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MMSS Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How old does my student have to be in order to attend the MMSS program?
A: The MMSS program is open to all students who have completed at least one year of high school but have not yet entered their senior year at the start of camp.
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Q: My child is exceptionally gifted in math and science but only in seventh grade right now. Can they 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 as a high school rising sophomore, junior, or senior.
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Q: Where do residential students stay during the program?
A: Residential students stay in University of Michigan residence halls during the MMSS program. These halls are a short walk from central campus and from the MMSS classes. Meals are provided.
The MMSS program employs residential advisors to stay in the residence halls with the students. The students are required to check-in multiple times during the evenings with an assigned advisor (counselor), and all of the evening activities (smaller groups of students) take place under the supervision of an advisor. This also applies to our weekend trips. If a student elects to not go on the weekend trips, there are plenty of supervised activities to attend around Ann Arbor. The counselors supervise all activities. Any student that does not check-in with their counselor or obey the policies of living in the dorms will speak first with the Program Coordinator, and then with their parents/guardians.
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Q: What are the MMSS program hours?
A: Typically, the program classes run Monday through Friday from 9am to 4:30pm with a 1 1/2 hour lunch break.
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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 be enrolled in one course. This is the best way to give students a sense of the excitement, intensity and depth that math and science offers.
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Q: How much interaction will I have with my professor(s)?
A: 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!
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Q: How can I tell which course offerings are right for my background?
A: Courses are designed with respect to the varied backgrounds and interests that 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.
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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 preferred choice course. Please note that we ask you to rate your selections according to your order of preference. Remember that completed applications received early get priority enrollment!
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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; knowledgeable teaching assistants; and residential advisors 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.
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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 1 1/2 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 academic, social and/or sports events. Activities include softball, basketball, and swimming, plus cultural events and live entertainment. We will be posting this year’s activities soon. 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 Saturdays an optional trip to Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio is planned. A visit to a professional baseball game is being planned for the weekends also. Organized outdoor activities to the University of Michigan's Botanical Garden and Arboretum will be offered during the weekends as well. A camp picnic is also being planned for the weekends.
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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.
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Q: My child has special physical needs. How will your program address 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) $400 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.
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Q: My child will be flying to Ann Arbor. Will somebody meet them at the airport?
A: Yes. 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.
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Q: Are Kosher meals available in the residence hall?
A: Kosher meals are available in the residence hall with prior notification to the MMSS program staff. Please be as specific as possible so that we can address your requests in a timely manner.
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Q: I want to bring a laptop with me to the MMSS program. Is this allowed?
A: Laptops are allowed at the MMSS program and there is free wireless available in the residence hall.
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If your question was not answered here, please feel free to contact us:Michigan Math and Science Scholars
University of Michigan
2082 East Hall
530 Church Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1043
Voice 734.647.4466
Fax 734.763.0937
mmss@umich.edu
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