The PREP Central Office is available to answer questions virtually. Please contact us at PREP@UTSA.edu.
The Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP) at UTSA is a pre-college summer program committed to delivering science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) enrichment opportunities for middle and high school students, expanding equitable access and participation in innovative STEM programming, motivating and inspiring underrepresented students in STEM, and promoting collaboration between institutions of higher education, school districts, industry and the community.
PREP seeks to contribute to the development of the future generations of STEM professionals, and provide opportunities for high school and middle school students to identify pathways to and through higher education. PREP’s current curriculum is delivered over the course of 4 years. The first year involves Logic and Introduction to Engineering. The second and third years include topics on Algebra and Introduction to Physics, and Probability, Statistics and Introduction to Technical Writing, respectively. The fourth year is dedicated to materials related to Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Nanotechnology.
The program started in 1979 by a UTSA mathematics professor, Dr. Manuel P. Berriozábal. Today PREP exists at 33 sites in 25 cities and 7 states. PREP has served over 50,000 students in the State of Texas during the past 40 years.
PREP Program
PREP Application
Use the links below to apply for Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 or Year 4. If this is your first time participating in PREP, please use the application link for Year 1.
Please check the list of requirements before starting the application
Acceptance notifications will be emailed in March
Parent Orientation will take place in May
PREP Eligibility
Students from all school districts within the Greater San Antonio area that meet the requirements outlined below are encouraged to apply.
→ Year 1 Requirements
Students may apply if enrolled in 6th, 7th or 8th grade
Parent/guardian permission
Submit one Nomination Form from either a Mathematics, Science, English or other Teacher, or School Counselor.
Submit a 100-200 word essay written by the student that answers the prompt “Why I want to participate in PREP, why PREP is important to me, and what I like about STEM.”
Submit an official report card or parental portal printout of report card. If a report card does not include conduct, a letter may be provided from school. See sample conduct letter here.
70 or higher average grade in the most recent grading cycle (6 or 9 week term) in Science, Mathematics and English classes.
→ Year 2, 3 & 4 Requirements
Successful completion of Year 1, 2, or 3 for the next PREP year (i.e., students may not skip a PREP year and should be followed sequentially)
Parent/Guardian permission
Submit a 100-200 word essay written by the student that answers the prompt “Why I want to participate in PREP and what I would like to learn about STEM this year.”
Submit an official report card or parental portal printout of report card. If a report card does not include conduct, a letter may be provided from school. See sample conduct letter here.
70 or higher average grade in the most recent grading cycle (6 or 9 week term) in Science, Mathematics and English classes.
PREP Curriculum
Throughout the four years, students will learn about problem-solving systems, STEM career awareness, research & study skills, and participate in field trips and special events. See below for more specific curriculum information for each year in PREP.
→ Curriculum Year 1
Logic and its Applications to Mathematics
Introduction to Engineering
→ Curriculum Year 2
Algebraic Structures
Introduction to Physics
→ Curriculum Year 3
Introduction to Probability & Statistics
Introduction to Technical Writing
→ Curriculum Year 4
Computer Science
-Advanced Science & Engineering (such as Water Science, Nanotechnology, or Cyber Security)
PREP Inquiry
Inquiry Form
Submit your information to be notified about PREP 2022 or later dates. Submit Information Now
PREP Sites
→ San Antonio PREP Sites
Year 1 PREP
UTSA (Downtown Campus)
Year 2 PREP
UTSA (Downtown Campus)
Year 3 PREP
St. Mary’s University
Year 4 PREP
UTSA (Main Campus)
PREP FAQs
→ How many nomination forms are required for the Year 1 application?
One (1) nomination for is required from either a Mathematics, Science, English or other teachers, or school counselor.
All applications require a 100-200 word essay. See PREP Eligibility for details.
→ Can a progress report be submitted?
Applications require an official report card or parental portal printout of report card. Report card should include information on conduct and if courses are Honors or Pre-AP/AP, if applicable. If a report card does not include conduct, a letter may be provided from school. See sample conduct letter under PREP Participant Forms and Resources
→ Are conduct grades required?
Yes, conduct grades are required, if not included on the report card, request a Conduct Letter from school counselor. Download a Sample Conduct Letter.
→ How will I receive notice of acceptance?
Notices will be emailed mid-March through April.
→ Is there a fee?
Yes, $500 tuition, paid if student meets the requirements and is accepted into the program. Notification will be emailed by mid-March with payment instructions. No tuition is charged to students from sponsoring school districts. Please verify with school counselor to confirm support.
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The University Prefreshman Engineering Program offers college credit at UTSA to students who have successfully completed a minimum of PREP Year 3, meet the grade requirement of 90 or above in math, science, and English during the most recent grading period (not cumulative), and are at least in their sophomore year in high school. Students will take college-level courses and participate in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities designed to complement their coursework and interest in STEM fields.
As one of America’s top young universities, UTSA offers you the opportunity to create your bold future. Located in beautiful San Antonio, the seventh largest city in the U.S., see why we have a lot to be proud of as Roadrunners.
