on the Self (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to psychology’s study of the biological, affective, cognitive, and social dimensions of human identity and behavior . It includes the consideration of such issues as perception and consciousness, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, personality development and social interaction, stress and adjustment . Students are introduced to the methods of psychological research and to the role of psychology in scientific endeavor and human application . Through assigned reading and writing as well as classroom discussion, students learn to critically weigh alternative claims regarding human behavior and to appreciate a holistic approach to the study of persons.
Cost and Financial Aid
-
The program cost of $1,995.00 (plus textbooks) includes:
- A shared room in one of Calvin’s residence halls
- Three meals per day throughout the program
- College credited course taught by a college professor
- College readiness programming
- Use of the library, computer and recreational facilities
- Community life programming and residence hall supervision
- Career exploration and guidance
There is no application fee, but an enrollment fee of $300 is due once you are accepted. Enrollment deposits are not refundable beyond May 11. Payment in full is due by May 25, after which program fees are not refundable.
Financial Assistance
The purpose of the Summer Academy’s need-based aid program is to support the college goals of U.S. students from groups that are under-represented in higher education and to advance the diversity of the student body in the Academy. Financial aid is available to U.S. and international students with demonstrated financial need.
Limited funding is available to provide a partial grant of up to 50% for families that cannot afford the full cost of the program. Families interested in assistance MUST complete the request for financial assistance form by the March 15 application deadline. Applicants are encouraged to research other financial support opportunities in their local communities, such as churches, banks and employers.
Families will be notified regarding the status of their request for financial assistance at the time of admission into the Summer Academy.
International students—a cross-cultural experience
The Summer Academy is a cross-cultural experience that draws participants from around the world. In 2012, students from Ghana, South Korea, China, Canada and New Zeeland participated in the program. The Summer Academy provides practical experience in a U.S. college classroom while living with students from the United States and around the world.
Questions? Contact Aaron Einfeld, Summer Academy Program Director: ame2@calvin.edu
Admission requirements
-
International students are eligible and encouraged to participate in the Summer Academy, and will be enrolled alongside students from the United States. Students currently in grades 10-12 are eligible to apply to the Summer Academy. There are a limited number of spots available in the Summer Academy cohort, so the admissions process is competitive.
Students must have a minimum of a 3.0 high school GPA to be admitted in the program. All courses are taught in English, so students are expected to be proficient enough in English to complete college level reading and writing in English. All Summer Academy students are required to have health insurance coverage. If you do not currently have coverage, you will need to purchase a short term policy that will cover you for the duration of the Summer Academy. Please contact our office if you have questions regarding obtaining health insurance coverage.
Immigration process
-
After you are admitted to the Summer Academy, our staff will advise you on the specifics of completing the necessary steps to enter the United States. Questions regarding immigration can be directed to Aaron Einfeld, Summer Academy Program Director, at ame2@calvin.edu. Please note, there is an additional $200 fee associated with obtaining an I-20 form, which is necessary for travel to the United States.
Traveling to the U.S.
-
Travel arrangements
When making your travel arrangements to the United States, be sure to arrive at the Gerald R. Ford Grand Rapids International Airport (Airport code GRR). Our Summer Academy staff will be there with a shuttle to welcome you to the United States. Calvin College is located a 15 minute drive from the Grand Rapids airport. We are happy to drive you to the airport at the end of the Summer Academy for your flight departure.
Alternate arrival locations
If your flight arrives in Chicago or Detroit, we will not be able to pick you up from the airport. However, you may choose to arrange your own ground transportation through Greyhound Bus Lines or Amtrak to Grand Rapids. Our staff is able to pick you up from the Grand Rapids Greyhound bus station or Amtrak train station.
Arrival date & time
International students may arrive on campus on Friday, June 14 after 5 p.m. On Saturday, June 15, all international students will attend International Orientation, learning tips about U.S. culture and about making a smooth transition to life in the Summer Academy at Calvin. U.S students arrive the following day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Summer Academy?
The Summer Academy is a month-long, residential college-immersion, college-credited study program for U.S. and international high school students.
Who can participate in the Summer Academy?
