How do I apply for the UA ACTivate program?
Application
Complete the online application and make sure to include two references.
Age Requirement
Exhibit strong motivation and commitment to engaging in college-level work and be 16 years old by the UA ACTivate move-in day.
Complete the UA ACTivate Application
The application will include the following information:
- Basic contact information
- High school information
- Emergency contacts information
- Two names, emails and contact information for references. Contacts required:
- Current high school principal or assistant principal (homeschool – administrator of the program)
- Current academic teacher (English, math, history or science only) or a current grade high school counselor.
- Acknowledgement of ALL UA ACTivate rules
- Youth compliance waivers and disciplinary review
- Parent/guardian and student signature
The University of Alabama provides an equal opportunity in education, including admissions, for all qualified persons and will not discriminate based on any legally protected category. UA ACTivate reserves the unequivocal right to deny any application for admission to the UA ACTIvate program based on the merits of the application. This includes, but is not limited to, applications with subpar references, substandard academic performance, disciplinary records while enrolled in high school, discipline concerns while participating in the UA ACTivate program or activity, or behavior or academic concerns on the University of Alabama campus.
All participants must be registered and paid in full no later than 11:59 p.m. on the day registration closes.
Courses and Activities
UA ACTivate courses and activities span 4 days and 3 nights and run Monday through Thursday from early morning to late evening.
Participation
UA ACTivate course and activity participation is mandatory. See UA ACTivate Expectations for more information about participation requirements.
The June and July UA Activate programs span 4 days and 3 nights, during which you will complete an ACT boot camp and participate in a variety of campus activities that are created to provide you with a strong foundation in all things ACT, as well as a residential, college experience. Full participation is mandatory.
UA ACTivate Program Checklist
Application Requirements
- Complete the UA ACTivate online registration form.
- Pay at the time of registration.
- Receive the registration status email, which means your references are received and your registration is processed.
Required Forms (Please email all completed forms to afbarnes3@ua.edu)
- Liability Release Form
- Medical Form
- Medication Management Form (please see below for more information)
- Bama Dining Special Diet Form (ONLY if applicable; a copy must be sent to both bamadiningcampsUA@gmail.com and afbarnes3@ua.edu)
- Acknowledgment Form for UA ACTivate Handbook – (last page of this handbook)
Medication Management Form(s) Explained
Participants who require medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, during their stay must submit a medication management form. This form is essential for ensuring the safe and responsible management of medications during the program, and each medication should have a separate form.
Prescription & Over-the-Counter Medication Handling
All prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines, except for emergency rescue medications such as inhalers and epinephrine, must be presented in their original containers. Prescription medication and over-the-counter medications should be sealed in a zip-top bag labeled with the participant’s full name and date of birth.
Administration of Medications
Participants are responsible for managing their own medications, including taking their medication at the correct time and in the proper dosage as directed by their healthcare provider. Staff members will not directly handle medication bottles, administer medications or provide guidance on dosage, timing or administration methods. Participants unsure of the correct dosage or timing should contact their healthcare provider and/or parent/guardian for clarification. This expectation is essential for each participant to ensure their health, safety and well-being during the program.
Move in Requirements
- Attend a required, online “What to expect” session for both parents and students prior to move-in.
- Attend a required orientation session for both parents and students on Monday immediately following move-in.
- Submit liability release, medical, medication forms, and dietary forms prior to move-in.
- Download the UA Safety App.
- Download and join the BAND app for communication (instructions will be given during orientation on Day 1 of camp).
Orientation
Participants and a parent/guardian (no more than two adult guests per participant) are required to attend an orientation session with the program manager of UA ACTivate on the Monday of arrival immediately following move-in. During the orientation session, we will review the rules for UA ACTivate, relevant University of Alabama policies, go over daily schedules including move out procedures, and answer any questions.
Orientation Days
You and your parent/guardian must attend the Monday orientation session associated with the camp time for which you registered. If you, along with your parent/guardian, do not attend orientation on the first day of UA ACTivate, you will not be allowed to participate in UA ACTivate. This is MANDATORY.
- For June UA ACTivate participants: Monday, June 15, 2026, from noon – 2 p.m.
- For July UA ACTivate participants: Monday, July 13, 2026, from noon – 2 p.m.
Participant Success
As part of the UA ACTivate program, participants are required to attend and participate in all UA ACTivate program courses and activities. UA ACTivate provides a combination experience — part ACT boot camp and part future college success activities.
Participant Attire
Participants are expected to dress as appropriately as for any school-related function. Clothing should be comfortable yet semi-professional. Spaghetti straps, crop-tops, athletic wear such as spandex shorts, or any overly revealing clothing will not be permitted. It is suggested to bring a variety of clothing that can be layered, comfortable walking shoes, rain jackets, etc.
Participant Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and supper will be provided each day by UA ACTivate, and these meals are included in the registration fee. Participants will not be allowed to use Door Dash or any other food delivery system while in the UA ACTivate program. Participants are expected to bring other snacks, sodas, or waters to have between meals on the morning of move-in. We will not provide transportation to purchase additional food items.