Our Review of the University of Michigan's Summer Engineering Exploration (SEE) Camp for High School Students
If you’re a high schooler keen on studying engineering, there are several introductory programs that could be useful. Participating in such programs can give you an introduction to the field, prepare you academically for STEM education, and even boost your profile when applying to college.
These opportunities give you hands-on experience, insight into specific STEM niches, and the chance to work alongside experts. Programs like the Summer Engineering Exploration (SEE) Camp at the University of Michigan, the subject of our blog today, are designed to introduce you to engineering and give you an edge in competitive college applications.
What is the SEE Camp?
The Summer Engineering Exploration (SEE) Camp is a week-long residential summer camp hosted by the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering. It is aimed at high school students in grades 11-12 who are interested in exploring engineering as a possible career path. The program provides a broad introduction to different engineering disciplines, offering hands-on exposure to the engineering design process, interactive lectures, and interactions with University of Michigan faculty.
You will explore the various engineering branches, including mechanical, civil, electrical, and biomedical engineering. The camp's primary purpose is to help you understand what engineers do, how engineering impacts the world, and what college-level engineering education looks like. By the end of the program, you’ll have a clearer picture of which engineering field might interest you and what to expect from engineering in college.
How is SEE structured?
SEE Camp in 2024 was held from Sunday, July 7th through Saturday, July 13th. It takes place on-site at the University of Michigan, allowing you to experience the campus and facilities firsthand. Each day, the schedule comprises many engineering-related activities, campus tours, problem-solving exercises, team-building activities, and most importantly—progress on your week-long design challenge.
The Society of Women Engineers hosts the program and ensures that you are mentored by current engineering students and advised by faculty members. Overall, SEE Camp offers an in-depth introduction to engineering in a supportive environment, giving you the chance to see what it’s like to be an engineering student at a top-tier university.
Is it prestigious?
The SEE camp is moderately prestigious. In 2023, they accepted only 40 out of over 600 applicants, with a selection rate of just under 7%. However, instruction is by University of Michigan undergraduates, not faculty, making it less prestigious than faculty-led programs. Taking part in SEE Camp indicates a strong interest in engineering along with academic initiative. You will benefit from good networking opportunities, including interactions with university faculty and current students, which can provide useful connections for future endeavors. The exposure you gain can help boost your college application while providing you clarity about your own goals.
Who is eligible, and how do you apply?
To apply for SEE Camp, you simply need to be a current high school student in grades 11-12, especially if you have limited access to engineering. There are no specific prerequisite courses, and both out-of-state as well as international students are eligible to apply.
Applications for SEE Camp are open from January 10 through March 1 and require the following:
An online application form
A detailed list of your extracurricular activities, honors, volunteer work, familial responsibilities, or employment
Answers to the following three free-response questions:
What would you hope to gain from SEE Camp? (200 words or less)
Please indicate between 2 and 3 engineering disciplines you would like to learn more about and explain your choices. (200 words or less)
Tell us about something that is important to you. You can pull from a facet of your identity, background, story, or something that motivates you. (300 words or less)
How much does it cost?
The all-inclusive cost of SEE Camp is $650. Need-based financial aid is available.
Pros and Cons of the SEE Camp
Pros:
Quality mentorship experience: You'll be mentored by university faculty and current students, who will provide valuable guidance and insights.
Plenty of hands-on learning: Each day in the program includes at least one hands-on activity in a different engineering discipline, giving you a practical understanding of the application of engineering principles.
Networking opportunities: SEE Camp offers access to university staff and peers interested in engineering, helping you build a strong network.
Campus experience: Being on the University of Michigan’s campus, and the tours that are part of the camp, allows you to get a feel for college life and explore a top engineering school.
Cons:
Short duration: The camp lasts only a week, so your learning from it is quite limited.
Not highly prestigious: While it has a low selection rate, it’s still just an introductory program, and the eligibility criteria are quite lax. Its prestige is therefore limited.
Not an in-depth experience: The camp is meant to introduce you to the basics of engineering and isn’t a good choice if you’re looking for a deep dive into a particular field.
Our review—is it worth it?
The University of Michigan's SEE Camp offers a strong introduction to engineering for high school students. It's a somewhat selective program that provides a grounded introduction to engineering concepts at one of the world’s leading engineering schools. If you're serious about pursuing engineering but don’t yet know where to start, SEE Camp can prove to be a valuable opportunity to begin exploring engineering.
One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.