“I became more comfortable with the campus, its services, teachers, and buildings. It's like a month long preview day! I really enjoyed my time spent on campus,” said Heysquierdo, who will complete her freshman year in May 2009.

Any freshman applying to UST can apply now for the five-week Mendenhall Summer Institute to be held Monday through Thursday from July 2 to August 5. This summer program offers a focused course of study in English and Mathematics. These introductory courses are designed specifically to prepare students for the rigors of college-level studies. Only 50 students are accepted to this early-start program.

A nominal student fee of $500 for the Mendenhall Summer Institute covers course instruction, testing materials and a once weekly community meal. The fee also includes the six-credit hours, currently worth $4,302 at UST.

Some limited financial aid is available to offset the cost of the program. Additional costs include textbooks, meals and housing, if needed. Students who have successfully completed the Mendenhall Summer Institute are eligible for annual Mendenhall grants of a minimum of $2,000, contingent on acceptable academic progress and financial need.

Heysquierdo extolled the academic, economic and social benefits of attending the Mendenhall Summer Institute.

“I gained a better idea of what to expect from my future college courses,” she said. “I became acclimated to the campus and found my own little niche even before the fall semester started. Learning about campus resources such as testing career services really opened the door for me and helped me decide what I wanted to do with my life. I advise incoming freshman to take advantage of the Mendenhall Summer Institute opportunity! It’s well worth the $500 fee!”

To review complete requirements and to apply go to www.stthom.edu/summer. Application must be postmarked by May 1, 2009.