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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 (final) year at the start of camp. That means that by the time the actual program is here, they will technically be considered a rising sophomore, junior, or senior in high school.
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Q: When do we find out if we were accepted into the program? How does that work?
A: MMSS is a competitive program that admits roughly half of its applicants. Clearly not all students who apply are accepted into the program (this is why we ask for a personal statement, letter of recommendation, and transcript.) Applications will NOT be reviewed for consideration until complete, which means all associated materials and fees have been received by this office, including the tax information for those applying for financial aid. For those students who are accepted into the MMSS 2013 summer program, they will be notified as soon as possible (typically within 4-6 weeks of a completed application) by e-mail to the student's AND parent's listed email addresses. Included in the notification e-mail will be additional instructions including:
- Course assignments.
- Instructions on how to pay the remainder of your balance due.
- Things to bring to the MMSS program and other useful information.
- An information packet and contract to be reviewed and signed by the student's parent(s)/guardian(s). This must be returned by May 24, 2013 at the latest.
Applicants who are not accepted during their first round of processing are placed into the following waves of application reviews instead of being rejected. This allows for student applications to receive multiple chances of receiving admission. In the rare event, a rejection letter will be sent to those students who do not yet meet the level of requirement for admission. This means that it might be some time before you hear back from us because we are still reviewing your application. By early June, we will be able to respond to all applicants who have not yet heard from us.
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Q: My child is exceptionally gifted in math and science but only in eighth grade right now. Can he/she 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. For other summer program camps, take a look at the University of Michigan's Center for Educational Outreach office's website.
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Q: Is there financial aid available? Who can apply for it? How does it work?
A: We do have some limited financial aid available on a need-basis versus merit-basis. All applicants are eligible to apply for aid regardless of their residency. To apply for financial support, check the appropriate box within the application and be sure to send us a copy of your 2012 tax return (front page only). International applicants must convert all listed amounts of currency to USD and an English translation must be available.
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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); 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 his/her parents/guardians.
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Q: What are the MMSS program hours?
A: Typically, the program classes run Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm with a 1 to 1 1/2 hour lunch break. Residential students eat breakfast at 8:00 am and dinner shortly after class ends with evening activities following.
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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 offer.
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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. Any courses that have specific prerequisites will list such under the course description.
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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 top preferred course. Please note that we ask you to rate your selections according to your order of preference. Courses NOT ranked will not be considered as possible placements. Remember that completed applications (along with the application fee and all additional materials) received early get priority treatment!
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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 trained 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. 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 too.
On weekends, work is again an option, but most of the students prefer to spend this time unwinding with the activities listed here. 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 or other similar activity 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.
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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. We suggest that you check a 10-day weather forecast a day before you leave to ensure you are properly packed.
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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 hay fever 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 wheelchair accessible. MMSS will consult with parents and campers about these and other special physical needs before the program begins. Vegetarian and other special dietary 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 (DTW - airport code) at baggage check and accompany them to campus in University vans. Staff can also accompany your student back to the airport at the end of the program. Airport shuttles cost $50 and include drop-off and pickup.
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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 by the May 24, 2013 deadline. Please be as specific as possible so that we can address your requests in a timely manner. Last minute requests are more difficult to accommodate so please let us know about any dietary needs as soon as possible.
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Q: Is it a requirement that all MMSS participants have health insurance coverage?
A: Health insurance must be provided, if available. Please be advised that if a participant does not have health coverage and should he/she need medical attention while participating in the MMSS program, he/she and his/her parents/guardians will be held responsible for paying any and all costs. Even if you do have insurance, you will be held responsible for any costs not covered by your provider.
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Q: To whom should I make out my application fee, tuition, and weekend event payment check?
A: Please make checks and money orders payable to "The University of Michigan."
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Q: I'd like to check-in with my child each day to hear how things are going. How can I communicate with him/her while at the program?
A: You may call your child on his/her cell phone, but most will have them turned off during class time at their instructor's discretion. On the first day of classes, all MMSS students will be issued a University of Michigan email address that their instructors and residence hall counselors will use to relay information back and forth with them. You my email your child at this address if you like.
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Q: Who is eligible to participate in MMSS?
A: MMSS is open to anyone, regardless of their age, creed, nationality, race, or gender. The only requirement is that they have completed at least one year of high school (where 9th-12th grades are considered high school) and still have their senior year to complete.
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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 internet available in the residence hall. Please note that while useful to students, laptops are valuable and we cannot guarantee their secured safety at all times. Please be aware of this risk before bringing your laptop.
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Q: Where do residential students stay? How many students to a room? Are they supervised at all times?
A: Housing will be provided in the Markley Residence Hall on Central Campus. It is a short walk from East Hall. Before the Welcoming Reception on Sunday, residential students should check in at Markley Residence Hall. Participants will be housed in double rooms. Male and female students will have separate rooms. MMSS counselors, male and female, will be occupying rooms in the same areas. MMSS faculty, graduate student associates, and undergraduate counselors will fully supervise the students. MMSS students have free time each weekday from noon - 1:30 pm. Students may be off campus after 6:00 pm only when accompanied by MMSS staff. These counselors will closely supervise the residential students from 4:30 pm each evening through breakfast the next day. Our counselors are available throughout the night as necessary and reside in the residence hall for the entirety of the program. In addition, every day, at least one counselor will remain available throughout the entire day.
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Q: What are the rooms like? Do we need to bring linens? Will there be access to refrigerators?
