MY Daughter wants to do the College program

[Stitch1231]

Hi I am a parent of a soon to be HS senior that wants to do the College program and she and I am totally lost with what she needs to do and when she needs to do it?
Any help will be appreciated in Her quest do the Disney College program.

I am Glad to see a parent thread , that is going to help me once she is in the Program.

Thanks.....

 

[leeg229]

Every college handles the CP differently. As a starting point, during her first semester, have her speak to her academic adviser about any information on how the college handles the CP. See if there is any credit she can receive for going and even credit for any of the classes that are offered. Not all schools will offer credit. Mine didn't and I had to take a leave of absence from school for a semester. If she doesn't get any credit she should look into online classes she can take while down in FL or CA. If she just takes a semester off there may be financial aid consequences. I'm not sure if this was any help but at the very least it's a starting point and I'm sure others will comment with things I missed.

 

[Wishes Count]

Hi I am a parent of a soon to be HS senior that wants to do the College program and she and I am totally lost with what she needs to do and when she needs to do it?
Any help will be appreciated in Her quest do the Disney College program.

I am Glad to see a parent thread , that is going to help me once she is in the Program.

Thanks.....

Okay so she can technically apply once she has completed at least one semester, meaning she could do Spring of her Freshman year. I would NOT recommend this, as usually people who do this are not as well adjusted and really struggle with being far from home. The also are not very mature, believe me I know, as I did the program when I was 20 and some of my roommates where 18. You wouldn't think it but those two years make a difference. They had issues work attendance, and with other roommates and one even left halfway through because she was so homesick.

Applications for Spring programs (Jan -June or Jan-Aug) are accepted in the fall around Sept/Oct. Applications for Fall Programs (June- Jan or Sept to Jan) are accepted in the spring around Jan/Feb.

She needs to talk to an adviser at her school about the program. I had to do a lot of groundwork to find answers at my university. If the academic adviser doesn't know, she needs to contact the Registar's office. My school would not give credit for the CP so I needed to take a leave of absence (meaning I was technically still enrolled, just not taking any classes)

Also she needs to think carefully about when she would do the program in regards to Academics. She needs to research whatever major she is in, and lets say there is a certain sequencing of classes or one class is only offered in the Fall, she needs to figure all that out. Otherwise she could potentially add a year or more to her education I took the semester off, but made up for it by taking 18 credits the next several semesters and taking 2 summer classes. It could be no problem for her major, or for others she might need to wait to do the CP the season immediately after she graduates.

I did my first program the spring semester of my sophomore year. I felt this was a good time because I had already decided on a major at this point and knew I could work out taking a semester off. I had lived away from home, and gotten used to having to be more responsible for over a year. Also I didn't want to interrupt my junior year which would be heavy with core classes for my major.

 

[mmaloof]

My daughter did the college program last year after only one semester of college. She was initially going to do it after her sophomore year but she decided on a whim to apply earlier. Long story short it was the best thing that has ever happened to her. If you have questions please feel free to message me and I will be glad to answer them from a parents point of view!

 

[RogerRadcliffe]

Since she's a soon-to-be senior, I assume she is currently a Junior in High School. After this semester, this gives her about 3 Semesters (1 year, 6 months) before she can apply, given the 1 Semester rule. I'd highly recommend having her search around Disney forums/sites/blogs to read up more on the Disney College, and the process that it takes so she can get an idea of where she wants to go.

Also in the meantime she can be thinking of what her dream job is, so that she can set a career path and major for herself.

For example, if she wants to go into hospitality, having the concierge role would help her a great deal to gain experience. Things like that.

She has to wait until at least her Fall Semester of her Freshman year of College to apply for the Disney College Program. Given the University/Institution she might have to wait until her following Spring year. I'd also recommend asking if the instituions consider the Disney College Program for credit, as it really is up to their discretion.

Best of luck, and Have a Magical Day!

 

[edk35]

My daughter did her CP this time last year. She was in her Jr. year....and took the semester off. Her University refused to give her any credit. She was the ONLY CP in her Disney class...that didn't get any college credit. She was there from Jan. 9th until May 30th. She came home and took one summer class and then loaded up and took 21 hours, and an internship that she did get credit for.... this past Fall semester. She will graduate in Dec. instead of this May. My daughter had just turned 21 when she went and she took her car. She said that was one thing that she was happy to have while there.

She worked in MK in the Emporium. She worked LONG LONG LATE LATE hours and got sick 3 or 4 times, lost weight (didn't need to) had some tearful phone calls and missed her family and boyfriend, but she WAS PROUD TO HAVE MADE IT THROUGH WITHOUT GETTING TERMED (happens a lot) made some GREAT FRIENDS and learned some neat things. She got a great "Disney report card" at the end so.... Looking back she was glad she did it....but she prefers to be a DISNEY GUEST....and not a Disney employee. Her long term plan was to do the CP then try for a professional internship after graduation. She has since changed her mind on that. The program is not for everyone....she saw a lot of "stuff" that she never dreamed happened behind the scenes with management and how they treated the CP kids. She said Disney definitely treats their guest better than their employees. Of course....there are lots of people that are CP's and have a wonderful experience from start to finish. Just let your daughter know that it is work and you do get to play....but you are there to do a job too with strict rules. I think some kids show up thinking it is all MAGICAL...and everything is not magical. LOL Oh let me add.....it did help her get a job when she got back. It also got her the fall internship this past year too. They told her before they even interviewed her that they were going to pick her based off of her resume. Disney does look good on their resumes!! Employers LOVE TO TALK ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE with her.

