The Reach Cambridge Program—Should You Apply?
Why Should You Do a Pre-College Program?
Pre-college programs are a unique way to enhance your academic profile, explore potential career paths, and gain valuable experiences before applying to college. These programs can bolster your applications by showcasing your commitment to learning and enthusiasm for your chosen field of study.
Pre-college programs can also help demonstrate your ability to thrive in a rigorous and challenging academic environment, which can be advantageous in the competitive college admissions landscape. In addition to academics, these programs may provide a fulfilling bonding experience with peers and international exposure, depending on the program’s location.
Reach Cambridge Overview
Reach Cambridge is a pre-college program designed to offer an enriching experience that combines academic rigor with personal development. Set in the historic city of Cambridge, UK, the program aims to prepare you for the demands of higher education while also giving you a glimpse into university life at one of the world's most famous academic settings.
With students from 50 different countries attending Reach Cambridge, it is also a cultural exchange experience. The programs take place between July and August.
Structure
Reach Cambridge offers 2, 4 and 6 week programs. Programs provide a range of experiences, from research and lectures to local trips and social activities. Reach Cambridge also offers workshops in key skills like leadership and public speaking. You will have the chance to visit historic sites in the city and the UK, such as London, Brighton, and Shakespeare’s birthplace.
Curriculum
You will choose one course per two-week period. Each course involves 20 hours of instruction per week and is taught by an academic, lecturer, PhD student. Courses cover a wide range of subjects, such as Biotechnology, Politics and International Relations, Literature and Creative Writing, Medicine and Life Sciences, and Law. You can check out specific course descriptions on their website. You can take an additional ‘taster’ or mini-course for an extra fee.
Costs
The costs for the different programs are:
2 weeks: £6,295
4 weeks: £12,395
6 weeks: £18,495
This price includes tuition, two meals a day, recreational activities, and excursions. Taster courses cost an additional £395.
Students are responsible for their own flight and visa costs as well as discretionary spending money.
Typical Day
Each day starts with breakfast and classes, which end before lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll attend any workshops or special sessions your course has and more classes if you’re taking a taster course.
There’s an evening lecture after dinner, after which there may be organized social activities or free time. There is a curfew time by which you’re expected to report back to your room.
On weekends, Reach Cambridge organizes local trips to places like Stratford-upon-Avon, where you can see the house Shakespeare grew up in.
Eligibility and Application
Reach Cambridge is open to students aged 14-18 from all over the world.
To apply, you have to submit a personal statement about your reasons for applying, your academic history, and your goals for the future. Reach Cambridge may request a high school transcript in some cases.
Application Deadlines
September 15, 2024 is the early bird deadline for Summer 2025
Pros and Cons of Reach Cambridge
Pros
Academic Rigor: You will reap the benefits of a challenging curriculum, exploring diverse fields like Business Management and Economics through lectures and workshops.
Holistic Development: The program emphasizes not only academic growth but also personal development through extracurricular activities and social interactions. You will learn to live independently and manage your finances.
Cultural Enrichment: You will have the chance to connect with peers from around the world, which can lead to lasting friendships and valuable connections. The planned excursions to historic cities like Oxford and London will add to your understanding of the UK.
Cons
Cost: The program can be expensive, and additional costs such as travel and personal expenses may add to the overall expenditure. There is no significant financial aid or scholarship system.
Limited Duration: The short duration of the program means that it may not offer an in-depth exploration of subjects, especially if you opt for the 2-week program.
Adjustment to Environment: For international students, adapting to a new cultural and academic environment can be challenging and may require significant adjustment. If you’ve never been to the UK before, you will have to travel internationally and get used to a different country’s norms.
Overall, Reach Cambridge provides an enriching experience that may enhance a student's academic profile and offer a glimpse into university life. The main benefit of this program is its opportunities for cultural exchange, as it draws high school students from across the globe. While it is an expensive program, it can give you a summer of engaging academics, fulfilling travel opportunities, and the chance to bond with students from different countries.
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Image Source - Reach Cambridge Logo