College Writing for High School Students

The College Writing Program offers rising high school seniors and exceptional rising juniors a practical introduction to the writing process at the college level. Students earn 8 college credits by completing an introductory college writing course, a literature course, and a non-credit course combining elements of creative writing with revision and copyediting.

Course Descriptions

Introduction to College Writing, 4 credits
Introduction to College Writing focuses on the cultural analysis that appears in academic work and in the public intellectual sphere. The course emphasizes how writers work with texts (including images, film, music, and other media) to develop writing projects. Through four main writing projects that concentrate on drafting, peer review, and revision, students learn to be constructive readers of each other’s writing and to understand the rhetoric of intellectual inquiry.

Introduction to Literary Studies, 4 credits
This course gives students intensive practice in literary analysis, critical writing, and related research. In discussing primary texts, considerable attention is given to elements of the different genres (e.g., narrative point of view, narrative structure, metrical and free verse), as well as to issues relevant across literary genres (e.g., form and content, voice, contexts, tone). Readings are chosen from the following genres: poetry, drama, narrative modes, and also include selected literary criticism.

Elements of Writing, non-credit
This non-credit course will focus on creating a rounded portfolio of writing. Students will focus on revision and copyediting skills by creating a writer's statement and completing a creative-writing piece in both nonfiction and fiction.

Program Dates and Costs

Program Dates (including required orientation): July 8–August 10, 2012

Program tuition per student: $4,895

On-campus Housing per student: $2,995

Who May Apply

High school students entering grade 12 and exceptional high school students entering grade 11 during the 2012–2013 academic year are welcome to apply to the College Writing Program for High School Students.

The College Writing Program is designed for students who want an intensive training experience, understand how to manage their time and complete assignments both in and out of the classroom, and wish to earn college credit. Students who have the desire and maturity to receive constructive criticism about their work and give helpful feedback to others during the program are encouraged to apply.

Each candidate for the College Writing Program must submit the required application form, completed and signed, along with the following required documents.

• Student Statement of Purpose: In one page, please describe what you hope to achieve during the program.
• Essay: In one page, discuss a published work and/or writer that you believe is most influential or inspirational to your work.
• Transcript: An official secondary school transcript
• Test Score: A copy of your official PSAT, SAT, or ACT score
• Teacher Recommendation: Please submit one recommendation, completed by a teacher who knows your work, in a sealed envelope with the teacher’s signature across the back seal.
• Writing Sample(s): Submit writing sample(s), prose of either fiction or nonfiction, two to five pages in length. Write your name on each page and submit no more than 10 pages, double-spaced.

Download the Pre-College Credit Application Form (PDF)

Download the Pre-College Credit Teacher Recommendation Form (PDF)

Admission to Emerson's Pre-College Credit Programs is on a rolling basis. We suggest applying early, as space is limited. Admission decisions are made frequently. Applications will be accepted through June 15, 2012. The priority application deadline is May 14, 2012.

Sample Schedule

Schedule is subject to change.

Monday–Friday
9:00 am–5:00 pm

Emerson College reserves the right to change any provision of this program at any time. The College specifically reserves the right to change its tuition rates and any other financial charges. The College also reserves the right to rearrange its courses and class hours, to drop courses for which registration falls below the minimum enrollment, and to change instructor assignments.