According to an article the Guardian newspaper published in 2012, if you attend a summer school, no matter what your academic or social background, your chances are greatly increased of getting into a better university. Not only that, but pupils from less advantaged backgrounds benefit the most as their confidence increases due to the extra preparation.
This compares to just over half pupils with a similar academic and social background who did not apply for summer school.
There are many positive reasons for attending a summer school or university preparation course.
It eases the transition from school to university
As the name suggests, it prepares you for the type of work and environment for university life. Many students coming straight from secondary school, used to the learning pace and familiarity of friends of their teenage years, can find it a real culture shock, socially and academically, when they go to university. As a result, this can affect their performance and some may think that university is not suited to them. Attending a summer school can ease this transition process, and make your next year easier.
Subject choice
You may want to study a subject that is not offered at your school (for example Film and TV studies), but you can study this at a summer school. Going to summer school will prepare you in advance for that subject, so that you will already be acquainted with it thereby accelerate your learning when you get to university. You will thus have an advantage of those on your course who did not attend summer school.
It looks good on your university application
Your application will undoubtedly stand out amongst hundreds of other applicants who did not attend summer school. By choosing to study subjects you are interested in during your summer, you are showing the university how serious and enthusiastic you are about studying this subject.
It improves your knowledge of a subject
If you are weak on a subject that you know you need to study as part of your course, such as Maths for example, taking this on as a summer school subject not only prepares you for the standard you will be expected to meet, but will improve your knowledge. This is also true on a subject that you are rusty on.
It introduces you to the university life and environment
You will develop your academic skills to the standard expected of you by the time you start your course, such as writing or presentation skills. While you are there, you will learn about the IT systems, the library, the campus and generally finding your way around (not just to the student union bar!). Not only that, but you will learn how to make friends in a new environment, as you get to meet people from different parts of the country and different backgrounds from yours, thereby developing your social skills. Most summer schools hold recreational activities, such as sight seeing or games, to do just that.
Many universities offering a summer school usually have specific criteria for you to meet. For most, you need to be (either one or more criteria):
All universities offering these schemes offer residential accommodation during your stay if you live too far away to travel every day.
If you are intending to apply to a university outside Scotland, you can also attend their summer school.
