- How old does a student have to be in order to attend the MMSS program?
- When do we find out if we were accepted into the program? How does that work?
- 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 program?
- Is there financial aid available? Who can apply for it? How does it work?
- Where do residential students stay during the program?
- What are the MMSS program hours?
- How many courses will I take during the Michigan Math and Science Scholars Program?
- How much interaction will I have with my professor?
- How can I tell which course offerings are right for my background?
- This brings up another question: Must one be a real genius to learn, enjoy and succeed in a math and science summer program?
- What are my chances of getting into the course that is my first choice?
- Well, then, is Michigan Math and Science Scholars all work 24 hours a day?
- What is the weather like in Ann Arbor during the program?
- My child has special physical needs. How will your program address them?
- My child will be flying to Ann Arbor. Will somebody meet him/her at the airport?
- Is it a requirement that all MMSS participants have health insurance coverage?
- To whom should I make out my application fee, tuition, and weekend events payment check?
- 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?
- Who is eligible to participate in MMSS?
- I want to bring a laptop with me to the MMSS program. Is this allowed?
- Where do residential students stay? How many students to a room? Are they supervised?
- What are the dorm rooms like? Do we need to bring linens? Will there be access to refrigerators?
- Are the residential dormitory rooms air-conditioned?
- What meals are available for residential versus commuter students?
- Will my student need his/her vehicle for the program?
- When can I pick up my student from MMSS?
- Will my student need spending money?
- What sort of physical recreation facilities will be available?
- Are there religious services available?
- What should we pack to bring with us?
- Are COVID-19 vaccinations required?
- What sort of extracurricular activities will be available over the two weeks?
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 completed 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.
Q: When do I find out if I am 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. Students who are accepted into the MMSS summer program will be notified as soon as possible (typically within 4-6 weeks of a completed application), by e-mail, to the student’s listed email address. Included in the notification e-mail will be additional instructions including:
- Course assignment
- Instructions on how to pay the remainder of your balance due. (Please note that if you fail to pay your balance by the due date, you will be removed from the course to make space for others.)
- 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).
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 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 Youth Hub.
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 submit a copy of your family’s most recent tax return (front page only – blacken social security numbers!). International applicants must convert all listed amounts of currency to USD and an English translation must be available.
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 counselors to stay in the residence halls with the students. The students are required to check in multiple times during the evenings with an assigned 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 does not go on the weekend trips, there are plenty of supervised activities to attend around Ann Arbor.
This year we are located in:
West Quadrangle
541 Thompson St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2016
General Information: (734) 764-2130
Fax: (734) 615-1669
Website
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 lunch from 12-1:30 pm. Residential students eat breakfast at 8:00 am and dinner shortly after class ends, with evening activities following.
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.
Q: How much interaction will I have with my professor?
A: Professors lead each course, spending time with scholars for morning coursework, as well as during laboratory experiments and certain field trips, afternoon practical sessions and activities.
Q: How can I tell which course is 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.
Q: 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 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: 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 are reviewed as they are completed.
Q: Is Michigan Math and Science Scholars all work 24 hours a day?
A: Students receive instruction all day but afternoons are filled with laboratory research, field trips, computer projects, and problem solving. 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 counselor-planned activities. On each of the 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, along with professional baseball.
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.
Q: My child has special medical and/or physical needs. How will your program address them?
A: With parental permission, MMSS participants may administer their own medication. 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 dining hall and at MMSS social events but should be specified on the student application.
Q: My child will be flying to Ann Arbor. Will somebody meet him/her at the airport?
A: Yes. For those students traveling by air, MMSS administrative staff can arrange to meet participants at the Detroit Metro Airport (DTW – airport code) at baggage claim and accompany them to campus in University vans. Staff can also accompany your student back to the airport at the end of the program. Please note that we are unable to meet or drop off students at their gates. As such, we are unable to assist with students flying as unaccompanied minors. Airport shuttles cost $50 round trip.
Q: Does the dining hall provide meals for students with dietary restrictions?
A: Yes, the dining hall provides a variety of options, with due consideration for dietary restrictions and allergies. Please also let MMSS staff know about any dietary needs and/or allergies in the medical portion of the student information packet.
