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Michigan Math & Science Scholars
Summer Program 2003
Q: How many courses will I take during the Michigan Math and Science Scholars Program?
A: During each two-week session you attend, you will focus on one course. This is the best way to give students a sense of the excitement, intensity and depth that math and science offers.
Q: How much interaction will I have with my professor(s)?
A: Outstanding faculty members continue to be involved with Michigan Math and Science Scholars. Professors lead each course, spending time with scholars for morning coursework, as well as during laboratory experiments and certain field trips. They enjoy staying in touch with the scholars they get to know during the summer and often serve as mentors for MMSS alumni beginning their college careers at Michigan!
Q: How can I tell which course offerings are right for my background?
A: Courses are designed with respect to the varied backgrounds students bring to the Michigan Math and Science Scholars summer program. Some mathematical and/or scientific aptitude will be helpful, but potential, attitude and ability are determining factors for program success.
Q: What are my chances of getting into the course that is my first choice?
A:We strive to place every student into her/his first choice course. During the past five years approximately 90% of the applicants were placed into their first choice course, and all others were placed in their second choice course. We anticipate a similar placement record this year. Remember that applications received early get priority enrollment!
Q: My child is exceptionally gifted in math and science but only in seventh grade right now. Can s/he be accepted into the Michigan Math and Science Scholars summer program?
A: We've learned that our program works best when students are all of a similar age. Therefore, we prefer to admit students already in high school. Your child will find intellectual and social peers at MMSS in a few years when s/he is a high school freshman, sophomore or junior.
Q: This brings up another question: Must one be a real genius to learn, enjoy and succeed in a math and science summer program?
A: Definitely not! Michigan Math and Science Scholars summer program offers small classes, excellent ratio of faculty to participants, and knowledgeable teaching assistants and counselors that all make it possible to stimulate and challenge a broad spectrum of students. We strongly believe that all of our participants have something to offer each other and one of the things we most enjoy is helping them discover their interests.
Q: Well, then, is Michigan Math and Science Scholars all work 24 hours a day?
A: Again, definitely not. Students meet with faculty in the mornings, Monday through Friday. After a one-hour lunch break, classes meet with specialist graduate student instructors for laboratory research, field trips, computer projects and problem solving in the afternoons. Evening activities include group dinners at the residence hall along with planned and supervised social and/or sports events. Activities include softball, basketball, and swimming, plus cultural events and live entertainment. Some students prefer to work on their math and science projects or get in more computer time during the evenings and that's just fine. On weekends, work is again an option, but most of the students prefer to spend this time unwinding with the activities listed above. On each of the overnight Saturdays an optional trip to Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio is planned. Organized outdoor activities to the University of Michigan's Botanical Garden and Arboretum will be offered during the weekends as well.
Q. What is the weather like in Ann Arbor during the program?
A: Summer weather in Ann Arbor is pleasant but it varies from year to year. Students should be prepared for heat waves, cold spells, wind, rain and sun.
Q: My child has special
physical needs. How will your program cope with them?
A: With parental permission, MMSS participants may administer their own medication. As far as hayfever and other allergies are concerned, participants may order air conditioning in their dorm rooms by supplying physician verification as to its necessity and prepaying the (approximately) $230 installation and rental fee. Animals are not permitted in the dorm. The dorm and all major campus buildings, including those where MMSS courses are held, are accessible. MMSS will consult with parents and campers about these and other special physical needs before the program begins. Vegetarian food is readily available in the dormitory cafeteria and at MMSS social events.
Q: My child will be flying to Ann Arbor. Will somebody meet them at the airport?
A: Yes absolutely. For those students travelling by air, MMSS administrative staff can arrange to meet participants at the Detroit Metro Airport and accompany them to campus for a nominal fee. Staff can also accompany your student back to the airport at the end of the program.
If your question was not answered here, please feel free to contact us:
MMSS Program
Coordinator
525 East University, 2082 East Hall
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1109
(734) 764-7436
mmss@umich.edu