Application Process

The ESP Staff works closely with Freshman Admissions to identify select students admitted to the College of Natural Sciences. Incoming freshmen who demonstrate exceptional motivation and persistence in their high school experiences are mailed a letter of nomination

To be invited into any of the three ESP programs, students must

In order to be considered, a nominated student must submit an online application by the stated deadline.

Why join ESP?

More Attention

ESP helps to cut big introductory lectures down to size. There are typically 150 students in the introductory math classes, and as many as 400 or 500 students in the introductory bio and chem lectures, but students in ESP receive hours of additional instruction every week from specially trained graduate teaching assistants. As well, each ESP-section and workshop has an undergraduate student assistant -- a former ESP student -- to give guidance and support.

Collaborative Learning

Different groups of students are encouraged to compare answers since few direct answers are provided by the graduate and student assistants. This collaboration among students stimulates additional interactions and more thinking about course content. Workshop problems are based on the material covered in lecture but they are designed to stretch each student's abilities to the fullest extent. The students spend most of the workshop time collaborating in groups grappling with difficult ideas and problems. Active learning produces a thorough understanding of the concepts and an unusual level of creativity. Our students usually perform better in their courses, gain a better understanding of calculus and chemistry, and form personal long lasting friendships.