Brown Pre-College Programs: Courtney Bertrand

Courtney Bertrand particpated in Brown University’s pre-college summer program.

Why did you choose to participate in a summer program?

I will be going to college soon, so I knew participating in a summer program would help me prepare by staying overnight on my own, without having to depend on my parents, and living by myself for a span of two weeks. It helped me become more independent and mature. It also gave me a glimpse at what college will be like in a couple of years.

How did you decide which program was right for you?

I chose something I was passionate about, which is writing, and researched some schools that I was interested in that had courses to enhance my writing skills. Through my research, I found that Summer@Brown was just right for me.

What was a typical day in your summer program?

I would wake up around 7:30, get breakfast with my roommate and then head to class. Class was three hours long. After class, I would grab lunch with some of my friends and head back to my dorm. At the dorm I would do homework, and chill until my friends finished class. Then, we would all head to dinner before going to some of the seminars on campus, or have a movie night.

What advice do you have for teens looking at summer programs?

My advice would be to take advantage of this great opportunity and always, and I mean always, be open to making new friends and trying new things you’ve never done before. I also recommend that if you have a passion, a summer program is a great way to to see if that passion is something you truly want to study in college.