A: The rooms are equipped with desks, chairs, beds, dressers, and lamps. HOWEVER, sheets, pillows and cases, blankets, and towels are NOT provided. Please bring/supply your own. Also, there is no linen cleaning service but coin-operated laundry machines are located on campus. Likewise, Housing Services is no longer offering refrigerators for this summer. Please note that these are all changes from the past. If you would like to rent a fridge, you are more than welcome to do so at your own responsibility. If you require medication to be kept refrigerated, our counselors will have access to limited fridge space and will be able to store it for you. Participants wishing to purchase items such as linens, towels, and fans from nearby stores will be able to do so with the help of able and willing counselors upon their arrival in Ann Arbor.
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Q: Are the residential dormitory rooms air-conditioned?
A: The rooms are not air-conditioned. Students may wish to bring a small fan or purchase one here. With medical authorization only (a doctor's note), students can arrange to rent window air conditioning units from the University Housing Office. The fee is $400.00 for each two-week session, payable in advance via check, money order, or wire transfer. Students or their parents should contact the MMSS Program Coordinator by May 24, 2013 at (734) 647-4466 or at mmss@umich.edu to learn more about this option.
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Q: Will my residential student have access to a phone in the dormitory?
A: Several public payphones are available in multiple locations throughout the residence hall. Long distance calls may be made by calling collect or with a credit or calling card only. Messages may be left for students by calling the Markley front desk at (734) 764-1126 until 10:00 p.m. You can also get messages to your student by calling the MMSS office at (734) 647-4466 or by sending an e-mail to mmss@umich.edu. Your student will be given the message as soon as possible. In the event of an emergency after hours, students can be contacted at the residential hall by dialing the Department of Public Safety at (734) 763-1131. They will contact your student. Your student will be staying at the following residence hall:
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Q: What meals are available for residential versus commuter students??
A: Three meals daily, breakfast, lunch, and dinner (lunch and dinner only on weekends), are provided for residential students. Commuters are able to purchase a meal card ahead of time for $90 via their online application. The meal card will provide one lunch each day, Monday through Friday, for two weeks.
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Q: Will my student need his/her vehicle for the program?
A: Students will not need a car on campus. MMSS personnel will transport students on outings in University vehicles or in licensed chartered or public transportation. Students who bring cars to campus will have to use local public parking facilities (unless the car already has a UM Staff Parking Permit). Public parking is extremely limited and bringing your own vehicle is not recommended. MMSS students will NOT be allowed to ride in a personal vehicle (other than their own) of any staff member, fellow student, or non-associated family member without prior permission from that specific student's parent(s).
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Q: When can I pick up my student from MMSS?
A: Session 1 will end on Friday, July 5 and Session 2 will end on Friday, July 19, at approximately 4:30 pm. Residential students who live longer distances away from campus are welcome to stay until NOON on the following day for the ease of travel arrangements. If you are planning to fly on the Friday that the program ends, you should plan on flying no earlier than 7:00 pm that evening. For any other pick-ups and departures, MMSS staff must be notified in advance in writing by the student's guardian(s) or participating school/group. This can be mailed, e-mailed or faxed to the MMSS office.
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Q: Will my student need spending money?
A: It is strongly recommended that students bring an ATM, debit, or credit card. In addition to lunch, students may wish to spend money at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, on group outings to local concerts or films (accompanied by MMSS personnel - no film rated higher than PG-13 will be permitted), and on outings to roller rinks, bowling alleys, Cedar Point Amusement Park, Briarwood Mall, purchase snacks, UM memorabilia, etc. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) for all major and most local banks are available and they are located in several locations on central campus, including inside the Michigan Union and the Michigan League.
All classes are located near a variety of shops and restaurants. Students are free to spend their lunch break at these shops and restaurants. If students wish to purchase meals at these places, they should plan to spend $10 per meal.
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Q: What sort of physical recreation facilities will be available?
A: Interested students may purchase privileges at the Central Campus Recreation Building (CCRB), including swimming, racquetball, gym, etc., through the MMSS online application. The fee is $60 for 1 month (fee is the same for a two-week pass). Students can purchase passes after arriving in Ann Arbor if they so desire. Outdoor tennis, softball, track, and basketball facilities are available to all participants free of charge. Feel free to bring the equipment needed for these activities.
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Q: Are there religious services available?
A: Central Campus is within walking distance of places of worship for most major religions. MMSS personnel will support and assist students in attending religious services as best a possible and within reason.
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Q: What should we pack to bring with us?
A: Casual dress, cool weather clothing, rain gear, personal toiletries, extra towels and face cloths, swim suits, beach towels, tennis rackets and balls, baseball gloves, cameras, alarm clocks, radios. An inclusive list is included in the accepted student information packet.
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Q: What sort of extracurricular activities will be available over the two weeks?
A: Ann Arbor is a wonderful city; one of the premier university towns in the United States. MMSS will occur during the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. The Summer Festival sponsors concerts and films every night. A very popular aspect of the Summer Festival with MMSS is Top of the Park. This is a free film series, shown outdoors every night during the festival on the roof of a parking garage on campus. Most of the films are big hits from previous decades; all of them are suitable for people of all ages. Other successful activities we hope to repeat include ice skating, picnicking, trips to the community swimming pool, bowling, and laser tag.
On Saturday, June 29, (first session) and Saturday, July 13, (second session) MMSS will offer a field trip to Cedar Point Amusement Park. The cost is $65 per student. On Sunday, June 30, MMSS will offer a trip to the Lansing Lugnuts Baseball Game and Sunday, July 14, MMSS will offer a field trip to attend a Detroit Tigers Baseball Game. The cost is $35 per student for each event. The costs for the respective field trips include the price of transportation by chartered bus and advance payment admission. Please register and pay for the ticket item by May 24, 2013 as we have to purchase these tickets ahead of time.
Those students that are attending both sessions are welcome to take the trips on both weekends. We book buses for transportation for these trips so seats are limited for each event planned. Alternate activities are being planned for those that wish to remain in Ann Arbor for the specified days.
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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
Room 2074, 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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