New York City - Sophomore Program

The objective of the Sophomore Program is to assist high school sophomores in gaining admission to competitive summer college preparatory programs in the U.S. In addition to offering a rigorous academic curriculum, this program empowers students with a sense of independence, teaches time management skills, helps develop new friendships with other students from diverse backgrounds, and provides a new perspective on the world.
 
Students are accepted into the Sophomore Program based on a rigorous and highly competitive application process, which includes academic credentials, financial criteria, personal essays, guidance counselor and teacher recommendations, and an interview.
 
Students are assigned a pair of mentors with whom they meet weekly throughout the school year. Mentors work with their students during sessions to select summer programs, prepare applications, create personal statements and essays, request letters of recommendation, and complete financial aid paperwork. Students are given standardized test preparation but focus on the Writing & Critical Thinking Program throughout the year. Students also participate in special workshops and panel discussions to hone their skills and help them network with professionals in various career fields. After a student is admitted to a summer program and awarded a financial aid package, Minds Matter provides as much financial assistance as possible to supplement the school’s award.
 
Summer academic programs attended by sophomores include Cornell University, Harvard University, New York University, Phillips Exeter Academy, Stanford University, and Yale University.