Soar to Success with the Thompson Scholars Program
What is the Thompson Scholars Program?
- This is a hybrid program that includes both an online component and a 9-day in-person session. It 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 two days of the in-person session. 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 in person component of this program is a combination of lectures, small group interactions, practice and homework using computer-based software, and tutoring.
- The virtual component will be available starting one month before the in-person portion of the program begins. It consists of a self-paced review of key math concepts to help students refresh their knowledge and build confidence before the in-person sessions. Completing this online review will better prepare students to engage with the more advanced material covered during the program.
- 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 regardless of how they perform on the Math exit exam, providing students with a smooth transition into their first semester of college-level science coursework.
- This program does not provide college credit.
- Is an exclusive opportuniy 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.
Successful completion of the course is defined by students completing the online components and attending all programming during the 9 day in person offering.
Remaining enrolled in Chemistry for the fall semester is not contingent upon passing the math exit exam. Student who do not pass the placement exam will be enrolled in MATH 1130: College Algebra for the fall rather than MATH 1830 or 1730 but will remain enrolled in Chemistry.
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 duel 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 25 participants. Do not procrastinate with this decision or registration process.
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 courses you may test into. Dr. Han Park who will be teaching the chemistry portion of the TSP will be your General Chemistry I instructor as well!
When is the TSP Program?
Dates: August 6 - August 14, 2025
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.
Regardless of their math placement, all students will retain their seat in CHEM 1110/1110L for the fall semester. This ensures steady progress in science coursework critical to pre-health pathways.
What is the cost?
The program fee is $110. This fee covers 9 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 at the end of the application/registration survey. Payment must be received by the application deadline Thursday, July 3 at 5:00 PM ET.
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 6 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 first session at 12:30 PM on August 6, regardless of on- or off-campus housing.
What about meals?
- Fall meal plans will be active sometime during the week of Aug. 11, 2025.
- 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.
- 4 dinners will be provided as part of our community events during the program
- Luch on August 14th will also be provided at our end of the program bash
- All other meals outside those listed are the students responsibility. Most UTC student housing have partial or whole kitchen access.
What about parking?
Students will receive a parking permit to allow them to park in general lots during the program.
How do I apply?
Registration for The Thompson Scholars Program is now open! We will be accepting applications through July 3, 2025
- 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:
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.
If you have questions with the registration/payment process or need additional information about the program, please contact:
Theresa Blackman, [email protected]
Meet the Thompson's
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.