PREP (Pre-Emerging Scholars Program)

PREP is a program designed for students who, because they hope to pursue careers in Engineering, Mathematics, Math Education or Science, will need to master a great deal of Mathematics (at least through Calculus), but who presently lack the background needed to begin taking college-level math (MAT 1800). It is an intense program for students who have both the determination and the mathematical ability to excel.

For students with great potential, but weak backgrounds, PREP provides excellent preparation for MAT 1800. But more importantly, it provides students with a firm foundation for all Calculus and leads to the Department of Mathematics honors program, known as the Emerging Scholars Program, ESP.

PREP Destroys Two Myths

· Myth #1: Students who fail to qualify for Pre-calculus do not have the mathematical ability to become Engineers or Scientists.

· Myth #2: Students who fail to qualify for Pre-calculus can become Engineers or Scientists without making a major commitment in time and effort to learn mathematics.

Main Principles of PREP

· Commitment to excellence: High standards, hard work, daily attendance and daily homework are expected of all participants.

· Sense of community: Group work and collaborative learning are key elements.

The Nuts and Bolts

· PREP consists of taking MAT 1050 (Algebra with Trigonometry) and a Workshop.

· MAT 1050 meets 1 hour per day, 5 days per week.

· Workshop meets 2 days per week for 2 hours each day. The workshop is totally dedicated to problem solving with students working together in groups.

Who Should Take PREP?

The more mathematics you need, the stronger your foundation must be. All Engineering and Mathematics majors are expected to take PREP while students in Science or other majors who need to take at least 2 semesters of Calculus are very much encouraged to do so as well.

The following shows a comparison of PREP students (those taking MAT 1050 and Workshop) and non-PREP students (those taking only MAT 1050) for nine semesters (Fall 1999, Winter 2000, Spring/Summer 2000, Fall 2000, Winter 2001, Spring/Summer 2001, Fall 2001, Winter 2002, Spring/Summer 2002).

PREP 602 students 79% passed 69% A or B

Non-PREP 1071 students 57% passed 38% A or B