Science boot camp: a bridge program for success and retention of science majors

Why do many students switch out of science degrees? Is it because they lack the study skills necessary to be successful in the rigorous introductory college science courses? To improve the retention of science majors, we created an intensive two-week summer bridge program (HS to first-year college) that introduces students to the expectations of college level chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics and writing. The program aims to help prepare students for the high demands of college work load, as well as teaches them essential time management and study skills that are crucial for balancing the challenges of college life. Students also learn the value of group study and peer evaluations. For each of the boot camp courses, the students submit formal assignments to be graded by a graduate student teaching assistant, and then are provided individual feedback on the areas that they need to improve. After four summers, the students have proven the value of this program through their success in these large introductory courses and in obtaining competitive summer research positions.