Resources

If you are applying for GEM, submit the GEM scholarship application. If you are eligible for free or reduced lunch at school, please also complete section 2 of the GEM scholarship application. You will need to have a school administrator sign the section, so please plan ahead and make sure to have the form signed before returning it to Badger Precollege.

For all other programs:
If you are eligible for free or reduced lunch, submit the Wisconsin DPI Financial Aid Form.

If you are not eligible for free or reduced lunch, Badger Precollege offers a very limited number of need-based, partial scholarships. To apply for a need-based, partial scholarship, please submit the first page of the 1040 form of the most recent year’s tax return. If extenuating circumstances (i.e. loans, loss of employment) are not reflected on tax return but are affecting your family’s finances, please also submit a letter of explanation.

For more details about scholarships and for our refund policy, visit the financial Information page or individual program pages.

Badger Precollege is committed to equal access for all our students and strives to provide accommodations in as many ways as possible. If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in one of our programs, please fill out the accommodations form provided after registering or being accepted into your Badger Precollege program. Requests must be made with this form and will not be accepted via email or other mode of communication. Allocation of accommodations is subject to youth programming policies on the UW-Madison campus and may be provided in collaboration with the McBurney Disability Resource Center. If Badger Precollege does not have sufficient time to review, determine, or plan for a reasonable accommodation, supporting your request may not be possible . If you have any questions about accommodations or submitting the accommodations request form, please contact [email protected].

It is the responsibility of applicants who use or require a personal care assistant for activities of daily living (e.g., personal hygiene, eating, toileting, dressing) to make their own arrangements for use of a personal care assistant when enrolled in any program at UW–Madison. As personal care assistants may have access to other minors in youth activities, screening and training requirements in alignment with youth protection practices are required. Applicants must provide sufficient advance notice to the university about their use of a personal care assistant.

Read the UW-Madison Access for Guests, Program Participants, and Visitors with Disabilities policy.

Many of our international students will need to obtain a B1/B2 visa in order to participate in our programs. Learn more about visas here.

For more information about our Wisconsin International Precollege Academy and Wisconsin International Precollege Academy Online programs, explore our international resources.

Health

UW-Madison Precollege programs partner with University Health Services Camp Health to ensure that our in-person program participants receive the health care they need while on campus with us. In April or May, you will receive an email directly from the CampDoc online health form system. Please fill this out at your earliest convenience as this helps our program staff and the camp health staff to be better prepared to serve students when they arrive.

If you plan to arrive to your program without a parent or guardian, please make sure to bring the Health Update Form so that we can best support your health needs during the program.

Safety

University of Wisconsin–Madison precollege programs achieve high standards for educational and recreational experiences. We recognize that working with youth is not the same as working with college-age students. The University of Wisconsin–Madison is committed to the well-being, safety and protection of all members of the University community, including minors. The University community recognizes that minors are a vulnerable population, and they require special attention and protection. Therefore, we follow specific youth protection policies, laws, licensing requirements and best practices. This ensures that all participants are safe and protected while attending any UW–Madison precollege program.

Explore our general FAQ page!

The GEM program is open to all interested students. To apply, those interested should complete the online application and pay the application fee. Keep in mind, courses fill up on a first come, first served basis, so early applications are encouraged.

After you register for the program, you will receive communication with appropriate forms to complete. You will also fill out a CampHealth profile with any pertinent health information. All information is kept confidential.

The GEM program features two, one-week long sessions. The GEM program manager will be in touch before the program with specific locations and instructions for drop off and pick up.

Each day is filled with class sessions, lunch in Gordon Commons, planned field trips and activities around campus, and afternoon activities. The afternoon activities include a planned lesson led by one of our morning instructors, as well as an opportunity to explore various stations and socialize with classmates.

On the opening day (Monday) of each session, families should accompany their student to registration. Families will also have the opportunity to meet instructors and staff in their classrooms. The final day of each session will include a Family Visiting Day option. Between 10:45 and 11:30, families are invited to come to campus to learn more about what their students have completed throughout the week.

There may be specific items each teacher asks the students to bring based upon activities they may be participating in each day. Information regarding any special instructions will be communicated prior to the start of the program. (Not all classes have special requests.) All classroom supplies and lunch are provided by Badger Precollege. It is a good idea to bring a water bottle and rain gear when appropriate. Comfortable walking shoes are a must!

PACE applicants will need to submit a recent copy of an unofficial transcript and the answers to a series of short questions. Questions can be found on the PACE program page.

This will be submitted directly to the online application, so applicants should plan to have this on hand when completing the application.

After you register for the program, you will receive communication with appropriate forms to complete. You will also fill out a CampHealth profile with any pertinent health information. All information is kept confidential.

