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    Psychology of Willpower and Motivation Summer Course
    In-person Program

    Psychology of Willpower and Motivation Summer Course

    by Brown Pre-College Programs

    Explore the psychology of self-control through Brown University's practical course, testing motivation strategies against a personal willpower challenge.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Psychology of Willpower and Motivation at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Completing grades 9-12

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States

    Cost

    $4,482; $5,786

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    PsychologySocial Sciences
    Accommodation: Single, double, or triple rooms
    Meals: Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
    Certificate / Outcome: Digital certificate; Course Performance Report
    Campus experience: Activities, libraries, fitness centers
    Instructor: Cara Murphy
    Sessions / cadence: Monday-Friday 12:15-3:05 p.m.; 2-3-hour daily homework
    Academic credit: Non-credit; no formal grades

    Psychology of Willpower and Motivation summary

    Brown's course examines why self-control succeeds or fails, combining psychological research with practical strategies for motivation.

    You investigate a willpower challenge from your own life, test strategies, and report what worked best.

    It suits students who enjoy connecting academic ideas to everyday behavior and are ready to manage college-style study independently.

    What is Psychology of Willpower and Motivation Summer Course?

    Psychology of Willpower and Motivation is a Brown University Pre-College course exploring the science of self-control. It examines psychological research alongside the social and environmental factors that affect motivation, including temptations and distractions.

    The on-campus course turns those ideas into a personal investigation: students monitor a willpower challenge, test strategies, and report their findings. As part of Summer@Brown, it combines college-level academics with campus activities and opportunities to practice independent living and study.

    Why Succeed highlights Psychology of Willpower and Motivation

    • The personal willpower experiment gives psychological research an observable connection to everyday behavior.

    • Published learning outcomes emphasize explaining and applying evidence-based self-control strategies.

    • The course offers college-level study without formal grades, encouraging attention to learning itself.

    • An instructor-written Course Performance Report provides a concrete account of academic engagement.

    Who is Psychology of Willpower and Motivation for?

    Best for

    Students curious about psychology who want to test ideas through personal observation and are comfortable managing intensive study independently.

    Not ideal if

    You need college credit or a transcript, or your family expects continuous supervision throughout the residential experience.

    Is Psychology of Willpower and Motivation worth it?

    This course is a strong option if you want to move beyond general interest in psychology and examine how research applies to your own behavior. Its personal experiments and instructor feedback provide useful material for reflecting on what you learned.

    The main trade-off is paying for a short, non-credit academic and campus experience. Brown explicitly says Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission, so judge the course by its learning value rather than an expected admissions advantage.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $4,482; $5,786; includes Course instruction and campus activities., Residential option: university housing and three meals daily., Commuter option: one on-campus meal daily., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion., Course Performance Report for this two-week course..

    Accommodation

    Single, double, or triple rooms

    Meals

    Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily

    Provider details

    Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Psychology of Willpower and Motivation need?

    Effort level

    High, with intensive weekday study.

    Best started

    Begin four to six weeks before a future application deadline to gather records, write the essay, and arrange any language testing.

    Main challenge

    Balancing the personal experiment and academic work with campus independence.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose a manageable everyday behavior you would be interested in observing.

    • Gather your current and previous academic-year grades and draft the application essay in your own words.

    • Allow additional time for English testing, travel arrangements, and accommodation requests when needed.

    • Discuss a communication plan and practice managing your study time before arrival.

    Useful if

    You want to apply psychological research to motivation and personal goals.

    What do students do on Psychology of Willpower and Motivation?

    You study the psychology of motivation and self-control, then investigate how those ideas work in your own life. The practical experience centers on monitoring a willpower challenge and comparing strategies.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Discuss research on willpower, self-control, motivation, and environmental distractions.

    2. 2

      Choose a personal willpower challenge to monitor during the course.

    3. 3

      Test evidence-based strategies through your own willpower experiments.

    4. 4

      Report which strategies worked best and explain how they could help others.

    Psychology of Willpower and Motivation dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    15 May 2026

    General Brown Pre-College deadline on the dedicated admissions page.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    13-24 July 2026

    Reference date

    Applications open

    14 January 2026

    Brown Pre-College application opening.

    Reference date

    Residential check-in

    12 July 2026

    9 a.m.-1 p.m. Eastern Time; student orientation follows.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Completing grades 9-12.

    • Ages 14-18 by 14 June 2026 for the verified cycle.

    • No course prerequisites; strong subject interest is expected.

    • Strong English proficiency is required.

    • Brown Pre-College admission and separate course enrollment are required.

    • Complete required health forms and in-person immunizations.

    How much does Psychology of Willpower and Motivation cost?

    Residential program fee

    $5,786 — One two-week course with housing and meals.

