Strong Start - Office of Undergraduate Studies

Here at the U, we believe a “Strong Start” leads to a strong finish. Our summer academic and residential programs will provide an engaging and transformative experience to a diverse group of 300 first-year students. Our goal is to not only help you acclimate yourself to life at the U, but thrive in your college experience, setting you up for a bright academic career.

Strong Start students will have the option to enroll in a course between the end of the summer session and the begging of the fall semester to earn a credential through Adobe . More information on this option will provided during the Strong Start program

Students will enroll in a math or writing course, and a general education course at one of the top research universities in the country, fulfilling some general education requirements, all while building meaningful academic and social relationships that will last a lifetime.

Strong Start takes place during the second summer session from June 23 – August 2.

Strong Start participants will also need to register and attend either the June 20-21 or June 22-23 New Student Orientation Sessions.

Total Projected Costs:

Tuition & Fees: $2,942 - $3,210
Housing: $3,400 - $3,842*
Meals $848 - $1032

To be eligible for financial aid for Strong Start, complete the 2022-23 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This is a different FAFSA than the one you might have completed for enrollment beginning Fall 2023. If you need more information on completing the form, view the How to Fill Out the FAFSA Form video. Or, if you’re ready to complete the form now, you can go here. Be sure to choose the 2022-23 FAFSA to complete and submit; it is important to complete this as soon as possible. If you need any additional assistance, contact the U’s Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid with questions.

Here are just some of the many advantages of our program:

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Earn 3-7 general education credits

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12-month housing opportunity

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Start your residency clock early

community graphic Get involved before fall semester with a built-in community of your peers

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Learn how to navigate campus

WRTG 1010 –Intro to Writing (3 credit hours)

Description: Students learn to read and write rhetorically, develop and support claims, and produce and evaluate writing in collaboration with peers. Course readings and assignments emphasize writing for diverse purposes and disciplines. To be taken during Freshman year.

MATH 1030 – Intro to Quantitative Reasoning (3 credit hours)

Description: This course is best suited for students who are not pursuing a STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) degree. The course helps students learn how to use some simple mathematical techniques effectively in their own field of study and apply those concepts to practical, real-life situations.

MATH 1050 – College Algebra (4 credit hours)

Description: This course is best suited for students who are interested in pursuing a STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) degree.
The course covers functions, inverses and graphs; polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions; systems of equations and matrices; applications; arithmetic and geometric sequences and series.

Description: Students will gain vital experience in various concepts of design such as: design thinking, product design, structural and environmental design, information architecture, simulation, immersive environments and games. This course counts toward the Fine Arts Exploration General Education requirement, and starts you on the path to earning your Digital Literacy Certificate.