The PACE program offers three, one-week long sessions. The PACE program manager will share specific locations and instructions for drop off and pick up in the weeks leading up to the program.

Each day features a short morning meeting to hear announcements and updates, engaging class sessions, and field trips and recreational activities after lunch. During this period, students will have the chance to explore a different area of campus and/or participate in community building games and camp activities with their classmates and our Educational Assistants. Please note that all field trips are walking field trips around campus so students should wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.

On the opening day (Monday) of each session, families should accompany their student to register and have the opportunity to meet instructors and staff in their classrooms. The final day of each session will include a Family Visiting Day portion. Families are invited to come to campus to learn more about what their students have completed throughout the week.

PACE students are allowed to bring cell phones to camp and will be informed of the appropriate and inappropriate times for phone use during the camp rules meeting on the first day. In general, phones are only allowed to be used in emergency situations or to coordinate pick up with parents/guardians. Phones will NOT be allowed during class time or during recreational activities/community time. Phones will be required to remain in the students’ backpacks. If a phone becomes an issue during one of those times, the phone will be placed in a locked drawer in the Badger Precollege office for the remainder of day and handed back to the parent during pick-up. The student will be asked to not bring the phone back to camp and parents will be contacted as needed. We expect our students to foster community through face to face interaction.

There may be specific items each teacher asks the students to bring based upon activities they may be participating in each day. You will be notified of these items/requests prior to camp. Not all classes have special requests. In general, here is a basic list:

• Sunscreen, sunglasses
• Backpack
• Notebook
• Small snack (no nuts)
• Good walking shoes
• Water bottle
• Pens/pencils
• Rain jacket/umbrella

To apply, applicants will need to fill out the online application for their chosen program and pay the application fee. The application will require the submission of a current grade report in PDF format. This can be an unofficial transcript. This will be uploaded directly into the online application, so it should be ready when the application is started. They will also need to submit the answers to essay questions; questions can be found on each program page.

Once you are accepted, the program manager will reach out with the appropriate forms to complete, due within 3 weeks of acceptance. For students who are accepted between April 18th and May 1st, all forms will be due no later than May 9th.

For any additional requests, please see other pertinent information in “General Information” above.

Campus dress is casual but must be tasteful and appropriate. Shorts, t-shirts, and jeans are fine. A sweater, sweatshirt, or a jacket will be necessary for cool evenings and some air-conditioned classrooms. Rain gear is almost always needed. You may want to bring your “best” outfit for special occasions (formal dress is not required, but there will be a dance and other occasions for which students may want to dress up). In any case, the list below will help you plan for your weeks on campus. Some items are certainly optional. Keep in mind – you will have to transport all of your items from the car up to your room, and you will be sharing a small space with a roommate. Plan accordingly!

Students do not need to bring linens for their bed – they are provided by UW Housing.

ALP and Badger Summer Scholars students should bring computers, as they may be helpful for coursework. If you use a computer on regular basis with your normal schoolwork, we would suggest bringing along a computer to camp. If you do not have access to a portable computer, please notify staff as soon as possible so that we can reserve one for you. Loaner computer supplies are limited so please let us know as soon as you can.

To apply, applicants will need to fill out the online STEP application and pay the application fee. The application will require the submission of a current grade report in PDF format. This does not need to be an official transcript; it can be an unofficial report. This will be uploaded directly into the online application, so it should be ready when the application is started. You will also need to submit the answers to a series of short questions. Those questions can be found on the STEP program page.

After you apply for the program, you will receive communication with appropriate forms to complete. You will also fill out a CampHealth profile with any pertinent health information. All information is kept confidential.

Campus dress is casual but must be tasteful and appropriate. Shorts, t-shirts, and jeans are fine. A sweater, sweatshirt, or a jacket will be necessary for cool evenings and some air-conditioned classrooms. Rain gear is almost always needed. You may want to bring your “best” outfit for special occasions (formal dress is not required, but there will be a dance and other occasions for which students may want to dress up). In any case, the list below will help you plan for your weeks on campus. Some items are certainly optional. Keep in mind – you will have to transport all of your items from the car up to your room, and you will be sharing a small space with a roommate. Plan accordingly!

Students do not need to bring linens for their bed – they are provided by UW Housing.

All students interested in music are welcome to register for Summer Music Clinic! Complete the online form and pay the application fee and then our staff will be in touch with confirmation details. Please note that some courses will have an enrollment capacity, so early registration is encouraged.

There are two things to do on arrival day:

1. Move into the Residence Hall & meet your counselors.
2. Check-in with the Health and Administrative staff to receive important information including camp
   class schedule, first day instructions, performance/presentation schedules, placement audition/conversation time.

