The program targets students with high potential who are chemistry, biochemistry, math, physics, and astronomy majors.

Calculus Scholars was created to provide motivated students with an opportunity to study calculus in a challenging and friendly environment.

Calculus Scholars is associated with first and second semester calculus, M 408C / M 408D or M408N / M408S. Each respective calculus course contains a seminar linked with that course. The ESP seminar not only allows students to work with lecture content, but also provides students with a collaborative problem-solving method that’s designed to deepen the students’ understanding of calculus. This intense focus has created a proven track record of success for ESP students, who on average perform better in the introductory class than an average UT student.

"It wasn't until the Emerging Scholars Program that I really learned calculus...I kind of got the 'big picture' if you will, that allowed me to understand mathematical logic. It feels great to finally understand the derivation of equations that before I had taken on faith alone."

Calculus Scholars attend calculus lectures taught by outstanding professors, including members of the Academy of Distinguished Teachers. ESP Calculus seminars, led by a teaching assistant, meet for a total of three hours a week. During the ESP calculus seminars, students will work individually and in small groups on worksheets of carefully crafted, challenging problems that are chosen by the teaching assistant to deepen understanding of the material. One of the primary goals of the seminar is to help students to develop the ability to solve problems on their own, which includes how to determine what is being asked, and how to dissect problems into approachable pieces.

A select group of former ESP students are present during the calculus seminars and circulate among individuals and small groups to give assistance as needed. In addition, these Mentors provide walk-in tutoring for calculus and introductory science courses in a study room that is open Monday through Thursday evenings for Calculus Scholars only.  The ESP Mentors help extend the sense of community beyond the academic setting by planning and participating in various social and community-service project events.

Because of their increased time commitment, Calculus Scholars receive two pass/fail credit hours in addition to the four credit hours all calculus students receive for the lecture class.