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 need medical attention while participating in the MMSS program, the student and their parent/guardian will be held responsible for paying any and all costs.
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” and include the student’s name on the check. It is best to use a credit card for payment, if possible.
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 may email your child at this address if you like. You can also check in on what your student is doing by visiting the “Daily Camper” website, linked on our homepage.
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), but have not completed their senior year.
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, they are not required. Laptops are valuable and we cannot guarantee their secured safety at all times. Please be aware of this risk before bringing your laptop.
Q: Where do residential students stay? How many students to a room? Are they supervised at all times?
A: Housing will be provided on Central Campus, just a short walk from all classrooms. Before the Welcome Reception on Sunday, residential students should check in at the Residence Hall. Participants will be housed in double rooms and assigned a roommate based on gender. We will happily make necessary arrangements for students who are non-binary, and the dorm has gender-neutral restroom facilities.
MMSS faculty, graduate student assistants, and undergraduate assistants will fully supervise the students during the times they are in class. MMSS students have free time each weekday from noon – 1:30 pm for lunch. Students may be off campus after 6:00 pm only when accompanied by MMSS staff. MMSS counselors, male and female, will be occupying rooms on the same floor of West Quad where campers are housed. Counselors will closely supervise the residential students from 4:30 pm each evening through breakfast the next day. They 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 to assist throughout the entire day. Your student will be staying at the following residence hall:
West Quad
541 Thompson Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2016
General Information: (734) 764-2130
Fax: (734) 615-1669
Website
Q: What are the rooms like? Do we need to bring linens? Will there be access to refrigerators?
A: Each room is equipped with a desk, chairs, twin beds, dressers, and lamps. Sheets, pillows and cases, blankets, and towels are provided. You can bring your own if you like. If you would like to rent a fridge for your room, you are more than welcome to do so on your own. If you require medication to be kept refrigerated, please contact the MMSS office, and we can make arrangements for this. Participants wishing to purchase items such as linens, towels, and fans from nearby stores will be able to do so with the help of counselors upon arrival in Ann Arbor.
Q: Are the residential dormitory rooms air-conditioned?
A: Yes, the rooms are air-conditioned!!
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 West Quad front desk at (734) 764-2130 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.
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. A commuter lunch plan is available for an additional cost and will provide one lunch each day, Monday through Friday, for two weeks, except for the last Friday of each session.
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 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 non-MMSS staff member, fellow student, or non-associated family member without prior permission from that specific student’s parent/guardian.
Q: When can I pick up my student from MMSS?
A: Session 1 will end on Friday, July 5, Session 2 will end on Friday, July 19, and Session 3 will end on Friday, August 2 at approximately 12:00 pm. If you are planning to fly on the Friday that the program ends, you should plan on flying no earlier than 3:00 pm. 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. All students who live the the US should make flight plans to leave on the last Friday.
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 $15 per meal.
Q: What sort of physical recreation facilities will be available?
A: Interested students may participate in activities including swimming, racquetball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, etc. Outdoor tennis, softball, track, and basketball facilities are available to all participants free of charge.
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 as possible. If there are specific religious holidays during camp, we are able to accommodate students if proper notification is received.
Q: What should we pack to bring with us?
A: Please bring 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.
Q: Are COVID-19 vaccinations required?
No, vaccination for COVID-19 is no longer required for non-students residing in University of Michigan Housing. Please refer to U-M Health Response for more information on the University’s COVID-19 policies and guidance.
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), Saturday, July 13, (second session) and Saturday, July 27 (third session) MMSS will offer a field trip to Cedar Point Amusement Park. The cost is $75 per student. On Sunday, June 30 (first session), Sunday, July 14 (second session) and Sunday, July 28 (third session) MMSS will offer a trip to downtown Detroit for museum and science center visits cost of $50 per student. The costs for the respective field trips include the price of transportation by chartered bus and advance admission payment. Please register and pay for the ticket item by May 22 using the portal. We have to purchase these tickets ahead of time.
Those students that are attending more than one session are welcome to take the trips on all weekends. We book busses for transportation for these trips so seats are limited for each event planned. Alternate activities are being planned for those who wish to remain in Ann Arbor for the specified days.
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