Writing for College: A Writing-Intensive Summer Program for High School Young Women

June 22 - July 12, 2008

** Applications are still being accepted for this summer!**

"I've learned so much in such a short time, and it has only sparked my interest to continue to read and learn as much as I can about the art of writing." (Participant, Summer 2007)

Since 1993, Bryn Mawr's three-week Writing for College program has prepared high-school-age young women to write well for college in a program that is intensive, supportive and fun. The academic, recreational and college-preparatory dimensions are interwoven to create an integrated experience whose aim is to build a community of writers.

Writing for College is offered in the following two writing-intensive strands. Although the content of the readings, the focus of the writing, and the field trips for the strands vary, the program's emphasis on college-level writing is consistent across the strands.

THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Creative Writing (J.C. Todd and Jody Cohen, Instructors)

“This was an amazing opportunity, a time in a glorious world where everyone is friendly and supportive and eager to grow as writers and as people. This was the first time it has been made so clear what I need to do to improve my writing. This was the first time I have had such personal and in-depth instruction on my creative pieces.” (Participant, Summer 2007)

Modeled on undergraduate creative writing programs, the creative writing strand helps participants balance the solitary act of writing with the artistic, academic and peer interaction that nourishes and supports it. The strand links the study of the art and craft of literature to a workshop approach to creative writing that offers a range of experiences from free writing to radical revision in a supportive, encouraging community. As readers and writers, participants explore approaches to three genres — poetry, short fiction and creative nonfiction — as well as cross-genre writing, literary essay and portfolio preparation.

Typically, there are 15 students in each of the two Creative Writing sections. Each section is co-taught by an instructor and a teaching assistant.

For a syllabus from last summer's program (note that the readings and assignments will change somewhat this summer), click here:
Creative Writing 2007 (Todd & Catanese)
Creative Writing 2007 (Cohen & Attardi)

Urban Studies (Trecia Pottinger, Instructor)

In this strand we will investigate life in the contemporary city. What makes urban life so compelling and also so complex? How do diverse people experience and express their experiences of the city? What can we learn from investigating the uses of space, the diversity of culture, and urban education as dimensions of life in the city? We will look at how life in cities is represented in literature, photography, music and film. We will also spend time together in the city of Philadelphia, exploring, writing about and in other ways representing this city, from its cultural and political centers to its residential neighborhoods. We will write descriptively, creatively and analytically. In addition to conferences and written comments from the instructor, students serve as a community of readers for their peers' work.

The Urban Studies strand, which is co-taught by an instructor and a teaching assistant, typically includes 15 students.

For a syllabus from last summer's program (note that the readings and assignments will change somewhat this summer), click here: Urban Studies 2007

A TYPICAL DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Monday through Friday (excluding Wednesday, which is reserved for field trips)

FIELD TRIPS & WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
During the week, students take field trips related to their academic work or to visit area colleges (Haverford, Swarthmore, and - if possible - the University of Pennsylvania). Each weekend, students visit cultural and historic institutions in and near Philadelphia, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, and Independence National Historical Park. Students will also have a chance to go shopping on the popular South Street in Philadelphia and participate in a variety of other recreational activities both on- and off-campus.

Writing for College Faculty

Application Materials