Summer Academy Information
Summer Academy
for Students Entering Grades 8, 9, and 10
Session I: May 26 – June 14, 2013
Session II: June 16 – July 5, 2013
Session III: July 7 – July 26, 2013
Please note that each session is limited to 24 eighth graders, 24 ninth graders, and 24 tenth graders.
Why Attend?
The University of Mississippi’s Summer Academy gives students entering the eighth, ninth and tenth grades a taste of college life. Through the Summer Academy, students make new friends and contacts, learn time management, improve study habits and earn high school credit which can count toward high school graduation requirements*.
Depending on grade level and term selected, students will explore the world’s cultures, flex their imaginations, learn about human behavior, investigate Earth’s delicate balances, conduct science experiments, or publish a literary magazine. Each course offered by the Summer Academy is listed in the Mississippi curriculum framework but not generally offered in high school curricula across the state. Students can earn a 1/2 Carnegie unit that may be counted by their high school toward elective graduation requirements*.
*Whether or not credit is counted toward graduation requirements is determined by the student’s high school.
Who Can Apply?
Because the curricula of these courses are advanced, students accepted to the program must meet the following criteria:
- The applicant must be a student in good academic and conduct standing in the seventh, eighth or ninth grade at the time of admission. The school can be public, private, parochial or even home–school.
- The applicant must have an overall 3.0 GPA for his or her last three years in school and the Fall 2012 semester.
- The applicant must also have standardized achievement test scores above the present grade level.
- The applicant must have permission from his or her principal.
- The applicant must have two letters of recommendation from teachers.
Students can choose to be either resident students or commuters. Residents are housed on campus in a residence hall specifically set aside for them. Commuters must arrive on campus each weekday by 7:30 a.m. and must be picked up by 3:45 p.m. each evening.
Program Cost
The cost for a resident is $1400; this includes tuition, housing, meals, and activities. For a commuter the cost is $635 and includes tuition and meals. Limited financial aid is available. A financial aid form can be provided after a student has been admitted to the program.
Applying To Summer Academy
Apply online
OR
Download a form, fill it out, and mail it to:
Pre-College Programs, Summer Academy
P.O. Box 9
The University of Mississippi
University, MS 38677-0009
Application Deadlines
Session I: May 15
Session II: May 31
Session III: June 14
Please Remember:
- We do not guarantee a spot for any student until the deposit is received.
- Students who meet entrance requirements are admitted on a first come basis until the program is filled.
- All applications (including all required documents) MUST be received in the Office of Pre-College Programs no later than the above deadlines.
If you have any questions, call us at 662-915-7621.
Course Descriptions
Rising 8th graders may only take those courses listed in the 8th grade band. 9th graders may take only the 9th grade band OR the 8th grade band. 10th graders may take any of the courses, but the 10th grade band will only be open to 10th graders.
|
1st Session May 27-June 14 |
2nd Session June 16-July 5 |
3rd Session July 7-July 26 |
| 8th | AS: Explorations in Chemistry Theater |
Creative Writing Multimedia Project |
AS: Explorations
into Earth and Space Science Mythology |
| 9th | Astronomy Local Culture |
Environmental Science 20th Century Literature: Fantasy Fiction |
Personal Finance Local Culture |
| 10th | ACT Prep MS Writers |
Visual Arts AS: Intro to Engineering |
Public Speaking Botany |
ACT Prep focuses on test-taking skills for standardized tests.
Astronomy
Astronomy encourages students to develop and communicate an understanding of astronomy through a
history of astronomy, technology and instruments, celestial bodies and other components of the universe.
Botany
Study of the basic biological principles to the study of plants, including reproduction, taxonomy, and physiology.
Creative Writing invites students to explore their worlds while they compose poems, personal descriptive and narrative essays, and short fiction. The course affords an opportunity for self-expression, promotes critical thinking, expands the imagination, and develops the use of figurative and literal language.
Environmental Science
Explores the ways in which the environment shapes living communities, interactions of organisms with their environment, and the
impact of human activities on the physical and biological systems of the Earth.
Explorations in Chemistry - Advanced Seminar
Explorations in Chemistry is a beginners study of an understanding of structure, physical and chemical properties, and chemical change.
Laboratory activities and research will center around the basics of chemistry using everyday products.
Explorations into Earth and Space Science - Advanced Seminar
Explorations into Earth and Space Science is beginners glimpse into the various aspects of the Earth and Universe.
Possible topics of discussion will be the composition of the Earth, weathering, plate tectonics, fossils, oceanography, atmospheric
phenomena, the water cycle, and planetary and star systems.
Fantasy Fiction: 20th Century Literature
Fantasy Fiction will allow students to explore this genre of fiction in both the popular and literary tradition as they read works by J.K. Rowling,
C.S.Lewis, Ray Bradbury, and other writers of the fantasy genre.
Introduction to Engineering
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the problem solving methods that engineers use when applying
scientific and mathematic principles for the creation of realistic solutions to everyday technical problems.
Local Culture is a survey course designed to investigate the cultural diversity of Mississippi through a study of its history, economics, politics, and geography. Using local culture, literary heritage, and people, students will understand and appreciate the development of the area. Excursions to the Delta Blues Museum, Mississippi River museum, Civil Rights Museum, local l iterary, musical, and culinary attractions are included in the session.
Mississippi Writers
Study of Mississippi's rich literary heritage through the study of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and drama. Student's will explore the
contribution of Mississippi writers to twentieth century American literature. This course will introduce students to not only traditionally
studied authors but also to the current voices in the state's literary landscape.
Multimedia Projects
Multimedia Projects is designed to provide experiences in developing creative assignments using multimedia software. Students will produce
original projects utilizing such as video and audio production.
Personal Finance allows the student to explore personal financial decision-making. It also helps individuals use skills in money management, record-keeping, banking, and investing. The course focuses on the study of basic concepts involving economics, insurance, banking, credit, stocks and bonds, and other related topics.
Public Speaking
Public Speaking builds important communication skills that will enhance all aspects of the student's life. Skill in public speaking helps the
individual to think logically, clearly, and creatively. This oral communication course is designed to help a student see himself as a whole
person with a proper understanding of himself as a communicator as both a source and a receiver.
Theater for Young Actors, Artists, and Theatre Lovers
Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of drama and the modern stage. The group will also join the cast and crew of the Oxford Shakespeare
Festival as they prepare for their 10th season.
Visual Arts
Visual Arts explores the creation and study of works of art and design. Students will engage in the production, critical analysis, history and culture,
aesthetics, and connections among the visual arts, other content areas, and everyday life.
Typical Daily Schedule
| 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Morning Class with Break |
| 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Afternoon Class with Break |
| 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | Recreation or Special Activity |
| 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | Study, Computer Lab, Study Groups, Free Time |
| 10:00 p.m. | Curfew |
Weekend Activities
Students may go home on the weekends, but for those who stay on campus, activites are planned. Weekend activities may include going to a movie, skating, scavenger hunts, dances, etc. An out-of-town excursion is planned for the second Saturday of each session, in which students travel by charter bus to