Academic Advantage Program

The Academic Advantage Program (AAP), is a one-week pre-college boot camp offered by the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS). By refreshing your math knowledge in an engineering context, you can improve your math placement level, acquire the skills you need for all college courses, and get to know some of your professors and fellow students.

August 8-13, 2021

• The deadline to register is August 1.
• The cost for the program is $200. Scholarships of up to $200 are available for students who complete the program.
• No refunds will be given after August 1.
• This event will take place only if we are able to provide a safe environment based on COVID-related university policies. 

Students living on campus will move into their residence hall room Sunday, August 8, from 5–7 p.m. Students commuting to the program will check in on Monday, August 9, at 8 a.m. The program runs from 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday thru Friday. If you have not placed into Calculus I, you must take the math placement test prior to AAP. Make sure you select "Preparation for Calculus" in the ALEKS math placement test prep and learning module when you take your placement test.

Watch your Wright State email account for more information about the program.

Why should I sign up?

The purpose of the Academic Advantage Program is to help entering engineering and computer science students succeed by easing the transition from high school to college. University education, in general, is a challenging endeavor, and the study of engineering or computer science, in particular, can be rigorous and demanding. Having the right skills up front—the kinds of skills provided by the Academic Advantage Program—will make meeting the challenge of higher education much easier. You will also have the opportunity to test into a higher math class. After your math placement retest on Friday, you will have the opportunity to talk to an academic advisor and revise your fall schedule as necessary. Testing into a higher math class can save you time and money!

What will I learn?

The focus of the program is to provide you with three distinct advantages:

1. Math Skills
   • The focus of this instruction is to review the math skills you need most during your first year of college. Multiple math sections will be offered with the instruction tailored to your specific math skill level. Problem-solving sessions will reinforce fundamentals and build your confidence. Instructors are CECS faculty members. Whether you need an algebra or trigonometry refresher or already have a calculus background, you will benefit from the instruction.
   • Regardless of your math placement level, whether it's college algebra or Calculus II, you will be challenged.
   • Students at Wright State are automatically placed into a math course based on their ACT/SAT math score. You may also take the ALEKS math placement test to determine what math class you should start with. Many students are not satisfied with their current math placement because it may mean additional math courses. This program gives you a math refresher and the opportunity to take the ALEKS math placement test. You can't go down in placement, so there is no risk in taking the ALEKS. Your math course is based on whichever score is highest, the ACT/SAT math OR the ALEKS test. Your math level also affects programming, chemistry, engineering, and biology courses.
2. Study and Success Strategies
   • The Academic Advantage Program teaches you the most important academic skill of all—how to learn. The math review will stress how to listen, take notes, and understand difficult concepts more efficiently and effectively.
3. Social Interaction
   • You will interact with our CECS faculty and students, in and out of the classroom. We provide many opportunities to talk about Wright State college life and how to be a successful student. There will be evening activities as well.

Other Advantages and Spin-Off Benefits

• Two convenient attendance options:
  • Commute to the program for $200
  • Live on campus for $300
• Opportunity to retake the ALEKS math placement test.
• Early familiarization with the engineering and computer science facilities as well as the rest of campus.
• Opportunity to get to know other students in your class, as well as some current students and faculty members.

 

Sample Schedule

Day and time	Activity
Sunday, 5–7 p.m.	Residence hall move-in Dormitory move-in for those students who plan to live on campus. All students will check in at Hamilton Hall and then be directed to their room. Students will be moving into their permanent fall assignment in Hamilton Hall, the Woods, or the Honors Community.
Monday, 8–8:30 a.m.	Check-in
Monday, 8:30–9 a.m.	Orientation
Monday, 9 a.m.–noon	Mathematics class/Math placement test, if needed
Monday, noon–1:30 p.m.	Lunch break
Monday, 1:30–5 p.m.	Mathematics class
Monday, 5 p.m.–?	Optional activities
Tuesday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–noon	Mathematics class
Tuesday–Thursday, noon–1:30 p.m.	Lunch break
Tuesday–Thursday, 1:30–5 p.m.	Mathematics class
Tuesday–Thursday, 5 p.m.–?	Optional activities
Friday, 9:30 a.m.–noon	Mathematics class
Friday, 12 p.m.–1 p.m.	Lunch will be provided
Friday, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.	Math placement re-test and course changes as needed with academic advisors

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