New York & BOston 

College Advantage

Join ACA for the Summer-of-a-Lifetime!

 

ACA College Advantage

Welcome to The College Advantage — The Complete College Admissions Process

Aiming for that perfect score and acceptance into your dream school? The College Advantage program offers you a college-counseling and test-prep intensive that helps you become fully prepared for the college-admissions process. Work one-on-one with college-counseling and test-prep professionals to tackle an SAT, ACT or TOEFL prep course; polish your personal statement; complete the college-selection process; and improve your writing skills during comprehensive writing classes focused on college essays. You’ll even get to visit select universities.

The College Advantage program has professionally designed courses, workshops, college visits and sight-seeing opportunities. Each student will participate in daily SAT, ACT or TOEFL prep and essay-writing classes, which are complemented by engaging college-admissions workshops, one-on-one college counseling, and eye-opening visits to local universities and colleges.

2020 Dates & Tuition

Transportation is not included in tuition.

Weekday Schedule

Classes run Monday through Friday of each week.

Personalized Program

Each College Advantage student and family will be asked to complete a detailed questionnaire about the student’s and family’s goals and expectations regarding college. Our experienced college advisers and counselors will work with the information provided by each individual family to assist in tailoring an admissions plan uniquely designed to focus on the student’s future dreams and goals.

When a student participates in our uniquely designed The College Advantage program, he or she experiences the support of carefully selected professionals and gains the tools and information necessary to make informed decisions regarding the college-admissions process. The College Advantage students receive special insight into the college-admissions process and participate in enlightening workshops and discussions that focus on their individual needs and goals. This program will allow students and families to reduce the anxiety and stress of the admissions process.

Every student who completes The College Advantage program will leave better-prepared, through confidence and knowledge, to tackle and complete the college-admissions process.

Safety

ACA has always been committed to absolute safety for every student. We maintain a ten-to-one student-to-staff ratio – one of the lowest in the industry – to ensure everyone gets the unmatched attention and unique personalized programs they deserve. Our luxury residence features a front desk staffed 24 hours a day with trained personnel for your comfort and convenience. As part of our commitment to student safety, ACA staff members live on every student-occupied floor, accompany students on all activities and excursions, and are always equipped with cellphones. ACA takes care to use private transportation for our weekday activities and weekend adventure trips – never public transportation.

Travel to the College Advantage*

Students participating in our College Advantage programs are advised to fly directly into New York’s LaGuardia Airport or Boston’s Logan Airport, depending on which program they are attending. Students will be met and escorted by ACA staff members to private, air-conditioned motor coaches for the short drives to the campuses.

Of course, parents are also welcome to drive students to ACA directly. Contact our office for further information on any of these travel options including group flights.

*Transportation charges to and from program are not included in tuition.

Our Workshops and Seminars

ACA’s College Advantage program combines valuable admissions preparation and college-level study with exciting chances to explore amazing universities in and around the city of your choice. It provides the perfect opportunity to preview a genuine college experience, from admissions preparation to campus activities. You’ll be able to get a sense of what you want in a school during your on-campus tours, and take advantage of exam prep and essay writing courses to make the most of your admissions efforts.

SAT & ACT Courses:

Targeted Prep So You Can Get Into the Colleges You Want

Preparing for college can be no small task. ACA wants to make sure you’re getting an edge. That’s why we’ve partnered with the world leader in test preparation services, Kaplan Test Prep. Their SAT and ACT prep courses are designed to help students prepare for these important exams. Together, Kaplan and ACA take a comprehensive approach to each test, with practice exams, scoring information, customized lesson recommendations, and on-site instructor support. Feel confident knowing you’re reviewing the most current content and testing standards. Plus, each student receives access to a personalized online Kaplan account.

