The Academic Excellence Scholars (AES) Program is a three and a half day summer bridge experience immediately before August orientation and is intended to smooth your transition to Drew and enhance your experience in the fall. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with advisers, peer mentors, and other first-year students. You will become familiar with a wide-range of campus resources so that you can start to feel at home at Drew.
AES is open to incoming first-year students from New Jersey that are first-generation and/or Pell-eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?
Incoming first-year students who are New Jersey residents and either first-generation and/or Pell-eligible.
WHY ATTEND?
If you are feeling nervous or excited to commence your college journey, this is the best way to start. Get the inside scoop on life at Drew by attending sessions and making connections with peers, mentors, faculty and staff before the start of the semester.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARS?
To facilitate the transition from high school to college by:
- Connecting students with campus resources and Drew community.
- Encouraging participation in an environment of learning and success.
- Coordinating workshops/sessions related to the college transition.
WILL I BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND MANDATORY SESSIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR?
Although it is strongly encouraged to attend sessions/workshops throughout the semester, it is not mandatory.
IS THERE A COST OR FEE TO PARTICIPATE AS AN ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLAR?
There is no application or program fees for students who decide to participate in the program.
HOW DO I APPLY OR SIGN UP?
Our admissions office will send an invitation to participate in our AES program. The invitation will include a link to a form. Questions? Email admissions@drew.edu.
WILL LIVING ON CAMPUS AFFECT MY ABILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE AES PROGRAM?
The program is open to both commuters and residents. Students who reside on campus would have an early dorm move-in date.
WHAT IS THE TIMELINE TO JOIN THE AES PROGRAM?
Upon submitting the AES form, the Student Success Adviser will reach out to students throughout the summer via phone, email and/or Zoom.
A virtual kick-off event will be held in late July to connect as a group prior to the start of the program.
AES will run in-person from Sunday, August 20 through Wednesday, August 23, right before August orientation for the entire first-year class. AES participants are invited to attend workshops/sessions throughout the fall/spring semester to enhance their skills in preparation for a successful year and remain connected to peers, mentors, and faculty/staff.
WHAT WILL STUDENTS DO EACH DAY DURING IN-PERSON SESSIONS?
Check out the sample schedule from the 22-23 year below!
WHO CAN I REACH OUT TO IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS?
You can reach out to the Student Success Adviser Johulin Zuluaga at 973.408.3925 or via email at jzuluaga@drew.edu
