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
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.
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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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.
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