For high school students interested in engineering, there are many ways to prepare and gain valuable experience before college. Pre-college engineering programs will offer you unique opportunities to enhance your skills, build your knowledge, and strengthen your college applications. These programs will demonstrate your initiative, genuine passion for engineering, and willingness to put in extra effort to advance your education.

Pre-college programs also act as teasers, offering a preview of college engineering and establishing expectations for future academic and professional pursuits. This blog post focuses on one such experiential program: the Summer Engineering Seminar (SES).

What is the Summer Engineering Seminar?

The SES, hosted by the School of Engineering at Santa Clara University, is a fully-funded, five-day summer experience for high school sophomores and juniors with a passion for engineering. Through a series of introductory workshops blending lectures and hands-on activities across various engineering disciplines, SES offers a comprehensive introduction to college-level engineering.

In 2024, the School of Engineering at Santa Clara University will host its 35th Annual Summer Engineering Seminar (SES) program, recognized by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine as an inspiring program in STEM.

Santa Clara University emphasizes education in "service to society, especially on behalf of those in greatest need," encouraging students from underrepresented communities to participate.

Is the SES Prestigious?

While Santa Clara University does not rank high among the top engineering schools, that does not detract from the SES’s inherent value. It has a small batch size and is fully funded, which ensures significant competition in admissions and high selectivity.

The course structure guarantees a worthwhile learning experience for those who get in. Overall, the SES may not be very prestigious, but it is highly useful for the hands-on experience, even if it doesn't significantly bolster your college application profile.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

To be eligible for the SES, you must:

• Have completed your sophomore year of high school by July 1, 2025.

• You’re eligible for a second advanced session if you attended SES the previous year.

• Sophomores are prioritized, but limited spots are available for juniors.

• Have a keen interest in engineering.

• Have not been previously exposed to the engineering profession - the SES gives preference to those who lack access to such courses or are from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.

How Does the Application Process Work?

The application process for SES is as follows:

1. Applications for the 2024 SES open in January 2024.

2. You'll need to choose between one of the two introductory sessions or the advanced session if you're a returning participant.

3. The online application form is due by mid-March 2024.

4. The application requires a 500-word essay addressing: What makes you an ideal candidate for the SES program? How do you think you could benefit from the program?

5. Applications are evaluated by the end of March based on academic performance and need, in line with the eligibility criteria.

How is the SES Structured?

Throughout the five days of the course, you'll attend introductory workshops across various engineering disciplines, including:

• Bioengineering

• Civil, Sustainable, and Environmental Engineering

• Computer Science and Engineering

• Electrical and Computer Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

In addition to these blended lectures, you'll complete your own engineering projects, experiencing university life on the Santa Clara campus through afternoon and evening recreational activities. This structure allows you to gain practical experience while getting a taste of college life.

Cost

All on-site fees for the SES Program are paid by the School of Engineering along with gifts from various corporate sponsors and foundations (to be listed once announced), resulting in no costs for participants who are accepted into the program.

Location

The Summer Engineering Seminar (SES) is an in-person program hosted by the School of Engineering at Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA.

Pros and Cons You Should Consider

Pros:

1. Solid Introduction to Engineering: With its broad and diverse curriculum, SES serves as a good first step into college-level engineering, offering a comprehensive introduction to various fields.

2. Experience college life: Living on the Santa Clara campus in dorms, you'll experience the joys and rigors of campus life and get to interact with the faculty, students, and other members of the SCU community for the five days of the program.

3. Fully-funded program: The fully-funded nature of SES makes it an incredibly valuable option for those with financial need or limited access to engineering education.

4. Networking Opportunities: You will have a productive networking opportunity with the Santa Clara University faculty, mentors, seniors, and peers. You will get to connect with experts and like-minded individuals at all levels.

Cons:

1. Selective Admission: SES prides itself on small cohort sizes to provide dedicated attention to participants. As a free program, there is significant competition to get in. It's challenging to secure a spot, so having a backup plan is advisable.

2. Limited Prestige: According to US News & World Report, Santa Clara University is ranked between 183 and 202 for Best Engineering Schools, making the prestige value of SES relatively low. If you're looking to boost your profile for college applications, this may not be the best option.

3. No Remote Option: SES is a purely residential program, making it difficult for students not located in Santa Clara or those with limited funds to attend.

4. Limited Learning Time: The program only lasts five days. Despite the quality of the workshops, the time constraint limits the depth of learning. SES provides a good introduction but relatively little in-depth knowledge.

Our Review - Should You Apply?

In conclusion, the Summer Engineering Seminar (SES) at Santa Clara University is a comprehensive introductory program for high school sophomores interested in pursuing engineering. It is particularly beneficial for those who have not been exposed to the field or come from underrepresented communities. While it lacks the depth and intensity of longer, more rigorous pre-college programs, it serves as an excellent springboard for students to take the first step in their engineering journey. Despite its limited prestige and selective nature, the program's fully funded aspect and immersive structure make it a valuable opportunity for aspiring engineers.

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Image Source - SES Logo