Get a Head Start on Your College Career

The Lift Off Program is a three-and-a-half-week residential summer bridge experience designed to help incoming students begin their college journey with confidence and momentum. Open to students in any major—especially those in STEM fields—Lift Off allows participants to start early, build connections, and prepare for academic success.

Students enroll in two on-campus courses in July and can earn up to six credit hours before the fall semester begins. Participants choose from two tracks:

  • Track I: Project-Based Pre-Calculus and First-Year Seminar

  • Track II: Intermediate Algebra and Introduction to Sociology

Courses are paired with peer-assisted learning, mentoring, and guidance from an academic coach and faculty members committed to student success. Beyond the classroom, Lift Off fosters a strong sense of community by blending academic preparation with meaningful social engagement.

Financial assistance may be available for eligible families. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA or TASFA to explore summer aid eligibility.

Lift Off: What You Need to Know

Click on a question to get more information.

Incoming McMurry first-year students who are ready to participate in an accelerated Pre-Calculus or Intermediate Algebra course are eligible for this program. Placement testing is required and will be provided as part of the application process, beginning in the spring. The placement test score and declared major are used to determine which track you’ll follow.

Yes, the Lift Off program is residential. Participating students will be housed in campus residence halls. This will allow you to make friends with other students with similar interests, as well as to have a Resident Assistant and a peer mentor who can help you with coursework and college life. We work closely with housing to place you in your assigned room throughout the academic year.

Lift Off courses will begin on July 14, 2026. Move-in will be July 14, classes will be held Monday through Friday, with Saturday projects. The program will end on August 5. Welcome Week starts for incoming Freshmen on Wednesday, August 19.

Move-in is Sunday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You will work with your academic coach to secure housing and plan your move-in.

The Lift Off experience costs $1,500, which includes your meal plan, activities, learning materials, housing, and tuition. We recommend that you apply for summer financial aid, as Pell-eligible students may receive aid to cover some costs.

Applying for Summer aid is easy! You’ll follow the same process as you did to apply for Fall aid, but choose the previous year’s form. The deadline to apply for summer aid is June 30. Students eligible for the Pell grant will receive funds toward their Lift-Off expenses.

 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Yes, we accept all TASFA students.

You’ll enroll in one of two tracks:

  • Track I: Pre-Calculus and First Year Seminar
  • Track II: Intermediate Algebra and Introduction to Sociology

Not sure which track is for you? Contact us!

 Contact Form
  • Biochemistry
  • Information Technology
  • Biology
  • Life Science
  • Biomedical Science
  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Computer Science
  • Psychology
  • Engineering Physics
  • Pre-Nursing/Nursing
  • Environmental Science
  • Public Health
  • Exercise Science & Human Performance
  • Sustainability
  • Human Health Science

Lift Off will be completed before move-in for Football, Soccer, Volleyball, and Cross Country. We work closely with coaches to make sure athletes are ready for their fall sports.

Due to the accelerated schedule of the program, missing even one class could be detrimental to your academic success. Please make sure your vacations and family events take place before July 12 or after August 5.

Ready to Lift Off?

Applying to the Lift Off program is easy. You will have an academic coach who will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. The Lift Off program application will open on January 1, and the deadline to apply is June 30.
Apply Now