 

[AnnaS]

My daughter did her CP this time last year. She was in her Jr. year....and took the semester off. Her University refused to give her any credit. She was the ONLY CP in her Disney class...that didn't get any college credit. She was there from Jan. 9th until May 30th. She came home and took one summer class and then loaded up and took 21 hours, and an internship that she did get credit for.... this past Fall semester. She will graduate in Dec. instead of this May. My daughter had just turned 21 when she went and she took her car. She said that was one thing that she was happy to have while there.

She worked in MK in the Emporium. She worked LONG LONG LATE LATE hours and got sick 3 or 4 times, lost weight (didn't need to) had some tearful phone calls and missed her family and boyfriend, but she WAS PROUD TO HAVE MADE IT THROUGH WITHOUT GETTING TERMED (happens a lot) made some GREAT FRIENDS and learned some neat things. She got a great "Disney report card" at the end so.... Looking back she was glad she did it....but she prefers to be a DISNEY GUEST....and not a Disney employee. Her long term plan was to do the CP then try for a professional internship after graduation. She has since changed her mind on that. The program is not for everyone....she saw a lot of "stuff" that she never dreamed happened behind the scenes with management and how they treated the CP kids. She said Disney definitely treats their guest better than their employees. Of course....there are lots of people that are CP's and have a wonderful experience from start to finish. Just let your daughter know that it is work and you do get to play....but you are there to do a job too with strict rules. I think some kids show up thinking it is all MAGICAL...and everything is not magical. LOL Oh let me add.....it did help her get a job when she got back. It also got her the fall internship this past year too. They told her before they even interviewed her that they were going to pick her based off of her resume. Disney does look good on their resumes!! Employers LOVE TO TALK ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE with her.

Hi Denise,
Great to see you on - - it's a little more than two weeks now that my dd is there. So far - things look good. I know it's early. She does not tell me as much but her friend told me she does miss NY. Keeping fingers crossed that she stays and sticks with the plan - finish in May and sign up for a summer class back at home.

 

[edk35]

Hi Denise,
Great to see you on - - it's a little more than two weeks now that my dd is there. So far - things look good. I know it's early. She does not tell me as much but her friend told me she does miss NY. Keeping fingers crossed that she stays and sticks with the plan - finish in May and sign up for a summer class back at home.

It is VERY COMMON for them to miss home. I know it broke my heart sometimes when Brittany was sad/crying so we just tried to be very encouraging. However...had she wanted to pull the plus and it was something she felt she could look back and be okay with.....that would have been fine with us too. She did have great times too and made some really nice friends. So thankfully she stuck it out. If your daughter ever gets to that point...please contact me and maybe Brittany and her can talk via FB or even talk on the phone. Trust me she knows what it feels like to be there during rough patches.

 

[AnnaS]

It is VERY COMMON for them to miss home. I know it broke my heart sometimes when Brittany was sad/crying so we just tried to be very encouraging. However...had she wanted to pull the plus and it was something she felt she could look back and be okay with.....that would have been fine with us too. She did have great times too and made some really nice friends. So thankfully she stuck it out. If your daughter ever gets to that point...please contact me and maybe Brittany and her can talk via FB or even talk on the phone. Trust me she knows what it feels like to be there during rough patches.

THank you.

 

[mickeyway]

My daughter wants to apply as well. My question is this how much does it cost to do? Do you still pay your college tuition while you are there? Can you go if you are transferring to a new school but still at your old school? so confusing. thanks for any help.

 

[Wishes Count]

My daughter wants to apply as well. My question is this how much does it cost to do? Do you still pay your college tuition while you are there? Can you go if you are transferring to a new school but still at your old school? so confusing. thanks for any help.

For WDW you pay $300 upfront for program fees and a housing deposit. The DL program is over $800 I believe. Rent is taken out of your weekly paycheck.

Paying tuition will depend on if she is getting credit or not. I took a leave of absence from my university, where I was technically enrolled but not taking any classes. I did not pay any tuition that semester. But if her school offers credit they may require her to pay tuition for those credits.

To answer your transferring question. Yes. You just need to be currently enrolled when you apply.

 

[AnnaS]

Don't forget to add in the cost of getting her (and perhaps one or both parents) there and back. The shopping LOL - you will do before and there. Some of it would have been spent here anyway. I slowly started to shop for her as soon as she was accepted.

For instance - she wanted all new towels, sheets, comforter. We had to buy from A to Z that she would use at home or dorm. We bought lunch bag, bed risers and anything else we could not fit in the car. We also gave extra or I would say money for the next month at least (cash, debit card and gift card). Not sure if I posted how much I spent on two trips to Walmart. she is set for a while with non-perishable items - but as far as the program we put out like the pp stated $300.

Just a thought.

 

[BadDad]

My S did the program spring 2011. It is a resume builder. He'll be an RA this fall at his university.

 

[DISshopkeeper]

DD did her CP post-grad, applying during her last semester. She considered it a a splendid buffer between Graduation and actually "Growing Up." Extending at that point, with the job market the way it is, was a no-brainer.

She did not miss home at all. OTOH she misses Disney badly.

And had the time of her life. She's still in touch with many, many people she met on the CP.

 

[goofy4tink]

DD did her CP post-grad, applying during her last semester. She considered it a a splendid buffer between Graduation and actually "Growing Up." Extending at that point, with the job market the way it is, was a no-brainer.

She did not miss home at all. OTOH she misses Disney badly.

And had the time of her life. She's still in touch with many, many people she met on the CP.

This is what my dd will be doing as well. I don't think that taking a semester off before their junior year is a great idea. And then, dd will be doing her 5th semester in London, with her school. So, that would leave either her last semester junior year or a semester during senior year to do the CP...bad idea.
So, she's going to apply at this time in three years, for the Fall 2016 program. Hopefully it will work out for her. Then, if she decides she loves it, she can apply for a job and stay down there. If not, she can come home and get back to 'reality'!!!