You will be assigned a time to check in and move in. Once you do so, you’ll have free time until all participants have moved in and completed the registration process. Lunch is not provided on the first day. More information on assigned times will be shared prior to the program start.

All students will choose a placement audition or placement conversation at SMC registration upon the start of camp. The placement process ensures that each student is set to succeed in an SMC course that provides a balance of challenge and level appropriate repertoire for a one week program for each student. Students will be organized by part based on audition results on the first day of camp. Each ensemble will provide an equally challenging and rewarding experience combined with meeting the needs of each student.

The placement audition will be a performance based experience. Students are asked to prepare a short solo or excerpt and prepare a provided excerpt. There will also be sight-reading and scales asked for. Auditions are 3-5 minutes in length and times are assigned at SMC registration upon the start of the program.

The placement conversation will be a non-performance based experience. Students will be asked to provide answers about their experience, skill level, and goals for their SMC experience.

All SMC students are welcome to express interest for an audition for the student recital when they arrive on campus.

Parents/guardians of any selected student performers will receive an invitation to attend the final recital, including the date and time of their students performance.

All bedding is provided, but please plan to provide your own towels and toiletries. If you are unable to bring your own toiletries, please contact us. We will also have limited supplies available at camp. All resident hall rooms are air-conditioned and have small refrigerators.

Campers will receive a swipe card which will serve as their meal ticket and must be worn on your lanyard at all times. To support sustainability and stewardship of our resources, campers should only take what they will eat and eat what they take. This will help reduce food waste. Gordon Market has a variety of foods available with twelve different stations to choose from. More information about Nutrition and Allergens here.

You should plan to bring the following items:

jazz drummers – please bring practice pads and expect to rotate/share our drum sets in class.

towels, wash cloth, soap, and toiletries (bed linens are provided by dorm)

instrumentalists should bring their instrument in good working condition and a folding music stand – NO MUSIC STANDS ARE PROVIDED (include extra strings, reeds, valve oil, etc., as needed)

percussionists should bring a snare sticks, bell mallets, yarn mallets & timpani mallets and a bag to carry them in

guitarists and bass guitarists should bring their own guitar and amp

Summer Music Clinic believes campers will have the most successful experience if they leave mobile phones and devices at home. If a camper chooses to bring one, they will not be permitted to bring it to classes, rehearsals, or when attending a performance.

Daily Commuter students will use the same registration system as residential students. Please make sure to register for the daily commuter option and double check the times you’ll need to arrive campus each day! Daily Commuter students live at home during the program.

At least one week prior to the camp start date, you will receive an assigned check-in time. Please arrive at the assigned time to help avoid crowds and congestion in parking lots and at check-in. The location of the counseling staff meetings will be confirmed at check-in.

All students will choose a placement audition or placement conversation at SMC registration upon the start of camp. The placement process ensures that each student is set to succeed in an SMC course that provides a balance of challenge and level appropriate repertoire for a one week program for each student. Students will be organized by part based on audition results on the first day of camp. Each ensemble will provide an equally challenging and rewarding experience combined with meeting the needs of each student.

The placement audition will be a performance based experience. Students are asked to prepare a short solo or excerpt and prepare a provided excerpt. There will also be sight-reading and scales asked for. Auditions are 3-5 minutes in length and times are assigned at SMC registration upon the start of the program.

The placement conversation will be a non-performance based experience. Students will be asked to provide answers about their experience, skill level, and goals for their SMC experience.

There is mandatory check-in and check-out for commuter campers each day of classes (Monday-Friday). It is your family’s responsibility to arrange for participant transportation to and from the program. The person doing pick-up should be prepared to show their ID to the counselors for the first couple of days. You will need to designate alternates to pick the students up should there be a delay. In the weeks prior to program start, the program director will share a commuter pick-up and drop-off from where those designated and their alternates can be listed.

All SMC students are welcome to express interest for an audition for the student recital when they arrive on campus.

Parents of any selected student performers will receive an invitation to attend the final recital, including the date and time of their students performance.

Campers will receive a swipe card which will serve as their meal ticket and must be worn on your lanyard at all times. To support sustainability and stewardship of our resources, campers should only take what they will eat and eat what they take. This will help reduce food waste. Gordon Market has a variety of foods available with twelve different stations to choose from. More information about Nutrition and Allergens here.

Summer Music Clinic believes campers will have the most successful experience if they leave mobile phones and devices at home. If a camper chooses to bring one, they will not be permitted to bring it to classes, rehearsals, or when attending a performance.

