Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for WSU PREP?
Students in Weber, Davis, and Ogden districts who will be entering 7th grade in Fall 2026. New Y2 and Y3 students (those who did not complete Y1) must submit a separate application and complete a propositional logic course before being admitted. Limited spots are available for charter and home school students.
What are the requirements to apply for WSU PREP?
- Current report card showing at least 86% in math and 80% in science.
- Teacher recommendation form
- Essay about why you want to attend WSU PREP (200+ words). All submissions must be the student’s own work, completed without help from parents, guardians, or AI.
What is a teacher recommendation?
All applicants must email this form to their current math or science teacher.
What if my grades are below 86% in math and 80% in science? Can I still apply to the program?
You may apply once your grades meet the qualifications; otherwise, your application will not be considered.
What is the attendance policy?
Each student is allowed up to three absences; exceeding this limit may result in dismissal from the program. Absences should be reserved for illness, family emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances.
I am a charter or home school student, what is the process of applying?
We have a home school equivalent for each item required for the WSU PREP application.
- Report Card Equivalent:
- Submit a document stating the highest levels of math and science your student has completed.
- Include any proof of scoring.
- Essay Requirement:
- Student must write a 200+ word essay answering: “Why do I want to attend WSU PREP?”
- Include the student’s STEM experiences or interests.
- Teacher/Adult Recommendation:
What do I do if I need to check my student out early from PREP?
Please email us at wsuprep@weber.edu. Students can be picked up from the PREP office Noorda 015.
Does checking out my student early from PREP count as an absence?
No, checking your student out early does not count as an absence unless it becomes a recurring event. In that case, it may be treated as an absence.
What happens if my student misses more than three days?
Students will be dismissed from the program, if their absences exceed three days. Parents may appeal absences by emailing the Site Coordinators at wsuprep@weber.edu
What do I do if my student is going to be absent for PREP?
If your student is planning to be absent from PREP, please send us an email at wsuprep@weber.edu
What grades do you need to get to pass PREP?
Students must achieve a 70% or higher in every class at PREP to be invited back next year.
Can my student leave early from PREP to catch the bus?
Students should remain at PREP until the program ends at 2:30 each day. If a student needs to leave early to catch the bus, exceptions can be made on a case by case basis. Please email us at wsuprep@weber.edu
What should my child bring with them every day?
- Lunch
- Writing materials
- Backpack
- WSU PREP binder
What should I do if my child needs accommodations?
If your participant needs any accommodations to fully participate in PREP, such as additional time for tests, front-row seating, or other adjustments please email wsuprep@weber.edu in advance. We’ll provide a brief form to fill out. When in doubt, fill it out. All information will be kept confidential and used only to provide appropriate support.
What will my student be learning?
Year 1
Logic and its Application to Mathematics: Compound statements, truth tables, elementary set theory, Boolean algebra, and switching networks
Introduction to Engineering: Introduction to the engineering profession; measurements, simple mechanics, work-energy and engineering design, in-class laboratory demonstrations of engineering principles and team designs of bridges, towers, gliders, and more
Topics in Problem Solving 1: Problem solving as a method of inquiry and its application so students can use problem-solving approaches to investigate and understand mathematical content, formulate problems, develop and apply a variety of strategies to solve problems, verify and interpret results, generalize solutions and strategies to new problem situations, and acquire confidence in using mathematics meaningfully
Year 2
Algebraic Structures: Study of groups, rings, and fields using systems of integers and rational numbers as models, as well as the derivation of algebraic properties of these systems
Introduction to Physics: Mechanics, units and physical quantities, equilibrium of a particle, motion of a straight line, Newton’s Second Law, motion in a plane, work and energy, inertia and momentum, electricity, and magnetism, Coulomb’s Law, electric fields, potential, direct current circuits, magnetic fields, and capacitors in series and parallel
Topics in Problem Solving 2: Problem solving as a method of inquiry and its application so students can use problem-solving approaches to investigate and understand mathematical content, formulate problems, develop and apply a variety of strategies to solve problems, verify and interpret results, generalize solutions and strategies to new problem situations, and acquire confidence in using mathematics meaningfully
Year 3
Technical Writing: Clear and persuasive technical reports using word processing software and graphics techniques, original research, logic, invention, assessment of purpose and audience, organization and development, revision, editing, style, grammar, and mechanics
Probability and Statistics: Basic probability theory - counting procedures, addition and multiplication rules, independence; Probability models - binomial, Poisson, exponential, and normal; Descriptive statistics - tables and charts, measures of center and spread; Analytical statistics - confidence intervals for means and proportions; test of hypothesis for means and proportions; simple regression; how to collect, organize, and evaluate data; analyze, conjecture, and build arguments based on data analysis; and ability to sort, analyze, and interpret numerical data using statistical software
Computer Science: Software Development Life Cycle; important programming aspects; and how to storyboard, design and code their own computer game
Does my student have homework?
Students will have the opportunity to complete all their work during class. Any unfinished work can be taken home to complete.
