What is the Emerging Scholars Program?

The Emerging Scholars Program is an enrichment program created to improve the first-year experience for a select group of students taking the large introductory lectures in biology, chemistry and calculus. It offers a small class environment, additional hours of instruction, a collaborative learning method, and a community of students and instructors with similar goals and ambitions.

How was I selected for one of the ESP programs?

The ESP Staff works closely with Admissions to identify the students who could benefit significantly from the additional instruction, but who are also sufficiently committed to their success to endure the longer hours and the particular challenges of group-learning.

Can I join ESP even if I was not nominated?

It is possible to accommodate a few students who were not nominated for the program, but if you are interested, contact the appropriate program coordinator (below).

Emerging Scholars Calculus contact information -                 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (512) 471-0900, or RLM 4.101

Emerging Scholars Chemistry contact information - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (512)471-3796, or WCH 1.106

Biology Scholars contact information -                                This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (512)471-3796, or WCH 1.106

Will ESP help my GPA?

Students in the Emerging Scholars Program consistently earn higher GPAs than students outside of the program.  As an enrichment program, the additional hours of collaborative learning with students and faculty have proven invaluable to student success at UT.

What's the major source of frustration with ESP?

The major source of frustration for ESP students is that our Teaching Assistants don't provide direct "answers". Emerging Scholars students continue to struggle with problems and compare answers with others until they attain a true self-confidence in their understanding. Also, success in ESP requires much more day-to-day preparation than is necessary for non-ESP students. It is difficult to be an active participant in workshop without working before class on homework and struggling with text material. ESP students commit to themselves and the other ESP students to be prepared to both teach and learn during each workshop.

I have been accepted to the Emerging Scholars Program.  What is the next step?

Congratulations!  Read more about what ESP students should expect at  summer orientation.