These intensive courses build the skills you need to improve your college admissions test scores. Offering complete diagnostic evaluations each week, students will get the practice they need to prepare for either of these challenging exams. Intensive classroom instruction will help students prepare for all test sections, which can be the key to decreasing test anxiety, increasing test preparedness and maximizing test performance. The full SAT or ACT review includes all books, diagnostic exams and classroom materials. ACA students in our Wisconsin program will work with Kaplan Test Prep for their SAT and ACT preparation. Kaplan is renowned for consistently helping students earn the scores that reflect their true ability, helping secure admission to the schools of their choice!

Admissions professionals use TOEFL (the Test of English as a Foreign Language) to determine the proficiency of non-native English speakers enrolling in American colleges and universities. If English is not your first language, a TOEFL course can better prepare you for this critical test. You get intensive instruction, smart test strategies, and plenty of verbal and written practice to help you achieve your desired score. A full-length TOEFL diagnostic exam is included.

College Essay and Personal Statement Workshops:

It’s the dreaded college-application essay, describing detailed accounts of achievements, successes and academic goals. It can be overwhelming for anyone! Of course it’s easy to recall personal achievements, but how to write them all down in an interesting way, now that is a different story. The College Advantage’s essay-writing workshop helps students fearlessly face writing blocks and fears. Our essay-writing specialists work with the students to create standout essays that not only reflect life goals but also what’s unique and compelling about each student as a dynamic and creative individual, just the type of student whom colleges seek today.

Students are only given one chance to make a first impression, and this is done through their personal essays. That’s why the writing faculty focuses on making each student a stronger, more interesting writer, one who exudes confidence, intelligence and personal drive. We’ll help students convey distinct points of view and give them the tools to talk about personal achievements. These tools give each student a closer connection to future college and career goals. Our instructors are highly qualified, having helped students year after year develop strong, compelling, well-rounded application essays. This course will leave students with personal essays that will set them apart and highlight strengths and accomplishments. Just remember that although applying to college can be overwhelming, it can also be very empowering!

Our Academic Faculty
The College Advantage faculty comprises highly skilled writers, guidance counselors and college/career advisers who offer incredible insight into the college admissions process. Our writing instructors provide individual assistance and have years of experience fine tuning the art of the effective personal statement. Every writing instructor will help students focus on the writing process by employing the use of rough drafts, revisions and editing. Peer workshops and individual guidance will also be used to help students improve their writing skills. Our specialized counselors travel the country working with students to discuss, plan and prepare for their “best-fit” colleges. These individuals will foster discussions describing the best ways to accomplish personal goals and help devise an individualized plan with schedules and timelines for the college application process. Our goal is to make sure we prepare our students to leave The College Advantage program confident and ready to excel with personalized admissions plans!

College Advising:

The college you attend creates one of the most defining experiences in your life. It determines the education you’ll receive, the friends you’ll make, and, more than likely, the career you’ll have. The College Advantage wants to make sure that you start it all off right. Our college counseling sessions pair you with experienced professionals who will help you figure out your collegiate goals. With breakout groups, mini workshops and one-on-one sessions, you’ll learn about the admissions process, which programs interest you most, what factors into college selections, and how to prep for campus visits. You’ll complete this program feeling confident, knowing how to navigate this process in order to make the best decisions for your academic future.

At each of The College Advantage programs, a team of experienced college counselors will lead students in their discovery of the perfect college. All The College Advantage advisers are seasoned admissions professionals, whose experience provides invaluable insight and guidance on the admissions experience and process. The College Advantage advisers develop varied strategies to share information with our students, such as one-on-one college advising sessions and a series of informative college admissions workshops/discussions along with eye-opening college visits.

One-on-one counseling sessions are designed to give The College Advantage students an opportunity to work with their designated college counselor about their specific admissions goals or challenges during their private advising sessions. Students and counselors work together to better define student interests and future college preferences. Students complete The College Advantage advising sessions with a clear picture of their college admissions goals and how to accomplish them during the remainder of their time in high school.

