All in all, 62 high school students have completed the summer college preview programme (SCPP) at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q). They were steered through a four-week programme aimed at preparing them for the college admissions process.
Participants were taught university-level math and academic writing, preparing them for the SAT examination. Personal and professional developmental workshops gave students an edge on their college applications, while English classes equipped them for admission interview, application essay and personal statement.
Every Saturday, student-led fun activities took place, immersing students into Carnegie Mellon University traditions such as quizzes, football matches and various carnival
activities.
“I applied for the programme because I wanted to get a deeper understanding of the biological sciences major taught at CMU-Q as well as to improve my score on the SAT examination. I really enjoy working in the lab and taking part in the extracurricular activities,” said a participant from International School of Choueifat.
This year, the CMU alumni from Pittsburgh took on the role of instructors in biological sciences and business administration and offered first-hand insight into life at the
university.
Bertrade Mbom, SCPP project leader in biological sciences, said: “I participated in a similar programme when I was in high school; it is a great opportunity for students to be exposed to college level academics and get a real sense of what life is like at a high level university.”
Each participant selected a practical project aligned with one of Carnegie Mellon Qatar’s majors of biological sciences, business administration, computational biology, computer science and information systems. Students who enrolled in the business administration project worked together to develop a business plan and experienced the roles and responsibilities that real life business executives encounter.