The PREP Central Office is available to answer questions via email at PREP@UTSA.edu or by phone Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm at 210-458-2829.
The Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP) is an academically rigorous mathematics-based summer enrichment program conducted at several college and university campuses in San Antonio, as well as, across the state of Texas and Nation.
PREP identifies middle and high school students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and helps prepare those students for advanced studies and careers in those fields by providing a challenging academic program that emphasizes abstract reasoning and problem solving, and exposes participants to careers through speakers and field trips.
The program started in 1979 by a UTSA mathematics professor, Dr. Manuel P. Berriozábal. Today, in 2019, 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
PREP is offering a Virtual instructional model for summer 2021. Curriculum will focus on Logic and its application to Mathematics, Introduction to Engineering, and topics in problem solving. Materials and activities as well as opportunities to engage with instructors will be available online.
Apply
November 1 – January 30 Pleaes note applications for 2021 is currently closed
Dates
June 21, 2021 – July 30, 2021
Times
Program time may vary depending on site location. Generally, program is between 7:30AM – 4PM
Cost
$500 per student (Some school districts may cover partial or full cost. Please inquire with your school counselor for more information.)
Nomination Form from a Science Teacher, English Teacher, or School Counselor
Satisfactory conduct grades.
If a report card does not include conduct, a letter may be provided from school. See Sample Conduct Letter
100-200 word essay that answers the prompt “Why I want to Participate in PREP”
80 or better grade in most recent grading cycle (6 or 9 week term) mathematics, science and English class
→ Year 2, 3 & 4 Requirements
Successful completion of Year 1, 2, or 3 for the next PREP Year (students may not skip a PREP year)
Parent/Guardian permission
Passing all classes in school
80 or above in most recent grading cycle (6 to 9 week term) in math, science, and English
Satisfactory conduct grades
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?
Two (2) nomination forms are required, one from a math teacher and a second from either an English teacher, science teacher, or counselor.
Year 1 application requires a 100-200 word essay on Why I Want to Participate in PREP.
Years 2, 3, and 4 do not require an essay.
→ Can a progress report be submitted?
No, the most recent report card (6 to 9 week term) with numerical grades is required. Report card must include information on conduct and if courses are Honors or Pre-AP/AP, if applicable.
The following will not be accepted and will make the application incomplete:
no hand-written
no progress reports or reports that state “Progress” on any part of the report card
no transcripts
no letter grades
→ Can a second report card be uploaded?
No, new/updated grades cannot be resubmitted.
→ 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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Virtual Parent Info Sessions
PREP is holding virtual Parent Info Sessions weekdays 6:30-7:30 PM. For more information please contact your school counselor or science/math teacher.
A key component of PREP is the daily Career Awareness Seminar. We are seeking professionals with a math, science, engineering, or technology background to discuss professional career opportunities, experiences in the field, and/or conduct special technical presentations with our students. Due to the pandemic, all presentations for Summer 2021 will be held virtually in the afternoon between the times of 12-3 pm.
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.
Courses tentatively offered:
Algebra – Scientists & Engineers
Biosciences I
Calculus I
Introduction to Computer Programming I
Algebra-based Physics
Pre-calculus
General Chemistry
Apply
Deadline: February 19, 2021 Pleaes note applications for 2021 UPREP is currently closed
PREP Distance Learning Coordinator Special Programs Site Director
Oversee compliance with PREP central office policies, success of instructional program, and operation of all site activities. Direct and manage the Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP) and supervise operations and personnel at program year level. Provide leadership to ensure high standards of instructional services.
Support services to the students through individual and/or group counseling. Support services to the staff and consult with the program assistants and instructors.
each three to four hours (three to four classes) daily of synchronous virtual instruction. This includes developing instructional materials and evaluation tools. Be available at least one hour per day for one-on-one tutoring.
Monitor and mentor a group of approximately 25 students while providing individual or small group tutoring and supplemental educational activities, as needed or requested. Will be involved in research and study period, providing educational support activities and tutoring.
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