Soar to Success with the Thompson Scholars Program

What is the Thompson Scholars Program?

This is a 14-day in-person program, that focuses on strengthening math and chemistry skills, particularly algebra, to help students interested in professional healthcare programs—such as medical or dental school—build a strong foundation and get ahead academically.
The math portion of the program covers material from MATH 1130: College Algebra, with the goal of preparing students to test out of the course. If successful, they can skip taking it in the fall and instead enroll directly in MATH 1830: Basic Calculus or MATH 1730: Combined Precalculus.
The chemistry portion of the program takes place during the final three days of the program. It is designed to help students transition from high school to college-level chemistry by reinforcing foundational concepts, connecting math to chemistry, and introducing effective study strategies.
The program is a combination of lectures, small group interactions, practice and homework using computer-based software, and tutoring.
This program requires students to complete an exit exam for the Math component at the end of the course. The exam will determine whether a student is eligible to register into MATH 1830: Basic Calculus or MATH 1730: Combined Precalculus based on the students professional interest and/or major.
All students accepted into the program will be pre-registered as a cohort into General Chemistry I, ensuring they have a guaranteed seat in the course. This placement is secured as long as they pass the Math exit exam, providing students with a smooth transition into their first semester of college-level science coursework.
Students who do not pass the exit exam will be cohorted into the same MATH 1130 section in the fall, providing community and support throughout the semester. They will also be placed in CHEM 1010, a preparation course for CHEM 1110
All students regardless of the outcome of the exit exam will be placed in a first year experience course, taught by the Assistant Director of Pre-Health Student Services. This course will provide exclusive events and programming only open to Thompson scholars designed to enhance their first year of college and a leg up in their pre-health journey
This program does not provide college credit.
Is an exclusive opportunity for future doctors and dentists. This selective summer bridge program builds the foundation you need to thrive in UTC’s rigorous pre-health curriculum.

How can it help me?

Students without an ACT Math score above 22 or college credit for College Algebra (through AP or dual enrollment) cannot enroll directly in General Chemistry their first fall semester. This can delay progress in pre-health coursework and ultimately push back professional school applications. This program guarantees all participants a seat in General Chemistry who complete the program and is designed to strengthen foundational math skills while highlighting the connection between math and chemistry—key areas where many students struggle. By building these core skills early, the program helps students stay on track for careers in healthcare.

Who is eligible?

Only students who complete the online application for Thompson Scholars Program Application and meet eligibility criteria are eligible. (The link to the online application is provided at the bottom of this page.)
Eligibility Criteria
- Incoming freshman with ACT Math scores between 19-22 and returning/transfer students with ACT Math scores between 19-22 are also eligible.
- Students cannot have earned college credit for College Algebra or General Chemistry with AP credit or dual enrollment
- Planning to pursue a career in professional healthcare
- Students majoring in programs offered by the College of Arts and Sciences will be given priority
Students planning to pursue nursing are not eligible for this program
Space is limited to 24 participants.

Who will teach the Thompson Scholars Program (TSP)?

The Thompson Scholars Program is taught by UTC Mathematics and Chemistry faculty. In fact, these are the same instructors who regularly teach the math chemistry courses you may test into.

When is the TSP Program?

Dates: August 3 - August 21, 2026

Times: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Students are expected to be present on all days and during all sessions.

What happens if I pass the Math Exit Exam?

Students who pass the Exit Exam will be eligible to register for Math 1830: Basic Calculus or Math 1730: Combined Precalculus. Professional healthcare programs will accept both courses, advising will be on hand the day of the exit exam to help students determine which course they will enroll in based on their major.

Since these courses are in high demand and fill up quickly, spaces have been reserved in sections of each course for Thompson Scholars students.

How does being accepted into the Thompson Scholars Program affect my registration?

Upon acceptance into the TSP program, students will be pre-registered for MATH 1130: College Algebra and CHEM 1110/1110L: General Chemistry I with Lab. All TSP students will be placed in the same section of MATH 1130 to create a shared learning experience.