Each evening, students and The College Advantage college counselors will get together to focus on select aspects of the college admissions process. Workshops provide an excellent forum for college counselors to share information and for students to ask questions and participate in peer discussion. Every student is provided with specialized materials to review after the workshop. The workshops give students an idea of what colleges may be best suited for their future endeavors. The College Advantage workshops assist our students in developing the necessary tools to successfully manage the admissions process. Sample workshop topics include Evaluating the Best-Suited College, How to Tackle College Admissions Step-by-Step, The Application Process, College Visits and Tours, Time Management: Courses and Extracurriculars, and How to Ace College Essays.

College Visits

Take a trip to your future!

Sometimes you just have to see a place to know what it’s like. Nothing could be truer for your future college location. Visiting and touring potential schools is so important to the decision-making process. That’s why ACA shows you the most beautiful and pristine campuses. We help you identify key factors in college selection so that you’re able to visit your top choices. These trips let you get a feel for the environment—is it more urban or rural? They show you average class size—would you prefer big lectures or smaller groups? And help you feel comfortable with the overall structure—do you want a private or public school.

During your stay in New York, you'll tour:

During your stay in Boston, you'll tour:

Summer in the Big Apple!

New York City is packed with plenty to do! After a day full of discovery and creativity during class, explore the shops, sights and scenes in NYC. Enjoy a favorite sport or just relax in the park.

Columbia shows you a vibrant campus perfectly situated to take advantage of all the excitement New York has to offer in the summertime.

Rest easy, because ACA understands the importance of being comfortable in your home away from home. Columbia’s residences feature the comfort, safety and cleanliness you expect from ACA, including air conditioning! Staying on Columbia’s campus, in the heart of NYC, you will have easy access to all classes and activities. This prime location offers easy access to the attractions, entertainment and shopping that make the Big Apple a world-class city. Our goal is to consistently create an environment where you’ll be able to concentrate on getting the most out of your summer – staying relaxed, refreshed and ready to excel.

Staying in NYC has its privileges. You’ll kick back in comfort, enjoying in-suite bathrooms, Internet access, weekly housekeeping, linen service and much more. At the end of the day, relax in fully furnished lounges. Catch your favorite show on cable TV, play some Xbox, or watch a DVD with your new friends!

Excellent Eats​

Choices, choices, choices! With ACA, you never have to worry about going hungry. From home-style meals served at breakfast and dinner to lunch options that let you enjoy favorite restaurants, no pre-college summer program gives you as many dining options!

Our breakfast buffet features made-to-order morning specials like omelets, pancakes and waffles alongside plenty of fresh fruit, cereal, bagels, yogurt and pastries, so you’ll be able to fuel up with no problem. If you’d rather take your breakfast on the run, don’t worry, there’s bagels and fresh fruit ready and waiting for you to grab as you go.

Thanks to ACA’s exclusive Dining-on-the-Town-Plan, you’ll have amazing lunch options each weekday. Visit favorite restaurants and local delicacies, in addition to our outstanding on-campus dining facilities.

Dinners, served up Monday through Thursday, feature a choice of kitchen-fresh entrees, a selection of side dishes, a soup-and-salad bar, beverage bar, and fresh-baked breads and pastries. Fridays, you enjoy a fun dinner at a great local restaurant. And don’t worry; we make sure everyone eats just as well during our exciting weekend adventures!

Around Town & Beyond

Each evening, you will have the opportunity to socialize and build friendships while you enjoy the fun and excitement of NYC nightlife. Many popular hangouts are located just steps from Columbia, and the welcoming crowd of lively locals and visitors creates an unforgettable energy! Catch a local concert or enjoy a game of pool or pingpong. From Topshop to Marc Jacobs, Adidas to Bloomingdale’s, you can’t beat the trendy upscale shopping in SoHo. If you want to watch the world go by, sit down at a café right in the center of the bustling city and people watch while sharing stories and playing games with your new friends.


You’ll have access to a fully equipped workout facility and plenty of other athletic options during your stay. You can lace up your running shoes for a jog in Central Park, or hit the gym to pump some iron or get moving on an elliptical trainer. Outdoor tennis courts, basketball courts and plenty of other options are sure to keep you busy. Of course, a game of touch football or a little Frisbee is always a Central Park classic. Just make sure to pack your workout gear!

