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 ) Microbiology: Microorganisms and Health
- (FULL) Contemporary Astronomy: Journey Through the Cosmos
- (FULL) Economics and Society
- (FULL) Engineering Fundamentals and Design
- (FULL) Forensic Science
- (FULL) Human Body and Disease
- (FULL) Introduction to Computer Science
- (FULL) Organic Chemistry: Applications in Food Science and Nutrition
- (FULL) Psychology of Learning and Motivation
- Art, Activism, and Advertisements: Introduction to Visual Culture Studies
- Environmental Studies
ALP At a glance
Program Dates
June 30- July 20, 2024
Format
In person
Grade Level
For students finishing grades 9-12
Application opens
November 28, 2023
Application Deadline
May 1, 2024
Cost
Non-refundable application fee: $75
Early bird rate through January 8
Domestic: $4,100
Commuter: $2,500
International: $4,550
Starting January 9
Domestic: $4,300
Commuter: $2,650
International: $4,800
Limited financial aid available. Tuition payments due May 15th and June 1st.
Location
UW–Madison campus
Instruction Hours
95 hours of class time
How to apply
Step 1: Explore the course options available and choose your first-choice course. It is important to note that applications for our programs 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 top choice.
Step 2: Review the ALP field trip information below and decide if you would like to participate in one, both, or neither of the trips.
Step 3: Complete the online application, indicating your first-choice course as your preferred option. To be considered for admission, students must demonstrate outstanding academic ability and motivation to engage in in-depth study of one subject.
Step 4: Upload supporting documents in PDF or Word document format into the application system or send them directly to Badger Precollege staff.
- Transcript, with at least 1 term of grades reflected.
- **if 9th grade, students should submit a progress report with current enrollments.
- Completed essay; 200 words each, ~400-450 words total. Please be sure to answer both questions in your essay.
- How will this program and experience benefit you now and in the future?
- How do you respond when something is difficult for you? What strategies do you use to overcome difficulties?
- Letter of recommendation – can be from teacher, mentor, coach, counselor, etc. (optional).
Once we receive all application materials, your application is complete. You will receive notification regarding an acceptance decision within four weeks of submitting it.
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.
Weekend Field Trips
Join us for a day of fun and exploration by attending these optional weekend trips to Milwaukee and Chicago! These trips are considered an extension of the ALP Program and are not mandatory. As such, there will be activities planned back on campus for those who choose not to attend. Parent/Guardian approval will be required through the signing of a separate permission form distributed on the program start date.
In addition to academic enrichment, students will have the opportunity to build friendships in a residential community of students from across the US and from across the world. Through group experiences and other opportunities, students can begin to explore life as a Badger and gain insights into preparing for college.
Students will participate in a variety of residence hall activities and connect with fellow participants. These activities are designed to offer the students an opportunity to disconnect from the course material and build meaningful friendships with their peers and classmates. While our programs are designed to challenge and engage students academically, we are also committed to providing a space for students to have serious fun and feel safe and comfortable to be authentically themselves.
Students will connect daily through morning meetings, activities and icebreakers with other students in the program. Group experiences are led by our Residential Assistants and may include small group discussion and collaboration to make each activity interactive. These activities will range in topic from trivia and Pictionary, to connecting over popular games, to more organized workshops that share information about the college application process and college experience. Additionally, as with other Badger Precollege Programs, students will always have access to administrative staff, residential assistants and instructors to help facilitate student success and connection.
A limited amount of need-based financial aid funds are available to domestic students. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide scholarships to international students at this time.
If you are eligible for free or reduced lunch in Wisconsin, submit the DPI Precollege Scholarship Application. Please be sure to complete both sections of the form and have an authorized representative from your student’s school complete and sign Section II: Verification and Recommendation.
If you are not eligible for free or reduced lunch in Wisconsin, submit the first page of the 1040 form of the most recent year’s tax return with Social Security numbers redacted. If extenuating circumstances (i.e. loans, loss of employment) are not reflected on tax return but are impacting your family’s finances, please also submit your financial need story.
Important Dates for Financial Aid
The deadline for all summer financial aid applications is April 1, 2024. Badger Summer Scholars cannot allocate aid to students who have not been admitted to a program*. As such, the student’s program application (including application fee and supporting documentation, such as their grade report, etc.) must be completed by April 1 as well.
The application fee is nonrefundable. Refunds may take up to eight weeks to process, starting from the time a written request is received by the Badger Precollege office.
Cancelation Policy
Badger Precollege reserves the right to cancel classes when necessary, including those for which enrollment numbers are not sufficient, or those for which a highly qualified instructor is unavailable. In the case of course cancellations, we will be happy to help you choose an alternative course. If no acceptable alternative is available, we will refund any tuition paid, minus any non-refundable application fees or deposits.
Refund Schedule
All program applications must be accompanied by the nonrefundable application fee before they can be processed.
| Period | Percent of Refund |
|---|---|
| Withdraw during the period of registration up to one month prior to the first day of the program: | 100% refund
Full refund will also be issued in the following cases, regardless of date:
|
| Withdraw during the period of one month prior to the first day of the program – two weeks before program start | 90% refund
Nonrefundable 10% is used to cover class supplies, books, transportation, and administrative fees and teacher salary costs incurred during this period of program planning. |
| Withdraw during the period of two weeks before program start – opening day of camp | 80% refund
Nonrefundable 20% is used to cover risk management fees, University Health Services fees, class supplies, books, transportation, and teacher salary costs incurred during this period of program planning. |
| Other | 0% refund
Students dismissed for disciplinary reasons are not eligible for any refund. Students voluntarily leaving while the program is in session are not eligible for any refund. |
Getting to the program
All international students should arrive to Madison, WI one day prior to the official program start date. For ALP, this will be on Saturday, June 29th. The purpose of this is so Badger Precollege can facilitate an International Student Orientation on Sunday morning before the remaining participants arrive. After acceptance, the Badger Precollege team will provide students with additional information regarding the best airports to utilize, timeframes for arrival, and opportunities for shuttles. All housing and meals are included in the tuition costs.
Support for international participants
At Badger Precollege, we provide international students with engaging coursework and programming while offering different levels of support to ensure the best experience possible. To learn more about visa requirements and other details, click here.
In addition to the traditional program opportunities, international students have access to:
- A Badger Precollege staff member who will work closely with international students to create a fun and educational atmosphere while in the program. They will be available for students to communicate any ideas, concerns or issues relevant to the programs.
- An orientation session that covers all relevant information for the program and any questions that students or their families may have. It will cover technologies used in the program, what to expect within each synchronous course set up, expectations for the program and work done outside of course time, time zone set up and many other topics.
- Specific activities dedicated to creating awareness around different cultures and individual sessions that introduce the culture and community of Madison and the University.
English proficiency recommendations
To be successful in the Badger Summer Scholars program, we suggest that students demonstrate at least intermediate-level English through a minimum TOEFL score of 80 or IELTS score of 6.5 or Duolingo English Test score of 105. If you do not have a test score available but would like to see if your English is proficient for Badger Summer Scholars, you may request a phone or video interview with program staff.