The Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) engages talented students from across Wisconsin, the nation and the world at the top-ranked University of Wisconsin–Madison. ALP is an intense, three-week residential summer camp designed to push students to the next academic level in a welcoming learning environment. Students enroll in a single course for an in-depth experience and may work with their school to receive high school credit. Scholarships are available.
Why ALP
There are many options for talented high school students in the busy summer months, but ALP offers the opportunity to learn and live on the beautiful UW–Madison campus. While the campus is big, ALP centers around an engaged and intimate learning environment. Students enroll in one class during the three-week period for a comprehensive experience that’s not possible in crowded high school schedules.
Taught by content experts and experienced teachers, ALP offers college-level classes developed with high school students in mind. Classes are small — no more than 16 students — to allow meaningful mentoring and personal relationships between students and their instructor. Instructors work individually with each student to identify learning goals and ensure that coursework is challenging but not overwhelming.
The customized curriculum ensures an optimal learning environment, with an in-depth study of the topics and research that define 21st-century knowledge. Classes begin with a preassessment of student’s content knowledge and learning strengths. Each student then receives a detailed written and verbal assessment of subject mastery and recommendations for future study. College-level education assistants work with instructors to provide additional support.
Time outside of class is thoughtfully planned and coordinated by residential staff to foster additional social and emotional connections between students.
What to expect
Be part of a truly unique learning environment where students from around the world can interact, learn and grow with each other. Be ready to learn at an accelerated pace and lose all track of time while geeking out on your favorite topic. In the class setting, you will utilize campus resources, become a more independent learner and increase your confidence in approaching challenging academic tasks. By the end of the program, you should notice better time management skills when handling complex projects and an improved understanding of yourself, your strengths and your talents! On the residential side of camp, be ready to form lasting friendships and engage in activities that push your personal boundaries.
Upcoming Classes
- (FULL) Engineering Fundamentals and Design
- (FULL) Human Body and Disease
- Abnormal Psychology
- Art, Activism, and Advertisements: How visual culture influences thinking
- Astronomy: The Evolving Universe
- Environmental Studies and Society
- Forensic Science
- Fundamentals of Immunology
- Introduction to Critical Reasoning
- Topics in Computer Science
ALP At a glance
Program Dates
July 2-22, 2023
Format
In person
Grade Level
For students finishing grades 9-12
Application opens
November 29, 2022
Application Deadline
May 1, 2023
Cost
Early bird rate through January 8
Domestic: $3,820
Commuter: $2,300
International: $4,295
Starting January 9
Domestic: $4,020
Commuter: $2,420
International: $4,520
Limited financial aid available
Location
UW–Madison campus
Instruction Hours
105 hours of class time
Daily Schedules
Residential Daily Schedule
The residential student experience includes a full day of coursework, activities, and community time. It is designed to be a full immersive pre-college experience.
| Time | Activity |
| 7:30–8:30 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:30–9 a.m. | Morning meeting, walk to class |
| 9–11:30 a.m. | Class |
| 11:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 12:30–3 p.m. | Class |
| 3–5 p.m. | Recreational activities |
| 5–6 p.m. | Dinner |
| 6–8 p.m. | Class |
| 8–10 p.m. | Recreational activities |
| 10–11 p.m. | Block meetings, dorm time |
| 11 p.m.–7:30 a.m. | Quiet hours & room checks |
Commuter Experience
The commuter student experience is offered for students who are interested in the course content only. Commuter students arrive in the morning in time for their first class session and leave after the afternoon class at 3:00 p.m.. Weekend and evening activities are not included in the commuter experience.
| Time | Activity |
| 9–11:30 a.m. | Class |
| 11:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 12:30–3 p.m. | Class |
| 3 p.m. | Check out |
**Please note: the commuter student experience does not include evening study course hours. Due to this, students participating in the commuter option may not be eligible for high school credit. Please contact Badger Precollege with any questions.
How to apply
- Look through the course options available and choose your first-choice course. Please note that applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis and courses fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration will increase the likelihood of being placed in your first-choice course.
- Complete the online application, indicating only your first-choice course as your preferred course. Please note: If you are applying on behalf of your student(s), please create the registration account with the student’s information in order to ensure Badger Precollege receives the correct student information.
- To be considered for admission, students must demonstrate outstanding academic ability and motivation to engage in in-depth study of one subject. Therefore, eligibility for the ALP program will be demonstrated through submission of a current grade report and a completed statement answering the following questions:
- Why do you want to attend this program?
- How will this program and experience benefit you now and in the future?
- What are one or two activities, memberships, clubs, responsibilities, etc. outside of school that you are involved with, and why are they important to you?
You will be able to upload a PDF version of your grade report and submit the answers to the above prompts directly in the application.
- Submit the application, along with the application fee. You will receive an email confirming your submission immediately and be notified of your acceptance decision via email within 3–4 weeks.
Students have the opportunity to work with their school to receive high school credit for each course and will be graded in accordance with that plan.
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please visit our financial aid page.