Course Overview
The process of applying to college can be overwhelming. Not only do high school students need a stellar SAT score, they need to figure out which college is the best fit for them, learn how to interview with admissions officers, and complete the necessary steps to apply to every college on their list. Summer College’s SAT & College Prep Intensive will help students with each of these crucial steps. Students will finish the program with the confidence and tools needed to navigate the college application process.
To prep for the SAT, students in this program will take part in virtual classroom instruction on study plans and test techniques, and they will receive feedback on practice tests. Syracuse University Summer College’s Test Prep program partners with Educational Testing Consultants, a leader in higher education test preparation. Each year, Educational Testing Consultants helps thousands of students prepare for the important pre-college standardized tests at major colleges and universities across the United States. Educational Testing Consultants provides a proven program with a record of success and highly trained, top-quality instructors.
During the college admissions portion of the program, students will learn college search strategies. They will also receive instruction on how to craft high-quality essays and resumes that stand out to admission committees, and techniques to shine during an admissions interview. They will learn how to maximize a campus visit, both virtually and in-person. Recruiters from various schools and colleges at Syracuse University will also share what they are looking for in applicants and the red flags they see on applications.
All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University noncredit transcript.
Learning Objectives
- Build a plan for preparing and studying for the SAT
- Learn test-taking skills related to the SAT, which include becoming familiar with question formats, process of elimination, informed guessing, and time management
- Improve SAT scores
- Strategize the college search process in order to find the right institution
- Learn the do’s and don’ts of the college application process and its various components from college admissions professionals
- Take part in practice admissions interviews and a mock admissions committee
Course Information
Course Prefix and Number: SCN 052
Format: On Campus (at Syracuse University)
Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior status – or a 2025 high school graduate.
Credit: Noncredit
Grading: Pass/Fail
Cost:
- Residential: $2,395
- Commuter: $1,908
Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.
Program Information
Summer College – On Campus:
Experience what college is really like: take a college-level course, live in a residence hall, have meals with friends in a dining hall, and participate in activities and events on campus.
“The virtual aspect of the program made the class easier to fit into my schedule (I took the class while working as a lifeguard). Overall, I felt it was a great experience, and one of the best things I could have done during this past summer!”
— Christopher S., Summer College – Online Student, 2020
Course Dates and Details
| Program | Course Dates | Synchronous Class Time (Eastern Time) | Credit/Noncredit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer College – On Campus | 1-Week Session I: Sunday, July 6 – Friday, July 11, 2025 | MTWThF; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Noncredit |
Typical Day
Tentative Schedule
- There will be daily readings, just like any college level course.
- Guest speakers from different college stake holding offices including financial aid and counselors.
- Short daily reflection papers
- Participation is KEY. Being only a five day course, students are expected to be present and engaged.
- We will go through common app, and other application supplemental materials to ensure the strongest applications possible for the students.
- The students “final project” will be their mock college essay.
When class is over, and on weekends, students can look forward to various Summer College – On Campus activities to meet and connect with other students! Check out our On Campus Experience page for more information!
Faculty Bios
Austin Bettinger
My name is Austin Bettinger. I am currently the Assistant Director of Veteran and Military Recruitment at Syracuse University. Though I work with many military connected students as they start their college journey, I also spend a vast amount of time assisting high school students as they navigate the college admissions process. I believe the #1 purpose of my job is to ensure students I work with make their college application as strong as possible. I also review applications, so I am thrilled to help you pinpoint strategies to make yourself a strong candidate.
I grew up about a half hour outside of Syracuse, so I consider myself a local. Being born and raised here, I can truly say I bleed orange and consider this campus community a part of my extended family. In college, I earned degrees in Education as well as History. I love being in the classroom! I am currently studying to earn my Master’s degree in higher education. I hope this will help me continue to grow in this field of work. On top of my work at Syracuse University, I am also a member of the Air National Guard. One of the most amazing experiences I have had was being deployed to Africa. Seeing the world is a fantastic way to enhance your understanding of life and others. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, watching my 10-year-old play sports, and playing with my dogs. I can’t wait to get to know you as well!