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Pre-College Experience in Physics

To Encourage the Participation of Women in Science

PREP is a summer science program for selected 9th or 10th graders from Rochester area public and private high schools. Our aim is to encourage young women's interest in science. The three and a half week program, on the University of Rochester campus, provides an introduction to physics through a sequence of hands-on, inquiry-driven laboratory activities with experienced instructors. Tours of many of the University's research facilities and presentations by researchers give PREP students exposure to a range of science and technology careers.

Participants will:

  • Learn about the "laws of physics" by seeing them in action
  • See how these skills and concepts relate to real life
  • Meet real scientists as an exploration of scientific careers
  • Find out new things and get a taste of college science
  • HAVE FUN with other students interested in science!

Please note:

  • Tuition is free to all participants (thanks to the support of our sponsors listed below).
  • Students are expected to commute to the program; housing is not provided.
  • Participants provide their own transportation and lunch.
  • Attendance required: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily.
  • No previous physics is required. NO HOMEWORK!
  • No college credit is awarded for participation. However, PREP does provide exposure to the college environment, including sessions with current undergraduates and an admissions counselor.

For a flyer of this year's program in pdf format, click here.
A color version is available here.

For a report on last summer's program, go here.

To download an application, with current program dates and application deadline, go here.

For further information, contact:

Ms. Connie Jones, Administrative Assistant
PREP Program
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Bausch and Lomb 253
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY 14627-0171
Voice mail: (585) 275-5306
FAX: (585) 276-0018
E-mail: connie@pas.rochester.edu

Program Co-Directors

Prof. Steven Manly manly@pas.rochester.edu
Amy Wakim amywakim@pas.rochester.edu

PREP is organized and supported by:

Go to Special Programs page.