Academics

How long do classes last and how often do they meet?

At (MS)2 , classes run Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm except for Wednesday and Saturday which are half days. Math and Science classes are 2 hours long and meet every day. English classes are an hour and a half.

Did I read that right, you have classes on Saturday?

Yes, we have classes every Saturday and every student is expected to attend and to fully participate in these classes. There are no exemptions from Saturday classes.

What does a typical day look like?

Below is a rough sketch of what the typical (MS)2 day looks like:

7:15 - 7:25 a.m. Morning meeting
7:25 - 7:55 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 - 10:00 a.m. Math or Science
10:00 - 10:20 a.m. Midmorning break
10:30 - 12:30 p.m. Math or Science
12:40 - 1:20 p.m. Lunch
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. English/College Counseling
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Afternoon activity
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Dinner
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Evening help session
8:00 - 9:45 p.m. Evening study hours
10:00 p.m. - 6 a.m. Presence required in dorm

Two things to note: first, both Wednesday and Saturday are half days and classes end at noon. Second, the day is long and it is important for prospective scholars to realize that they will be dedicating a lot of time to their studies during the summer.

Who decides what level of math and science I will take?

If you are accepted into the program, you will get a math placement test in the mail. You will take this test and return it to us. We will grade it and place you in a math class based on that math placement test, the math class you are taking at home and your grades in that class. The science placement is usually based on your math placement.

How much homework will I get every night?

This is a question often asked and the short answer is a lot. Most students spend at least three or four hours on homework every night. There are some days in which you may have more. Homework is an integral part of the program and the expectation is that every student will complete every assignment on time.

What are help sessions?

Help sessions are a time every evening (except for Saturday night) when teachers and teaching assistants are available to help scholars with the material that was covered in class and on homework. Help sessions take place from 6:45 pm to 9:15 pm.

What is study hall?

Study hall is a time set aside for first year scholars for quiet individual study. Every first year scholar is required to attend study hall. Study hall takes place from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

As a first year scholar, can I attend help sessions?

After the study hall for first year scholars ends, you may attend help sessions. The idea is that you will begin your homework in study hall and realize where you are having some difficulty. Once study hall ends, you can go and seek help from your teachers for the remainder of the evening in the help sessions before heading back to the dorm.

Will students get grades at the end of each summer?

Yes. At the end of the summer, students receive grades and comments from each of their classes, as well as from the house counselor who is the adult point person in the dorm.

Do I get credit at my school for courses I take at (MS)2?

(MS)2 does not grant credit; that is left up to each individual school. Many schools might not grant credit, but they may allow students to move into more advanced courses based on the work that they have completed during the summer. Your school can always call the director in the fall and talk about appropriate placement.