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How to Apply/Eligibility
SMASH 2008 Application
- Download the SMASH 2008 application instructions (Word Document)
- Download the SMASH 2008 student application (Word Document)
- Download the SMASH 2008 application timeline (PDF Document)
SMASH 2008 June 22 - July 27, 2008
Are you a high school student who demonstrates a love of math and science? Do you have a passion for learning? Do you enjoy problem solving and generating ideas? Do you dream about going to college and are willing to do what is necessary to get there? Are you stimulated by interacting with like-minded science and math students? If so, SMASH is looking for you!
SMASH is a five-week, rigorous academic program on the UC Berkeley campus, where students attend science, math, and English classes, conduct lab experiments, meet math and science
professionals, take educational fi eld trips, and build community in
a university environment. The average teacher to student ratio is
1:12, so students benefi t from small classes, high standards, and
relevant learning goals.
Eligibility Requirements
Interested students should:
- Be in the ninth grade at time of application, reside and attend a public high school in the San Francisco Bay Area (US citizenship is not required);
- Currently be enrolled in geometry or the equivalent with a B average;
- Self-identify as African American, Latino/Hispanic, Native
American, or mixed race/multiracial with one parent from the above three ethnicities, or other underrepresented person of color in education; and
- Come from a low income or resource-constrained family.
We especially encourage applications from students who come from low-income families and will be the fi rst in their families to attend college.
Expectations
SMASH students are expected to:
- Be prepared to work hard, participate fully in all learning experiences, and contribute to building a positive and
supportive community of students;
- Commit to participating in three summer academies and attend monthly meetings, workshops, and events during the academic school year;
- Provide semester grade reports and annual transcripts from school; and
- Demonstrate a sense of social responsibility through school/community service activities or an awareness of
community issues.
SMASH parents are expected to:
- Participate in monthly parent workshops and meetings; and
- Support their child's educational goals and aspirations.
Selection Criteria
The best candidates for a spot in the SMASH Academy will:
- Demonstrate an in-depth curiosity in any particular facet of math or science, and an interest in science or math-related studies, activities, or possible careers.
- Be willing to live on campus, away from family, for five weeks in a community of other students, and be mature/stable enough to handle such a responsibility.
- Want to attend college and work to prepare for a competitive college admissions process
Living on Campus
SMASH students live in a UC Berkeley residence hall, with girls and boys on separate floors. Residence hall activities are monitored by trained adult resident assistants. Students participate in planned weekly recreational activities, and have use of many terrific campus resources in their (limited) free time. All meals are provided along with the accommodations. Students will have the use of a computer in each residence hall room (usually one computer for every two students).
During the week and on Saturdays, we will have educational and recreational field trips. On Sundays, students are free
to visit with their families.
Cost
There is no cost to students participating in SMASH. Funding for SMASH is provided by private foundation grants,
corporate grants, and individual donors at an estimated $9,000/student/per year.
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