SEC Extracurricular Programs

Stand Out. Lead Boldly. Be More Than a GPA.

Why Extracurriculars Matter

✔ Colleges look beyond academics

✔ Real-world achievements show initiative

✔ National awards = admissions & scholarships advantage

✔ Strong extracurriculars = stronger personal statement

✔ SEC guides students to meaningful, strategic activities

Our Program Categories

Two Specialized Paths. One Goal: Impact.

Top Tier Universities Gifted & Summer Programs

Prepare for the Most Competitive Pre-College Programs in the U.S.

Some summer and gifted programs are more than just academic enrichment—they are highly selective, application-based opportunities that can dramatically boost a student’s profile for top university admissions.

At SEC, we help students gain admission into these prestigious programs through test preparation, application coaching, and academic support tailored to the requirements of each opportunity.

Top Universities Gifted & Summer Programs

Get accepted to the most competitive pre-college and gifted programs in the U.S.—CTY, RSI, YYGS, Stanford Pre-Collegiate, and more.
SEC helps you prepare applications, essays, and required test scores.

What Are Competitive Gifted & Summer Programs?

These programs require more than just registration—they involve:

  • Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, SCAT, or internal assessments)

  • Academic transcripts and teacher recommendations

  • Essays and personal statements

  • Sometimes interviews or talent-based evaluations

Programs We Support Include:

  • Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY)

  • MIT – Research Science Institute (RSI)

  • Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes

  • Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)

  • Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP)

  • Columbia University Summer Immersion

  • Brown Pre-College Programs

  • SIG – Summer Institute for the Gifted
    ...and more.

💡 These programs are not only selective—they are highly respected by Ivy League and top-tier schools.

Make Your Summer Count. Make Your Application Shine.

How SEC Helps You Get In

📘 Academic Preparation

✔ SCAT, SAT, ACT test prep for CTY and other programs

✔ Subject-specific tutoring in math, science, and writing

✔ GPA support and transcript improvement

✍️ Application & Essay Coaching

✔ Essay brainstorming, editing, and polishing

✔ Personal statement development

✔ Resume building and activity portfolio guidance

🎯 Strategic Consulting

✔ Program selection based on your interests & goals

✔ Interview prep (for TASP, RSI, etc.)

✔ Application timeline management and submission guidance

Why These Programs Matter for College Admission

  • Demonstrates academic ambition and initiative

  • Connects students to research, faculty, and real university environments

  • Enhances your resume with recognized experiences

  • Builds stronger college essays and future recommendations

  • Increases chances of scholarships and elite university admissions

Who Is This Program For?

  • Middle and high school students with high academic potential

  • Students interested in STEM, humanities, writing, leadership, or research

  • Families seeking a meaningful summer experience—not just another camp

  • Students applying to gifted programs or Ivy League-level universities

Make it stand out.

  • "I had no idea how competitive these programs were until SEC helped me. They guided me step-by-step. Getting into Stanford’s summer program gave me a huge boost in confidence.

    Sophie L. – Accepted to Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Program

  • "SEC helped me prepare for the SCAT in just a few months. I got into CTY’s advanced math program and loved every minute of it. It was challenging but fun—and I wouldn’t have made it without SEC."

    Eric K. – CTY Advanced Math Track

  • "The essay support I got from SEC was amazing. They helped me shape my story in a way I never could have done alone. Getting into YYGS was a dream come true!"

    Jasmine W. – Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)

FAQs

Q1: Are these summer and gifted programs hard to get into?

A: Yes—many of them are competitive and require standardized test scores, essays, and academic records. That’s why SEC offers full support to help you stand out during the application process.

Q2: Can SEC help with programs that require SAT, ACT, or SCAT scores?

A: Absolutely. We provide targeted test prep for CTY, Stanford, and other programs that require academic testing. We also offer GPA support and subject-specific tutoring to build your academic strength.

Q3: What grade level should I start preparing for these programs?

A: Many programs accept students starting from middle school (Grade 6 or 7). It’s ideal to begin prep at least 3–6 months before the application deadline—especially for programs that require testing or essays.

Competitive pre-college programs don’t just happen. We help you earn your spot.

Want to Apply to One of These Programs? Let SEC help you plan, prepare, and apply with confidence.
We’ll guide you through the process from start to submit.

  • SEC Belleuve, USA-Headquarters

English +1(425) 640 - 9000

中文 +1(253) 289 - 4730

한국어 Kakao Talk ID SIS9000

  • SEC Toronto, Canada

    English/한국어 +1(437) 848 - 5684

SEC Competition Prep Programs

Build Real-World Skills. Gain National Recognition. Strengthen Your College Application.

