Summer Camps & Programs

Program Description

Southern Methodist University

Summer Programs
Dallas, Texas

		Program Description Program Overview Visit Web Site Get Free Info See Photos

For More Information, Contact
Marilyn Swanson, Director of Programming
Gifted Students Institute–College Experience
Gifted Students Institute–TAG
Southern Methodist University
P.O. Box 750383
Dallas, Texas 75275-0383
214-768-0123
http://www.smu.edu/giftedyouth
E-mail: gifted@smu.edu

Type of Program: Academic enrichment and acceleration
Participants: Coeducational, students who have completed grades 7–11
Enrollment: Approximately 100 per program
Program Dates: Two sessions: Talented and Gifted, July 2009; College Experience, July 2009
Head of Program: Marilyn Swanson, Director of Programming, Gifted Students Institute

Location

The programs are held on the campus of Southern Methodist University (SMU), a private coeducational institution located in University Park, a district surrounded by the city of Dallas. The 164-acre campus, replete with Georgian architecture, is home to numerous theaters, concert halls, and a library collection of more than 2 million volumes.

Background and Philosophy

SMU programs began in 1978 and are designed to provide students with intellectual challenges and exciting learning experiences. Many students establish mentor relationships and develop friendships that last a lifetime. Programs encourage students to mature socially as well as intellectually and foster the development of maturity and self-confidence.

Program Offerings

Southern Methodist University offers two summer residential programs. The Talented and Gifted Program (TAG) is for academically talented and gifted youths completing grades 7, 8, and 9. College Experience (CE) is planned for rising high school juniors and seniors who are motivated and capable of successfully completing college-credit courses. In all programs, small classes ensure that students develop strong relationships with faculty members, and residence hall life provides a warm, supportive environment. In addition, a variety of educational and recreational experiences are offered.
Talented and Gifted TAG is open to students entering grades 8–10. During this three-week residential program, students participate in two stimulating classes chosen from a wide selection of SMU credit and noncredit courses. Cultural enrichment activities are provided for all TAG students. Three-hour credit courses include mathematical sciences, economics, political science, mechanical engineering, psychology, philosophy, and leadership. Noncredit courses include writing, engineering, theater arts, mathematics, photography, microbiology, geography, and rocketry.
College Experience Academically talented high school students can get a head start on college and a taste of campus life during this exciting five-week summer program at SMU. The selection of college-credit subjects for morning classes includes philosophy, English, math, psychology, history, and government. In the afternoon, all College Experience students participate in a “core” class or humanities overview class for 3 hours of college credit. Students who elect to live in the CE residence hall participate in special cultural, educational, and recreational activities.

Enrollment

Enrollment for the College Experience program is limited to 40 students. Applicants must have completed the tenth or eleventh grade. Enrollment for TAG is limited to 75 students. Applicants must have completed the seventh, eighth, or ninth grade.
    Participants are selected on the basis of academic ability and motivation, as demonstrated by grades, SAT or ACT test scores, teacher recommendations, and other application requirements.
    SMU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, or disability.

Daily Schedule

Students attend morning and afternoon classes. Evenings are spent in study and recreation.

Extra Opportunities and Activities

In addition to challenging course work, students take advantage of campus libraries, museums, the student center, and computer labs. Both programs offer planned activities for both individuals and small and large groups. Activities include evening seminars, movies, musical and dramatic performances, picnics, athletics events, talent shows, guest lectures, special programs, and parties and dances. During free time, students decide individually whether to study or just to relax with their friends.

Facilities

Students for both programs live in air-conditioned residence halls near the center of the campus. For both programs, the hall is reserved exclusively for program students, their hall director, and resident advisers (RAs). Students are housed 2 to a room, with adjoining or hall bathrooms. Boys and girls are separated. Meals are served cafeteria-style and feature a salad bar, a sandwich bar, hot entrees and vegetables, and a variety of desserts.

Staff

TAG students are supervised in every activity by the faculty and staff. College Experience students experience life as college students. The residence hall staff is carefully selected and qualified to provide academic and nonacademic guidance. College Experience faculty members are SMU professors. TAG teachers are both SMU faculty members and secondary school teachers with training and an interest in working with gifted students.

Medical Care

Students in both programs are covered by group medical insurance while enrolled. They are treated for illness or injury at the SMU Health Center or at a local hospital, if necessary, during their program participation.

Religious Life

Religious services are held on campus.

Costs

Tuition for College Experience is approximately $2300. The cost for CE room and board is $1500. The total cost for TAG is $2700. All costs are estimated.

Financial Aid

Limited financial aid is available and is awarded on the basis of need. Early application is highly recommended.

Transportation

Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the programs, but students who arrive in Dallas by air, bus, or train can make arrangements to be picked up by program staff members.

Application Timetable

Application forms are available in January and are accepted on a rolling basis until all available spaces are filled. SAT or ACT scores are highly recommended. College Experience and TAG applicants complete an application that includes recommendations, a brief essay, transcripts, and test scores.