Carter Academy combines a hands-on Summer Bridge experience with a supportive two-year Living Learning Community designed for engineering and computing students. Scholars build confidence academically and personally, connect with a built-in community of support, and access resources that help them succeed at MSOE. The academy features three required components:

Summer Online Math Course  I  July 6 - July 24  I  3 Weeks Online

Jumpstart your math skills before your first semester:

• Reinforce foundational concepts and preview first-year math topics
• Learn from expert professors and the Carter staff
• Synchronous course requires about 10 hours per week 

Summer Bridge  I  July 26 – August 22nd  I  4 Weeks on Campus

Living Learning Community  I  Freshman & Sophomore Year 

Grow in a supportive community built to help you thrive long-term:

• Build meaningful friendships with peers who share your goals
• Guidance from a Success Coach, engaged faculty, and peer mentors
• Access to tutoring, collaborative study spaces, and personalized success coaching
• Social, academic, and professional programming that extends learning beyond the classroom

Why You Need to Apply?

• Guaranteed placement in Viet's Tower + partial residential scholarship: Start college with a place to call home. 
• No extra cost for Summer Bridge: Tuition, room, and board all included. 
• Wrap-around support:  Get guidance to smoothly transition from high school and succeed in college. 
• Boost your math skills: Strengthen foundational concepts and excel in MSOE courses. 
• Built-in support network: Connect with peers, faculty, and Carter staff, plus one-on-one success coaching. 
• Jumpstart campus life:  Explore MSOE and start forming friendships with your cohort early.  
• LLC Benefits: Make lasting friendships, experience a seamless transition into college, and achieve higher average GPAs. 

What Are the Qualifications to Apply?

• Full-time freshman entering MSOE in the fall 
• Minimum high school GPA of 3.0
• Math Readiness 
  • Completed high school Pre-Calculus or
  • Placed into pre-calculus after MSOE's ALEKS math assessment, or
  • Willing to strengthen math skills over the summer and start Calculus 1 in the fall
• Experience in at least one of the following: 
  • Pre-college programming or STEM programs
  • Leadership in clubs, organizations, or other activities 

Support for the Carter Academy

The Carter Academy is made possible thanks to an endowed gift from Dr. Gene Carter ’60, MSOE Regent Emeritus, and his wife Patricia.

Carter Academy FAQ

• What is the application deadline, and when are decisions made?
  • The application deadline is April 1st. Decisions are typically sent about one week after the deadline. Stay updated by checking your email.
• Do I need to take MSOE’s ALEKS placement test?
  • Yes. All Carter Academy students must complete the ALEKS placement test by the priority deadline, June 1, 2026. You receive two attempts, and completing both helps ensure you’re placed in the right math pathway. Learn more about ALEKS here.
•  I’m taking AP Calculus in high school. Can I apply?
  • Absolutely! Students in AP Calculus are welcome - especially if you feel your class didn’t fully prepare you for college-level calculus. Your math placement is based on your ALEKS assessment and department recommendations. Please note: Pathways cannot be changed after placement. Students taking AP Calculus BC are typically not eligible.
•  How do AP, transfer, or dual enrollment credits affect Carter Academy?
  • If you transfer math credits into MSOE, you are not eligible to participate in Carter Academy. Placement for eligible students is determined by ALEKS assessment and department recommendations. Once placed in a math pathway over the summer, you must follow that pathway into the fall semester.
•  What does it cost to join Carter Academy?
  • There is no extra cost to participate! Carter Academy covers: (1) Your online math course, (2) The 4-week Summer Bridge (including room and board), and (3) all summer and academic-year programming. Bonus: Carter Academy students also receive a partial housing scholarship during the academic year.
• How much is the Carter Academy scholarship?
  • All students receive a partial housing scholarship. Award amounts are based on financial need as reported on your FAFSA.
•  Where will I live on campus?
  • You’ll live on the 7th and 8th floors of Viets Tower, which are co-ed and shared with second-year Carter students. Most students remain in their Summer Bridge room for the entire first year.
•  What is the Summer Bridge schedule, and what if I have a family vacation planned?
  • Summer Bridge is a short, intensive 4-week program, and full participation is required. Students must be present on the first day and may not miss more than two full days of classes.
  •  The program runs Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with additional evening and weekend activities. All classes are required, and most non-class programming is highly encouraged, as it helps you build community and connect with your cohort.
•  Can I participate in athletics?
  • Definitely! Carter Academy is supportive of student-athletes. We can adjust around your games during Summer Bridge and the academic year, so communicating with your coach early is important. Most programming offers flexibility.
•  Can I work while in the program?
  • Yes. Many students work while participating. However, you may need to adjust your work schedule during the 4-week Summer Bridge and for the academic year in general. Evening and weekend programming Summer Bridge are strongly encouraged for building community.