Every year APEX welcomes new students to campus during the summer to provide a jumpstart on their first-year as a Cyclone.
Academic Program for Excellence
APEX Facts
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3-week summer pre-college program to jump start your academic career!
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Because I attended APEX, I made a connection with a faculty/staff/professional who could support me professionally
The Academic Program for Excellence (APEX) is a collaborative initiative between the Division of Student Affairs and university colleges designed to promote college readiness among incoming students. APEX is a three-week summer experience running from August 2nd to the first day of classes and focuses on academic success, community building, career readiness, belonging, and hands-on learning. After the summer experience, APEX students are supported with a variety of programs and learning experiences to support their academic and professional success while at Iowa State University.
"APEX is a once in a lifetime opportunity. To be honest, one of the best experiences of my life." - Former APEX Participant
Eligible students must
- Be a direct from high-school student
- Accepted to Iowa State and enrolled for the Fall 2026 term
- Intended major in the College of Design, College of Engineering, or Ivy College of Business.
Applications are reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Students must agree to the expectations of the program in order to be selected into the cohort.
Review and apply with the APEX Participant Commitment Form.
APEX provides you with a lot of opportunity to learn about yourself, the ISU campus, community, and how to maximize your experience here at Iowa State. The program focuses on preparing you to be successful inside and outside of the classroom. You can expect the following during their APEX experience:
- Professional staff and faculty coordinate daily activities, trips, and experiences including social events in the evenings and on weekends.
- A live-in graduate student and three peer mentors provide support throughout the experience.
- Temporary housing is provided before students move into their permanent assignments from the Department of Residence.
- A summer meal plan is provided before the student’s fall meal plan begins.
- Hands-on learning includes college-specific activities from the Ivy College of Business, College of Design, and College of Engineering.
- Planned trips include Industry visits, Iowa State Fair, and more!
APEX helped me learn about different resources that I will and am taking advantage of... it gave me opportunities for internships. I also made a lot of friends during these weeks.
APEX Scholar, Summer 2024 Program