Jumpstart @ Sam

WELCOME TO THE BEARKAT FAMILY!

At Sam Houston State University, we want all students to succeed from the time you enroll to the time you graduate. To help prepare you for the fall semester, we are offering a special program for a limited number of incoming freshman - Jumpstart@Sam!

Priority deadline:
June 3rd

Limited Seats

Tuition Waived
on Completion

July 3 - Aug 1
Mon-Fri

Live-online

Must enroll for
Fall 2024

Apply here!

If you have any questions about Jumpstart@Sam, please contact jumpstart@shsu.edu


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why am I being invited to participate?

    Jumpstart@Sam is a new program offered at SHSU for select individuals who have not met the TSI benchmark in reading/writing*. Studies have shown that programs such as Jumpstart@Sam help students sharpen their skills and demonstrate more confidence and self-assuredness, and as a result, students are better prepared to begin college. This four-week, summer program allows you to complete two courses – ENGL 1301 (3 credit hours) and INRW (1 credit hour) AND satisfy your reading/writing college readiness requirement for free!

    *If you remain TSI-unmet, you will not be able to take any other reading/writing liable courses until you have met this requirement.

  • How many students will be accepted to this program and how will they be selected?

    Space is limited. Jumpstart@Sam is accepting only 40 students for Summer 2024. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and priority will be given to applications submitted before June 3. It is possible that all spots in the program will fill before June 1, so we encourage you to apply today.

  • If I am accepted, what courses will I take?

    If accepted, you will take two courses during the Summer 2 term (July 3 – August 1). The courses are English (ENGL 1301; 3 credit hours) and Integrated Reading and Writing (INRW; 1 credit hour). INRW is a course to give you additional support for ENGL 1301. Both courses will be offered “Live-online,” meaning you will log in to the course each day at the designated class time from anywhere with internet access. You don’t need to come to campus to participate, so you can still stay at home and work if needed. The courses will be taught Monday through Friday from 10 - 11:50 a.m.

  • Are there any other requirements for Jumpstart@Sam?

    Just complete the courses over the summer and make sure you are registered for Fall 2024! We need to know you plan on attending SHSU in the fall so we can adjust your schedule after you complete Jumpstart@Sam. If you need to schedule an academic advising session (required to register for Fall 2023), please schedule an appointment with the SAM Center.

    You must have a Scholarship4Kats application on file. This will cover your tuition for the program. Please complete the Scholarship4Kats application as soon as possible, so that we can get the tuition scholarship applied to your account before the Summer 2024 Jumpstart@Sam courses begin.

  • What is the cost?

    SHSU will waive the tuition for both courses that are required for you to meet the TSI benchmark in reading and writing if you successfully complete the coursework and register for the Fall 2024 semester.

    You must have a Scholarship4Kats application on file. This will cover your tuition for the program. Please complete the Scholarship4Kats application as soon as possible, so that we can get the tuition scholarship applied to your account before the Summer 2024 Jumpstart@Sam courses begin.

  • What if I start the classes but don’t finish?

    SHSU is committed to waiving your tuition for the courses if you are committed to completing them. If you don’t complete the courses and fail to drop them before the official drop date (July 9 at 11:59 p.m.), then you will be financially responsible for $2,100 for the four credit hours of tuition and fees. This cost will be applied to your fall student bill. However, if you finish the program, you will not owe anything.

  • Do I have to attend a specific orientation?

    No, but you need to attend an orientation before July 3, so you can register for Jumpstart@Sam and your fall classes and learn about numerous campus resources that might be useful to you.

  • I want to participate in this program, but I have to work.

    SHSU designed this program with you in mind. We know that many college students work during the summer. This is why the courses will be offered “Live-online,” which means you can stay wherever you are and complete the courses online. Also, classes end by noon each day, allowing you flexibility to work. However, please note that attending the course meeting times is required, so plan your work schedule accordingly.

  • Who can I contact to get more information?

    Contact us by emailing jumpstart@shsu.edu.