    Funding or discounts

    • Commuter program fee: $4,482 — One two-week course with a daily campus meal.
    • Application fee: $80 — Nonrefundable; eligible students may request a waiver.
    • Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required before course enrollment; refund exceptions are limited.
    • Conditional insurance charge: $80 — Applies to international students and U.S. students without qualifying insurance.
    • Scholarships: Sibley; PPSD — Separate applications and U.S. status eligibility restrictions apply.

    What's included

    Course instruction and campus activities., Residential option: university housing and three meals daily., Commuter option: one on-campus meal daily., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion., Course Performance Report for this two-week course.

    How to apply to Psychology of Willpower and Motivation

    1. 1

      Create one applicant account through Brown's official student portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the Brown Pre-College application and write a 250-500-word essay.

    3. 3

      Submit current and previous academic-year grades in English and pay the $80 application fee or obtain a waiver.

    4. 4

      Provide language-test results and recommendation materials when required.

    5. 5

      Monitor the student portal for additional requests and your admission decision.

    6. 6

      After admission, confirm your course selection before paying the $500 deposit, then enroll separately.

    7. 7

      Complete enrollment forms, health requirements, payment, and travel arrangements.

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    What does Psychology of Willpower and Motivation cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    The science of willpower

    Explore what willpower is, how it works, and why self-control can fail.

    Motivation and environment

    Examine how social influences, temptations, and distractions affect motivation and behavior.

    Evidence-based strategies

    Learn practical strategies for improving self-control and working toward personal goals.

    Personal willpower experiments

    Monitor a personal challenge, test strategies, and report which approaches worked best.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Psychology of Willpower and Motivation?

    A typical day during the program.

    Course classes

    Attend the on-campus psychology class in Eastern Time.

    Independent study

    Complete homework and project work around your class schedule.

    Campus activities

    Choose optional workshops, social activities, and events around academic commitments.

    Residential check in

    Check in face to face with staff and remain on your floor until 6 a.m.

    Who teaches on Psychology of Willpower and Motivation?

    Cara Murphy is the instructor listed for this course section. Summer@Brown instructors offer office hours for discussing course content, assignments, and questions.

    Where do students stay on Psychology of Willpower and Motivation?

    Residential plan

    • University residence halls: Furnished single, double, or triple rooms have wireless internet and cooling.
    • Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in campus dining halls.
    • Residential support: Trained staff provide support, nightly check-ins, and 24/7 on-call assistance.
    • Campus life: Students can join activities and excursions and use campus fitness facilities.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter attendance: Attend in person and use campus resources and activities without a room assignment.
    • Commuter meal and recreation: One daily on-campus meal and fitness, athletic, and aquatics access are included.

    Roommate requests are not honored, and students should bring their own bedding and towels.

    What happens after Psychology of Willpower and Motivation?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Earn a Digital CeCertificate of Completion after successful completion.

    Receive an instructor-written Course Performance Report.

    Apply evidence-based strategies to personal goals and self-control.

    Build experience managing college-style study independently.

    The course is non-credit and provides no special pathway to Brown undergraduate admission.

    Where does Psychology of Willpower and Motivation take place?

    The course takes place on Brown University's campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Residential check-in is at Sayles Hall on the Main Green, and families arrange their own transportation to and from campus.

    Psychology of Willpower and Motivation FAQs

    There are no prerequisites. Brown expects a strong interest or some background in the subject.

    You choose a personal willpower challenge, monitor it during the course, test motivation and self-control strategies, and report which approaches worked best.

    The listed class meets Monday through Friday from 12:15 to 3:05 p.m. Brown also expects at least two to three hours of homework daily for Summer@Brown on-campus students.

    Yes. The commuter option includes in-person classes, campus resources and activities, one on-campus meal daily, and fitness facilities, without a campus room assignment.

    Residential fees include housing, three meals daily, and access to fitness, athletic, and aquatics centers. Rooms may have single, double, or triple occupancy.

    No. Summer@Brown courses are non-credit and do not use formal grades. Brown Pre-College participation does not produce a university transcript.

    Successful completion earns a Digital CeCertificate of Completion. Students completing this two-week course also receive an instructor-written Course Performance Report.

    Students manage their study time and may explore Rhode Island independently while following program rules. Residential students must check in with staff at 10 p.m. and remain on their floor until 6 a.m.; staff are on call around the clock.

    Alternatives to Psychology of Willpower and Motivation

    Compare these options if you want broader psychology coverage, online study, or a different approach to understanding behavior.

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    Students preferring online subject exploration

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown
    • Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • 2026 Program Costs: Breakdown of Fees
    • Psychology of Willpower and Motivation - Pre-College Course Catalog"

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Course content checked

    • Application requirements reviewed

    • Reference dates compared

    • Residential and commuter fees checked

    • Housing and meals reviewed

    • Completion credentials checked

    • Student independence policies reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.