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Summer Bridge
FAQ
General Information
. Why is this program a “bridge” program?
. Will math and English be the only subjects taught during the program?
. Why are math and English taught during the Summer Bridge Program?
. Will I get college credit for these summer courses?
. How much does UVI’s Summer Bridge Program cost?
. How long is the program and do I have to live on campus for that time?
. Am I eligible to apply to UVI’s Summer Bridge Program?
. How many times before I register for classes may I take UVI’s placement exams?
. How many students will participate in UVI’s Summer Bridge Program?
. How do I apply to the Summer Bridge Program? When is the deadline?
General Information
Why is this program a “bridge” program?
Bridges are structures that help transition a traveler from one point to another, often over a difficult passage. Many students find the passage from high school to college confusing and challenging. College bridge programs are residential, summer programs held before a student enrolls as a freshman, designed to help students transition from high school to college.
Will math and English be the only subjects taught during the program?
No. There will be seminars aimed at preparing students mentally and emotionally for life as a college student. Students will become familiar with the college’s resources and to the many activities and programs specific to UVI. To simulate a real class schedule, electives in speech or drama will supplement the core curriculum. In addition, recreational and weekend activities have been planned.
Why are math and English taught during the Summer Bridge Program?
On enrollment at UVI students must take placement tests in math and English to determine their readiness for college-level courses. Unfortunately, too many students fail to pass the placement tests and must then take non-credit, remedial (elementary) courses before being eligible to take college level Math and English. UVI’s Summer Bridge Program provides its students with classes that review the fundamentals of math and English in preparation for UVI’s placement tests.
Will I get college credit for these summer courses?
Participants will only take specific math and English classes designed for UVI’s Summer Bridge Program as to prepare themselves for UVI’s placement test. Since you will not be enrolled at UVI yet, you cannot receive credit for any classes taken during this program. Our goal is for each student to pass UVI’s placement tests so that he or she will be able to take credited courses during his/her freshmen year; remember that remedial courses at UVI are non-credit classes.
How much does UVI’s Summer Bridge Program cost?
UVI’s Summer Bridge Program is free to all participants. Once you have applied and have been accepted to the program, you will not have to pay anything; tuition, room and board, and textbooks are paid for through a special grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The total value of this experience is estimated at $3,000 per student. Note that travel cost to and from any UVI campus is not included in this free program.
How long is the program and do I have to live on campus for that time?
UVI’s Summer Bridge Program is five (5) weeks long (June 24th—July 29th). It is a residential program and participants MUST live in UVI’s resident halls. Students are not permitted to have additional summer responsibilities—summer jobs, summer school, summer camps—that would require him or her to leave campus during the dates of the bridge program.*
* Students are permitted to leave campus Saturday evenings as there is no scheduled programming on Sundays. Students must return to campus Sunday evening to begin scheduled activities on Monday.
Am I eligible to apply to UVI’s Summer Bridge Program?
The bridge program’s primary focus is on students passing UVI’s placement exam. Only those students who are “at risk” of failing the placement tests—in result taking remedial courses as a freshman—need to apply to bridge. A student is “at risk” if he/she has low SAT scores. If your SAT scores in reading (verbal) and writing are below a 500, you must take UVI’s placement exams in reading and writing. If your SAT score in math is below a 490, you must take UVI’s placement exam in math. If your SAT scores meet the minimum requirements to exempt you from taking the placement exam then you are also exempted from taking any remedial courses.*
* The corresponding ACT minimum scores are 21 for English and 20 for math.
How many times before I register for classes may I take UVI’s placement exams?
As a prospective UVI student, you may only take UVI’s placement tests once before registering for classes. Special arrangements will be made for bridge students as they are advised to take the placement exams before beginning the program to serve as a pre-test assessment; however, the placement exams given at the end of the program will serve as that student’s criterion for placement during their freshman year.*
* If a bridge student happens to pass a placement exam during pre-testing, then he/she will be exempted from taking that test at the end of the program; however, he/she must still participate in all scheduled classes and activities if he/she desires to be in the bridge program.
How many students will participate in UVI’s Summer Bridge Program?
Up to 60 students on each campus, from all interested high schools in the territory, will be accepted into the summer program and will live in the resident halls on the St. Thomas or St. Croix campus.
How do I apply to the Summer Bridge Program? When is the deadline?
Complete the application and turn it in to your high school counselor or contact the program’s coordinators. The deadline for applying will be announced. Space is limited! Apply early!
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