You should plan to bring the following items:

• jazz drummers – please bring practice pads and expect to rotate/share our drum sets in class.
• towels, wash cloth, soap, and toiletries (bed linens are provided by dorm)
• instrumentalists should bring their instrument in good working condition and a folding music stand – NO MUSIC STANDS ARE PROVIDED (include extra strings, reeds, valve oil, etc., as needed)
• percussionists should bring a snare sticks, bell mallets, yarn mallets & timpani mallets and a bag to carry them in
• guitarists and bass guitarists should bring their own guitar and amp

Face masks may be worn, but are no longer required, for youth participating in on-campus activities as well as staff serving them while on the UW–Madison campus or in any of its facilities located in Dane County. Decisions regarding whether youth participating in youth activities on the UW–Madison campus or in any of its facilities are made in consultation with local public health departments, taking into account Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 by County.

We recognize that individuals will have different reactions to mask requirements ending and that it may feel stressful for some. We encourage those who want to continue to wear masks to do so. Please respect everyone’s individual choices about masking. For participants who choose to wear a mask, we recommend wearing a well-fitting, comfortable mask and have a backup mask available. A limited supply of disposal masks will be available. For more information, visit the COVID FAQ page, filter by “youth activities”, FAQs – COVID-19 Response – UW–Madison (wisc.edu).

Vaccinations are the greatest defense against the spread of COVID-19, and we encourage all guests over the age of 5 visiting our campuses to get vaccinated. Badger Precollege cannot require staff and participants to disclose their vaccination status.

Badger Precollege will not provide COVID-19 tests before and/or during programming for participants or staff.

Participants are strongly encouraged to self-screen daily and refrain from participating in the program if they experience any of the following symptoms: Cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, chills, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, muscle pain or body aches, headache, fever (at or above 100.4), runny nose or nasal congestion, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.

Dining for residential programs: ALP, STEP, and Badger Summer Scholars participants eat meals in Four Lakes Dining Hall. This is an undergraduate residence hall dining facility, and food is served cafeteria-style. Please be aware that participants from other youth summer programs, as well as UW students, are also present in Four Lakes when our students are eating lunch.

Lunch for commuters: GEM and PACE participants eat lunch in Gordon Commons. This is an undergraduate residence hall dining facility, and food is served cafeteria-style. Please be aware that participants from other youth summer programs, as well as UW students, are also present in Gordon Commons when our students are eating lunch.

Lunch for SMC: Participants eat lunch in Gordon Commons. This is an undergraduate residence hall dining facility, and food is served cafeteria-style. Please be aware that participants from other youth summer programs, as well as UW students, are also present in Gordon Commons when our students are eating lunch.

Refund policy: The Badger Precollege refund schedule found here. This policy addresses student withdrawals for any reason, including illness. If a student withdraws after the 1st day of the session for any reason, including illness, no refund will be applied.

Program cancellation: If a Badger Precollege session/course is canceled due to staff illness, refunds will be prorated according to the length of time the course was in session.

Commuters: Students enrolled in 1-week sessions who contract a communicable disease, including COVID-19, during the program will be withdrawn from the session. More information may be found here: COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation | CDC.

If a student is enrolled in 2 consecutive 1-week sessions or in multiple programs (i.e. PACE and STEP) and contracts COVID-19 or another communicable disease during their first week of attendance, return to the program will be evaluated on a case by case basis. See refund policy above for policy related to student withdrawals.

Pick up policy: In the event that a participant becomes ill during this commuter program, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian of this participant to pick up the participant within 1 hour of notification of illness by the program manager. Students will be placed in a designated quarantine room until a parent or guardian arrives. There will be an authorized staff member onsite to attend to the physical and emotional needs of the participant.

Please note that the pickup policy may differ for students enrolled in multiple Badger Precollege programs

Residential students: Students enrolled in a residential program who contract a communicable disease, including COVID-19, will be given a space to quarantine until they are picked up by a parent or guardian as described below. CDC isolation guidelines will be followed for COVID-19 situations. More information may be found here: COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation | CDC.

For two week programs (Badger Summer Scholars and STEP): If a student contracts COVID-19 or another communicable disease during the first week of their program, return to the program will be evaluated on a case by case basis, depending on the date of a positive test or symptoms. If after the first week, the student will be withdrawn from the program.

For three week programs (ALP): If the student contracts COVID-19 or another communicable disease during the first half (11 days) of their program, return to the program will be evaluated on a case by case basis, depending on the date of a positive test or symptoms. If after the first half, the student will be withdrawn from the program.

Pick up policy: In the event that a residential participant becomes ill during this residential program, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian of this participant to pick up the participant within 24 hours of notification of illness by the program manager. If the student is a commuter student, the parent/guardian of this participant must pick up the student within 2 hours of notification of illness.

Please note that the pickup policy may differ for students enrolled in multiple Badger Precollege programs