Any current international or U.S. 10th through 12th grade high school student with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is encouraged to apply. There are a limited number of spaces available in the program. Students enrolling in the Summer Academy during the summer after their senior year in high school must be planning to attend Calvin College in the coming fall.
What are the benefits of attending?
Students enroll in a college course taught by a Calvin professor in a distinctly Christian learning environment. The college credit counts toward graduation requirements at Calvin, and is transferrable to most colleges or universities. Students gain preparation for their college experience through pre-college programs. Upon successful completion of the Summer Academy, students will receive a Summer Academy Calvin Grant equal to the amount they paid for participation in the program. This grant can be applied toward tuition payments when they enter Calvin as a full-time student (up to $1995).
Students enjoy living in a multicultural community by living in the residence halls with U.S. and international students. Students explore West Michigan, engage in meaningful service-learning activities and participate in various extra-curricular activities.
What classes are available?
Course offerings vary from year to year. As course options are finalized for Summer 2013, they will be listed on the Summer Academy web site. However, every class offered will count toward graduation requirements at Calvin College.
What are the program dates?
June 16 to July 12, 2013. Orientation for international students begins a day early, on June 15, 2013.
What is the application deadline?
March 15, 2013. (Apply using 'Apply' tab, above.)
How do I apply?
Complete the application that is available on-line and downloadable in hard copy form (see 'Apply' tab). Required materials include a high school transcript showing a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, one academic recommendation and one personal recommendation.
How much does the program cost?
The cost of the program is $1,995, which includes room and board, tuition for one course, residence life programming and various extra-curricular activities. Students must purchase their own textbooks. International students should expect to pay an additional $200 for Visa processing fees. More details regarding the visa and immigration process will be communicated upon acceptance into the program.
Is there financial assistance?
The purpose of the Summer Academy’s financial assistance program is to support the college goals of families that cannot afford full tuition. Students from groups traditionally under-represented in U.S. higher education are especially encouraged to apply. Each year, we are able to offer a small number of grants, which can cover up to 50% of the cost of the program. Families interested in assistance MUST complete the request for financial assistance form by the March 15 application deadline.
Can students go home on weekends or weeknights?
A central aspect of the Summer Academy is that it is a residential immersion experience. The evening and weekend activities are designed as important parts of the program, so students are not permitted to go home on weekends or week nights.
Can students have visitors?
All participants should experience this immersion program as if they were thousands of miles away from home, so visitors are not permitted during the program.
Admitted students
Congratulations on your admission to the Summer Academy Program. We are excited to have you as one of our participants this summer.
There are very important details and deadlines that need your attention. It is imperative that all required forms are filled out completely. Unsigned or otherwise incomplete or unreadable forms may slow down processing and jeopardize participation in this summer’s program. The forms listed at the right, along with the enrollment fee, need to be received by the office of pre-college programs no later than Friday, May 3, to confirm enrollment in this summer's program. Additional enrollment forms must be received by Friday, May 17, to complete your enrollment in the program.
Program Balance
Due to costs for processing an online credit card payment for larger amounts, the remainder of your program balance must be submitted in the form of a check or money order and made out to Calvin College.
If you have any questions, please contact the office of pre-college programs at 616-526-6749 or precollege@calvin.edu.
NOTE: The application deadline has passed. Information regarding the Summer Academy 2014 program will be posted in the fall of 2013.
Admission requirements & guidelines
In selecting students for admission to the Summer Academy, Calvin College looks for evidence of Christian commitment and for the capacity and desire to learn. Students who are interested in the Christian perspective and curriculum of Calvin and who show an interest in the program’s aims are eligible for consideration.
Although the prospect of academic success is of primary consideration, the aspirations of the applicant, the recommendation of a high school counselor, teacher, or principal, and a personal recommendation that the student will make contributions to the learning community will also be considered in admission decisions. The Summer Academy admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
Please note that there is no application fee. However, once you are accepted, an initial enrollment deposit of $300.00 is due. The enrollment deposit is not refundable beyond May 10. Payment in full is due by May 24, after which program fees are not refundable.
Homeschooled students may supply an academic recommendation from a parent, along with two personal recommendations from someone such as an employer, pastor, or youth leader.
Applications
The application deadline has passed.
