Summer Writing Program

"I worked parts of my brain I didn't know existed, and I wrote essays I didn't know I could write."

Dates:

Sunday, July 6, to Friday, July 25, 2008

Program Description:

Emphasizing a writing process approach, the Summer Writing Program will teach you how to compose academic papers similar to those you will write in college. This program is designed for college-bound students with strong reading and writing abilities. It is not a remedial writing program.

Each day begins with a lively discussion of literature in a class led by a Carleton professor. You will read both contemporary and traditional literature, from classic texts by writers such as Plato and Shakespeare to a variety of modern short stories, essays, and poems by authors such as August Wilson, Margaret Atwell, James Baldwin, Alice Walker, and Adrienne Rich. This literature then becomes the focus of your papers.

In addition to the morning classes, discussion sections led by current Carleton students offer you even more individual attention. The writing workshop meets daily to provide you with opportunities to focus on your own writing process. You will write every day. Although we occasionally include creative writing exercises, the focus of the workshop remains on expository prose—the kind you will use in college to write academic papers.

Public computer labs are available to all program participants.

Eligibility:

Students currently completing their junior year may apply. Students should possess strong reading and writing abilities.

Academic Information:

You will receive extensive written evaluations of the three college essays you write during the program. In addition, we will provide a written evaluation of each student’s participation in the program. Six Carleton credit hours (which are equivalent to approximately three college semester hours) are awarded to participants who successfully complete the program. This credit does not count toward Carleton's writing requirement.

Faculty:

The Summer Writing Program is directed by Deborah Appleman, professor of educational studies. The core classes will be taught by professors who represent a variety of academic disciplines. In the past, Summer Writing Program faculty members have included political scientists, philosophers, economists, historians, and literary scholars.

Campus Life:

In previous years, students have hailed from all 50 states and several countries. The diversity of people and the robust exchange of ideas create a challenging and exciting atmosphere.

Besides your course work, you will participate in a variety of group activities, which may include trips to the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area or to the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.

You will live with a roommate in a Carleton residence hall, supervised by full-time resident assistants. You will have access to the campus’s cultural activities, which may include films, concerts, and plays; and recreational facilities including tennis, basketball, racquetball, squash, and handball courts; softball, soccer, and rugby fields; and an 880-acre arboretum with 13 miles of hiking and jogging trails.

Attendance Policy:

The Summer Writing Program is a residential program that requires full-time residence at the College, including weekends, for the duration of the program. Students are expected to remain on campus, with the exception of program-sponsored excursions. Only in cases of emergency, and with the program director's approval, may students be absent from the program. No exceptions will be made.

To view the contract of attendance, click here

Transportation:

You are responsible for your own transportation to Carleton. Participants who travel by air will arrive at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. Carleton College is located in Northfield, Minnesota, a 45-minute ride from the airport. Airport shuttles to and from the campus are available for a fee. Additional details will accompany acceptance materials.

Costs:

The comprehensive fee of $2295 includes:

• Tuition
• All books and class supplies
• Six Carleton credit hours (equivalent to three semester hours)
• Room and board (all meals)
• Activities and excursions
• T-shirt

A $500 deposit is due with the application. The remaining balance of $1795 is due on May 15. If you are not accepted into the program, the $500 will be returned to you. For accepted students, $250 is non-refundable. Please see the cancellation policy for further details.

Financial Assistance:

Application deadline for scholarships is April 4, 2008.

A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available to students applying to the Summer Writing Program. Based on academic merit and college potential, scholarships will apply to overall tuition, room, and board expenses.

To download a 2008 Scholarship Application Form, click here.

To download a 2008 Scholarship Recommendation Form, click here.

Cancellation Policy:

All cancellations must be made in writing.

Students who withdraw on or before May 1 will receive a refund of all fees paid except the $250 nonrefundable deposit.

Cancellations received on or before May 30 will be charged $500. Cancellations received after May 30 will be charged $1000.

Application Process:

Applications are available online. To fill-out and print the 2008 Summer Writing Program Application, click here. The application deadline is May 1, 2008.

Due to student visa requirements, we are not able to accept international students unless they have a U.S. passport.

To Apply: Complete and sign the Application Form and Contract of Attendance. Also include a copy of your high school transcript, a recent typed sample of academic expository writing, and a check for $500 payable to Carleton College. (Please do not submit any creative writing; we are unable to evaluate your academic writing through creative writing samples.) Mail your completed application to: Office of Summer Academic Programs, Carleton College, One North College Street, Northfield, MN 55057.