STEM Bridge Camp
STEM Bridge Camp
Monday July 24 - Friday August 4, 2023
(including the weekend)
for incoming first-year College of Science students
In this newly revamped two-week camp that meets in person on the Fairfax, VA campus, incoming first-year students will experience science courses and the college lifestyle before the fall semester. Students will also get specific and daily guidance in mathematics. Students will review lab protocol, exam preparation, and experience sample classes from Mason faculty. There will also be advising, career sessions, time to meet current Mason students, and opportunity to make new friends.
A daily math portion of camp will aim to improve math placement scores and prepare students for college math courses. Students will work in small groups based on skill level to obtain deeper understanding of mathematical concepts in algebra, trigonometry or calculus. Math professors, graduate students and undergraduate learning assistants will provide guidance and support to each camp attendee. On the first day (if needed) and last day of camp, students will have the opportunity to take the math placement test.
The camp is in-person on Mason’s Fairfax campus. Students can choose to reside on Mason’s Fairfax campus for the duration or commute daily to and from camp. Regardless of the options you choose, campers can make strong connections with peers and faculty that support them through their entire college experience.
Note, this camp is for students who have already been accepted to Mason and are planning to attend in Fall 2023. This camp does not replace orientation, but offers STEM specific support for students aiming to major in a science, engineering, or mathematics.
FAQs: STEM Bridge Camp
Why should I participate in STEM Bridge Camp?
The camp gives you an opportunity to experience university life before the semester begins. In addition, you will have the opportunity to preview lecture and lab courses in a smaller class size environment; ideal for getting to know your professors compared to larger lectures.
The bridge camp is also designed for students who did not test into the math course they require/desire on their first attempt. If you tested into Calc I or below, you should consider the Math Boot Camp. Students who have not taken the math placement exam may also register.
What will I learn at STEM Bridge Camp?
During STEM Bridge Camp, you will have the opportunity to see sample exam questions, learn problem solving and test-taking strategies from current students and faculty. We will also have active discussions on time management, campus life, and offer insider tips for success in your first semester. Course content will vary per camp. For example, in the Biology/Chem camp (July 26 and 27), we will offer brief introductions to foundational concepts taught in introductory biology, chemistry and physics courses through lecture and lab experiences.
Will a commuter camper receive the same experience as a residential camper?
Unfortunately, no. The commuter camp experience will be valuable and informative, it will not be the same as the residential experience. Campers who stay overnight will have more time to build relationships with fellow campers, peer leaders, and faculty. They will also have the opportunity to experience life on campus. We encourage campers to be residential, if at all possible.
I have AP/IB or some other equivalent credits in math. Should I still participate in Math Boot Camp?
STEM Bridge Camp is designed to prepare students enrolling in courses up to MATH 113.
Students receiving a score of 3 for the AP Calculus exam or a score of 4 for the exam are encouraged to enroll in the STEM Summer Camp.
Students receiving an IB HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches exam score of 4, HL Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations 5, 6, or 7, HL Mathematics: Further 4, or any SL exam score are also encouraged to enroll.
Other students may participate in the STEM Summer Camp for trigonometry review.
If you have received AP/IB credit for Math 113 or have been placed into MATH 114 or higher, STEM Summer Camp will be review. You will still benefit from the cohort experience and science content in camp.
FAQs: Camp Operations
What time will camp begin each day?
The STEM Bridge Camp will run 9am – 4pm with social activities in many of the evenings and the weekend. Schedules will be sent to the campers in the weeks before the camp.
Is housing provided for the STEM Bridge Camp?
Yes, options for university housing are offered through registration. Rooms will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
- $1,500 for residents requesting a single room
- $1,100 for residents staying in dorms (double room)
- $750 for commuting participants
Should I bring my own bedding for the residential camp?
Yes, you do need to bring bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows).
Are procedures in place for COVID-19 response?
All Mason-sponsored summer programs are required to have a comprehensive COVID-19 plan in place. If a camp staff member or camper is potentially exposed to COVID-19, we will implement our plan and notifications will be sent to campers, parents, and Mason’s COVID Navigation Team.
Mason K-12 Science Summer Camps
George Mason University's summer STEM opportunities provide K-12 students with hands-on learning experiences in all STEM disciplines.
