START STRONG. The Pre-Scholars Academy STEM program is an exclusive opportunity for individually selected students to jumpstart their LSU careers this summer. Students are hand-picked from our most competitive applicant pool as having the promise and potential to excel in a STEM-related field and become future campus leaders at LSU.
Under the guidance of dedicated faculty and staff mentors, Pre-Scholars Academy STEM (PSA STEM) students will transition to campus in a personalized, supportive environment while also earning college credit, increasing confidence and readiness in Math, making critical connections, and gaining the skills necessary to maximize their academic experience.
This program is available to incoming LSU students by invitation only. There is no cost to participate. Tuition, housing, and meals are included.
PROGRAM DETAILS
PSA STEM begins with move-in day on Sunday, July 5 and runs until August 11.
Upon successful completion of coursework, students will have earned three hours of college credit and their majors will be updated from Undecided to their desired program of study.
Students are required to live on campus in LSU Residential Housing for the duration of the program.
COURSES
Students will take ONE of the following college-level math courses based on their desired major and ALEKS placement exam score*.
MATH 1530: Calculus
MATH 1021: College Algebra
MATH 1029: Contemporary Mathematics
*Students must take the ALEKS exam by May 31 and meet the required scoring thresholds for placement into their respective math course.
NEXT STEPS
1. SUBMIT ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT through your LSU Admissions portal (if you have not already)
2. COMPLETE THE PSA STEM OPT-IN FORM through your LSU Admissions Portal
3. TAKE THE ALEKS PLACEMENT EXAM at least once before May 31 to determine your math course placement
4. CHECK YOUR EMAIL regularly for additional information, required tasks, deadlines, and more.
BENEFITS
EARN COLLEGE CREDIT: By earning the Math credit you need for your STEM-related major during this program, you gain a significant advantage over your peers and stay on-track to graduate from LSU in four years.
ZERO COST: To allow you to fully focus on your academics and personal growth, all tuition, on-campus housing and meals throughout the summer program will be fully covered.
BUILD YOUR VILLAGE: PSA STEM helps you form meaningful connections before the fall semester begins. You'll build friendships with fellow students while developing relationships with faculty, advisors and staff who will support you throughout your LSU journey.
LEARN HOW TO SUCCEED AT LSU: PSA STEM introduces you to proven study strategies, time management techniques, and academic resources that will help you succeed.
IMPORTANT DATES
| Dates | Events |
|---|---|
| May 1 | Last day to submit Enrollment Deposit to LSU |
| May 15 | Last day to opt-in to PSA STEM through your LSU Admissions Portal |
| May 31 | Deadline to take the ALEKS exam at least once |
| June 2026 | Orientation |
| July 5 | PSA STEM Move-In Day |
| July 18 - 19 | Campus Programming Weekend (all Scholars remain on campus) |
| August 1 - 2 | Leadership Conference Weekend (all Scholars remain on campus) |
| August 11 | PSA STEM Commencement and Move-In to Fall housing |
SUMMER PROGRAM FAQ
Students will move into their summer residence hall on July 5. To learn more details about the program prior to the move-in date, we encourage you to attend one of the Information Sessions that will take place this Spring. Students will receive details about the sessions via email.
Living on campus during the program is mandatory. All students are encouraged to live on campus after the conclusion of the summer program; however, students should follow the guidelines set by Residence Life.
Using your admissions portal, students will follow the University’s room selection process to select a space to live on campus. We cannot guarantee you will live in the same building or room as your summer selection.
The cost of the program is free. Tuition, housing, and all meals are included.
No, PSA students do not need to register for or attend the general Bengal Bound orientation. As a PSA participant, you’ll have your own Bengal Bound experience built into the Pre-Scholars Academy program. Everything you need will be covered during that time. If you already registered for Bengal Bound, you will be issued a refund.
Students will take a college-level math course based on their original application major and ALEKS placement exam score. For majors requiring calculus as the freshman math requirement, students will take MATH 1530 - Calculus. For majors requiring algebra as the freshman math requirement, students will take MATH 1021 - College Algebra.
Students must take the ALEKS exam prior to enrolling in the program and meet the required scoring thresholds for placement into their respective math course.
Your academic journey is important but it is not all you need to be successful here at LSU. Through this program, students will gain transitional skills to be successful during the first year and beyond. Students will also have the opportunity to meet key stakeholders across campus that they can count on during their journey here at LSU.
Mornings will focus on your academic coursework, and afternoons and evenings will introduce you to the interpersonal and residential components of the program.
All incoming scholars will have access to a Success Team comprised of at least six individuals that are critical to their first-year success. In addition, PSA Scholars receive support fostering the best time management habits through study hall, access to PSA-specific tutors, and an understanding that the expectation is excellence at all times.
Monitor your admissions portal and be sure to check all emails- especially emails that come from prescholars@lsu.edu.
For any questions about the Pre-Scholars Academy, please email prescholars@lsu.edu.