Welcome to Boston!

ACA’s program gives you the chance to spend a memorable three weeks in the nation’s ultimate college town. Ask Hub City residents what makes their hometown great and you’re going to hear plenty, from American history to pro sports loyalty. ACA’s Boston program is set on the picturesque campus of Suffolk University, in the heart of downtown with easy access to one of America’s most exciting cities. You’ll get to enjoy everything that makes Boston great – especially in the summer! From Newbury Street to Davis Square, the combination of big-city excitement and unbeatable college-town charm has something for everyone.

Suffolk University shows you a vibrant campus perfectly situated in the heart of the city to take advantage of all the excitement Boston has to offer in the summertime.

Rest assured, ACA understands the importance of being comfortable in your home away from home. This means safe, clean, comfortable accommodations. You will have access to excellent health and recreational facilities and to food service that won’t have you hungry for home cooking. We pride ourselves on the fact that our residences, food service and fitness amenities offer ACA students the very best of any summer pre-college enrichment program. ACA creates a unique environment where you’ll be able to concentrate on getting the most out of your summer, staying refreshed and ready to excel.

Excellent Eats

Choices, choices, choices! With ACA, you never have to worry about going hungry. From home-style meals served at breakfast and dinner to lunch options that let you enjoy favorite restaurants, no pre-college summer program gives you as many dining options!

Our breakfast buffet features made-to-order morning specials like omelets, pancakes and waffles alongside plenty of fresh fruit, cereal, bagels, yogurt and pastries, so you’ll be able to fuel up with no problem. If you’d rather take your breakfast on the run, don’t worry, there’s bagels and fresh fruit ready and waiting for you to grab as you go.

Thanks to ACA’s exclusive Dining-on-the-Town-Plan, you’ll have amazing lunch options each weekday. Visit favorite restaurants and local delicacies, in addition to our outstanding on-campus dining facilities.

Dinners, served up Monday through Thursday, feature a choice of kitchen-fresh entrees, a selection of side dishes, a soup-and-salad bar, beverage bar, and fresh-baked breads and pastries. Fridays, you enjoy a fun dinner at a great local restaurant. And don’t worry; we make sure everyone eats just as well during our exciting weekend adventures!

Around Town & Beyond

Afternoons and evening activities are yours to enjoy. Spend an afternoon rowing along the Charles River, polish your backhand or toss a Frisbee in Boston Common. Visit Faneuil Hall Marketplace for serious shopping and dining, then be the first to see one of the summer’s blockbuster flicks. Feeling patriotic? The Paul Revere House is an experience that can’t be missed, and check out the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour if you’re feeling brave. This fantastic city offers endless unique opportunities, and ACA helps you find the ones that interest you most.

You’ll have access to outstanding athletic facilities. Keep your workout routine or connect with friends for some competition. Whatever your game, you’ll be able to stay in shape and keep your skills sharp! You’ll have full use of the running tracks, basketball courts, outdoor playing fields and weight rooms. And if you’d prefer some fresh air, we’re always close to scenic running and cycling paths, softball and soccer fields, and green space perfect for a game of catch or Frisbee. Don’t forget to pack your workout gear!

Highlights

Photos

TestimonialS

What Alumni are Saying

“Russ had a GREAT summer, thanks to all the caring, fun, VERY pleasant, VERY responsible and sweet staff!!!! He improved his SAT score greatly! You guys are TRULY the BEST!”
Roberta and Jeff G.
New York
“Clémence was thrilled by her summer experience! Thank you for making a difference in my daughter’s life, helping her with her college applications and for caring so much about her well being.”
Cecile P.
France
“Spending my summer on your program was amazing. I made so many friends that I still see during the school year. The counselors became my friends while they made the daily activities so much fun."
Max S.
New York

The most Personalized program

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