NSGT University Prep

Letter from the Director

Dear Parents, Students & Educators,

The National Society for the Gifted and Talented is pleased to once again offer our exclusive University Prep program, now in its third year, on the beautiful Amherst College campus.

Navigating the road to college is often a daunting task. Let us help to clear the path by providing a three week immersion program that helps you answer the questions:

• What schools will I apply to and why?
• How does the common application process work?
• How do I go about writing my personal statement in such a way that it will stand out?
• Where do I begin with regard to putting together my academic vitae?
• How can I raise my test scores to help me have a better shot of getting into the schools of my choice?

We are very excited to once again be partnering with The Princeton Review®. They offer a comprehensive program that helps students to make the most of their test taking preparation:

• Students take a diagnostic test and receive feedback so they know where to focus their preparation efforts
• Students and parents receive timely assessments of their test performance
• Trained Princeton Review® instructors provide daily instruction and practice to help students to improve both their subject knowledge as well as the latest test taking strategies.

At the end of the program, parents and students receive a report on the student’s progress and detailed recommendations for continued improvement. Additionally, parents participate in a live online session at the end of the program to guide them in the evaluation of their child’s progress.

One of the most popular aspects of our program is the College tour day! Twice per week, students hop on a bus early in the morning and travel to visit several college campuses. Evaluation criteria in hand, they participate in an information session, a college tour and have time to absorb the local flavor of each campus. Afterwards on the bus ride home they reflect upon their visits and prepare to give feedback in the next day’s Seminar Class.

Probably the most valuable aspect of the program is the ability to meet like minded peers who are in pursuit of the same goals as you are. This past year we had students who hailed from all over the United States as well as China, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Turkey and United Arab Emirats. The global community that emerged from this group of young people was in a word-priceless. Their dedication to the tasks at hand was remarkable and their ability to find time to solidify friendships and have a bit of fun was great to see.

We look forward to you joining us for the 2012 Season!

Kate Vieillard
Program Director for University Prep