To allow for advancement, seats have also been reserved in MATH 1830: Basic Calculus and MATH 1730: Combined Precalculus at the same time as the TSP MATH 1130 section. Based on their performance on the math exit exam, students will be moved into MATH 1830 or 1730, depending on their major. Students who do not pass the exam will remain in MATH 1130. They will also be placed in a seat in CHEM 1010: Fundamentals of Chemistry, seats have been reserved in a section of this course as well, ensuring that all students will be in the same CHEM 1010 and MATH 1130 section for the fall.

Regardless of the outcome of the exit exam, all students will retain their seat in the freshman experience course.

What is the cost?

The program fee is $110. This fee covers 14 nights in housing, all course materials, 4 community activities and 4 dinners. Students with assigned dorm rooms for the fall semester will be allowed to check in early. (See below.) All students are responsible for their own meals outside of the meals provided in our community excursions. (See below.)

Students will be prompted to make a payment upon acceptance to the program. Payment must be received by the June 30, 2026.

What do I need to bring to class?

Required: Pencil(s), a 3-ring binder, and a notebook

Optional, but strongly recommended: Laptop computer

Detailed information will be sent approximately two weeks before to accepted students. You are encouraged to frequently check your UTC email.

When can I check into my dorm room?

Students with assigned dorm rooms for the Fall semester will be able to check into their dorms on August 3 at 9:00 AM.

Students who do not have a campus housing assignment must commute from home or make their own arrangements for a place to stay during Thompson Scholars Program.

All students are required to be present for the welcome dinner at 6pm on August 3 regardless of on- or off-campus housing.

What about meals?

TSP will provide 4 dinners, including one the first night of the program, and one on the final day of the program. A full schedule of the program will be shared with accepted participants. Additionally, the program will cover the cost of lunch from August 4-21 for all students at Crossroads Food Court.
Limited options will be available on campus and at nearby restaurants - information will be provided prior to your arrival.
Scrappy Cash (cash amounts) may be added to your Mocs Card ID card via GET for food purchases prior to meal plan activation.
Food court and Crossroads hours will be posted when they have been determined.
All other meals outside those listed are the students responsibility. Most UTC student housing have partial or whole kitchen access.

What about parking?

Students who are commuting will be provided with a parking pass in Lot 12 for the duration of the program
Students who live on campus will be able to park in the lot for which they have a parking permit for. There is limited street parking on campus.

How do I apply?

Registration for The Thompson Scholars Program is now open! We will be accepting applications through May 1, 2026

Once you open the application link below, you will need to click on the link below the "Login" button to create a UTC Marketplace account and then verify your email address. (If you have never used the UTC Marketplace before, you must create an account - you do not have an automatic login associated with your UTC ID and password for MyMocsNet!)
Once you have completed the account creation process and log into UTC Marketplace, use the arrows on top of the calendar to move to the month of July to find the link for Thompson Scholars Program. The Application can be found on the day applications will close.

All students must complete the online application. Please use the following link to complete the application:

Register Here

Thompson Scholars Program

(please read the directions above carefully before opening the application link!)

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellation requests must be made via email to [email protected] by 5pm, July 3rd, or the entire program fee will be forfeited. Cancellations received by 5pm, July 3rd, will receive a refund of the program fee, minus a $10 administrative fee.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga reserves the right to cancel the course due to low enrollment. If a course is canceled due to low enrollment, registration fees are refunded in full.
Students who are accepted to the program, but do not pay their seat deposit by June 30, 2026 may forfeit their seat for a waitlisted student.

If you have questions with the registration/payment process or need additional information about the program, please contact:

Theresa Blackman, [email protected]

Meet the Thompsons

For Polly Ann Martin Thompson (‘67), along with her husband Richard, giving back reflects both gratitude and purpose. In the Summer of 2024, Polly Ann and Richard established the Thompson Scholars Program to support math and science readiness for students pursuing healthcare-focused degrees. Answering the call, the Thompsons saw an opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping students gain the essential resources needed to enter the healthcare field, building a strong foundation for continued growth and success.

“I just wanted to do something for students," Polly Ann shared. "We'd like to help people get the type of advantages that we've gotten.”

After witnessing the kindness and expertise of nurses who cared for their loved ones, Polly Ann and Richard recognized the critical need for well-trained healthcare professionals. They hope to not only ease the financial burden on students but also encourage more compassionate and skilled individuals to pursue careers that will change lives.