The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts will hold its next Preview Weekend on the Hot Springs campus on Nov. 15. Prospective students in seventh through 10th grades, their parents and other family members as well as educators are invited to attend this free event.
Sessions will be held in three, one-hour blocks, with the first session running from 9 a.m. until noon. Six morning and afternoon sessions will be held, each beginning in the Administration Building on ASMSA’s campus, located at 200 Whittington Ave.
Activities for the day include an overview presentation about life and learning at
ASMSA, a hands-on activity session of the students’ choice guided by an ASMSA instructor, an open question and answer session for parents by current parents as well as a tour of the campus and the Student Center.
Students are encouraged to indicate their preferred topic for a session in mathematics, science or arts and humanities when they register. Class options include the following:
• Morning sessions: French Dip: Dip Into Language with global languages instructor Bryan Adams and Chaos, a math class taught by instructor Aaron Novotny;
• Afternoon sessions: Esters: You Smell So Nice by chemistry instructor Dr. Jim Luba and Compressions of Shapes: Flattening Your Perspective with art instructor Brad Wreyford.
“We are extremely excited about this new format for preview weekends,” said ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice. “Students choose ASMSA because of the unique classes we offer and our talented faculty. The structure for the day will allow both students and faculty members to explore a topic they are passionate about. We expect families will leave campus inspired about the possibilities ahead.”
Preview Weekends are an opportunity for prospective applicants and their families to meet with ASMSA students, parents, faculty and staff while gaining a better understanding of the admissions process and what makes the program a unique opportunity for talented and motivated Arkansas students. Topics will include the role of the ACT and SAT in the admissions process, research experiences, global learning opportunities, and qualities of a strong applicant.
ASMSA has also launched a new pmPreview program, which will be held Nov. 14. In addition to a Saturday morning session beginning at 9 a.m., students also stay overnight in the Student Center while learning about ASMSA first-hand from a senior Community Leader. Space for the event is limited to 24 high school sophomores.
“Since ASMSA is a residential experience, we believe it can be helpful for students to spend some additional time shadowing current ASMSA students as part of their exploration,” said Kelli Fram, director of admissions and public affairs. “ASMSA students are the best ambassadors for our school, and they can provide important insight into this experience for sophomores applying for admission.”
Individuals may reserve their tickets for Preview Day at http://asmsa.me/nov14previewday. Students and their families can also register for the Friday night pmPreview and the 9 a.m. Saturday Preview Day session at http://asmsa.me/nov14pmpreview.
For more information, contact Kelli Fram at framk@asmsa.org or (501) 622-5146.