Top universities look for students who take initiative, solve problems, and achieve excellence beyond the classroom.
At SEC, we help students prepare for and participate in high-impact academic competitions across a wide range of subjects—math, science, writing, business, technology, leadership, and more.

Why Academic Competitions Matter

  • Gain recognition through nationally ranked programs

  • Strengthen college applications with verified awards and honors

  • Build leadership, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking

  • Qualify for selective scholarships, internships, and summer programs

  • Stand out in competitive college admissions

Competitions We Support

Mathematics & Science

  • AMC 8 / 10 / 12, AIME, USA(J)MO

  • F=ma (Physics competition), USAPhO

  • USACO (USA Computing Olympiad)

  • MathCounts, Science Olympiad, Science Bowl

Humanities & Writing

  • Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

  • National History Day, National Essay Contests

  • Speech & Debate, Model UN

Business, Economics, & Career-Focused

  • NEC (National Economics Challenge)

  • DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America)

  • FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)

  • NTHS (National Technical Honor Society)

Health & Medical

  • HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America)

  • COPE Junior Health Scholar Program (via SIS access)

Can Any Student Participate in These Competitions?

Some contests allow individual registration, but many—like HOSA, DECA, Science Olympiad, and MathCounts—require students to register through an accredited school or institution.

SEC Advantage:
Because we are affiliated with SIS, a fully accredited private school, SEC students can compete under SIS if their current school does not offer access to these competitions.

Don’t miss an opportunity because your school doesn’t offer it—compete through SEC and SIS.

How SEC Prepares Students

🎯 Expert Coaching by Subject


✔ 1:1 or small group sessions

✔ Topic-specific instruction from experienced mentors

✔ Strategy and scoring techniques for each competition

📝 Application & Resume Support


✔ Portfolio development for arts/writing contests

✔ Resume-building for leadership competitions

✔ Personal statement editing (if required)

⏱️ Practice & Mock Rounds


✔ Timed tests and simulations

✔ Feedback and progress tracking

✔ Team coaching for group-based competitions

“True achievement comes from challenge. SEC helps students compete with confidence - and win.”

Who Should Join Competition Prep?

  • Students aiming for top universities or scholarships

  • Gifted and high-achieving students who want a challenge

  • Students whose schools don’t offer access to key competitions

  • Students interested in building leadership and career-ready skills

What Makes SEC Different?

  • Access to school-based competitions through SIS

  • Personalized prep plans for each student and contest

  • Support across fields—STEM, writing, business, healthcare, and more

  • Proven success stories from local, regional, and national winners

Example: A student at a school without a DECA chapter competed through SEC/SIS, placed top 10 in state, and built a powerful college essay story.

From Practice to Podium

  • "Thanks to SEC’s structured training and mock tests, I went from nervous beginner to qualifying for AIME. The personalized coaching really made the difference."

    Daniel C. – AMC 10 to AIME Qualifier

  • "My school didn’t offer DECA, but I was able to compete through SEC and SIS. The team at SEC helped me prep my case studies and presentation skills—I placed top 10 in state!"

    Mina P. – DECA State Finalist

  • "SEC helped me prepare for HOSA with real medical knowledge practice and mock testing. The coaching gave me the confidence to win regionals!"

    Leo J. – HOSA Regional Champion

  • "I always liked writing, but SEC’s feedback helped me polish my story until it was award-winning. That Gold Key changed how I saw my own potential."

    Rachel S. – Scholastic Writing Awards Gold Key

  • "The NEC prep with SEC was intense but rewarding. I learned how to think critically about real-world economic problems and work as a team under pressure."

    Sophie K. – National Economics Challenge Team Member

FAQs

Q1: My school doesn’t offer these competitions. Can I still join?

A: Yes! If your current school doesn’t offer certain contests (like DECA, HOSA, or MathCounts), SEC students can participate under SIS, our fully accredited school partner.

Q2: I’ve never done a competition before. Is this still for me?

A: Absolutely. We coach students of all levels—from beginners to national finalists. You’ll get a custom prep plan that fits your goals and timeline.

Q3: How far in advance should I start preparing?

A: Ideally, 3–6 months before the competition season. But even short-term crash prep can make a huge difference with SEC’s intensive programs.

National Recognition Starts with Preparation.
Don’t just join a competition—train to win with SEC.

Want to Apply to One of These Programs? Let SEC help you plan, prepare, and apply with confidence.
We’ll guide you through the process from start to submit.

  • SEC Belleuve, USA-Headquarters

English +1(425) 640 - 9000

中文 +1(253) 289 - 4730

한국어 Kakao Talk ID SIS9000

  • SEC Toronto, Canada

    English/한국어 +1(437) 848 - 5684