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.
PREP 2021
PREP 2021
PREP is offering a hybrid instructional model for summer 2021. More information will be available soon. 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, 2020 – January 31, 2021
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.)
Reminders:
Acceptance notifications will be emailed – mid-March
Parent Orientation will take place in May at the site which the student is accepted
Absences: Student is only allowed three excused absences
Transportation: All applicants are responsible for their own transportation
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 History
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 Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements
Students from all school districts within the Greater San Antonio Area that meet the requirements outlined below are encouraged to apply.
→ 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. Years 2, 3, and 4 do not require nominations.
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 web-based (parent portal print-outs)
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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Prep Alternative 2020
PREP Alternative 2020 was not a replacement for PREP. Students did not receive TEA or PREP credit, and to continue the PREP curriculum they must must apply to attend for the year that they had planned to attend in summer 2020. ie. if a student completed PREP Alternative Year 1, the student must submit a PREP 2021 Year 1 application. If your student is a senior and completed and passed PREP Alternative Year 4, they can submit an application and receive a cost discount if they completed PREP Alternative Year 4.
UPREP
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
2021 UPREP applications are due January 31. Contact Ana.Leos@utsa.edu with any questions.
