New FAQ's - Don and Liz Thompson Minority Engineering Program - Purdue University

1. What do I need to bring to PROMISE?

This will be a two-day interactive event. Bring comfortable walking shoes and a change of clothes. Check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly. Additionally, if you have a laptop, it would be advantageous to bring it with you to complete the application. If you do not have a laptop, don't worry. The essay and application sessions will be held in the Purdue computer lab, and you will be given login credentials.

2. What is the cost associated with attending PROMISE?

PROMISE is provided free of charge to participants. The participant is provided with lodging, accommodations, activities and scheduled meals. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Purdue main campus. If you bring your parents, MEP will also provide scheduled meals and activities. However, lodging for parents or guardians will not be provided.

3. When are the program beginning and ending times?

We will be offering the PROMISE program twice this fall:

Program 1

Check-in: Sunday, Sept. 22 at 9 a.m. (EDT)

Program Ends: Monday, Sept. 23 at 1:30 p.m. (EDT)

Program 2

Check-in: Sunday, Oct. 13 at 9 a.m. (EDT)

Program Ends: Monday, Oct. 14 at 1:30 p.m. (EDT)

4. Is participation of both days of this event required?

Yes. Participation in university-sponsored on-campus events for high school seniors is typically an excused absence with documentation. MEP will provide an excuse letter.

5. What if I cannot attend one of the PROMISE dates?

If you can't attend PROMISE in September or October but still want to study engineering at Purdue, email mep@purdue.edu to organize a family visit or Zoom meeting to answer any questions. Please note critical dates to optimize scholarship opportunities. Early application and First-Year Engineering deadline is Nov.

6. What will I be doing during the two-day event?

The agenda includes campus visits, engaging meals with faculty and students, engineering projects, engineering curriculum exposure and exciting social events. If they have not already done so, participants will have the chance to review and submit their online Purdue application. Participants and their parents will be able to schedule trips to locations of interest, including residential hall tours, financial aid and other campus services, after the event concludes approximately at 1:30 p.m. EDT.

7. Where can I leave my car during the two-day event?

• On Sundays, numerous free parking locations are available on campus.
• For Monday, you will need to purchase a "A" day parking pass that will allow the student or parent/guardian to park in either any "A" parking space on campus (Graduate house parking, Northwestern, Wood Street or open parking lot, etc.).

8. Scholarships and ways to fund my college experience is important, will I learn more about this during the two-day event?

Yes, there's time for group conversations with Purdue's financial aid department. The PROMISE program aims to ensure that participants' applications are submitted in time to be considered for university-wide merit-based scholarships.

9. We are coming from out of state, what is the best way to get to campus from either Indianapolis or Chicago airports?

Whatever your mode of transportation, the Purdue campus is easily accessible! Check out the options near our campus to help you plan your trip. Visit our transportation website to learn more about the various shuttle options.

10. How do I sign up for PROMISE?

The application links to apply have not yet been released:

• Program 1: Sept. 22- Deadline - Aug. 29, 2024
• Program 2: Oct. 13- Deadline - Sept. 13, 2024