GUPPY: Gifted University for Precocious and Passionate Youth

GUPPY is designed for young gifted and talented students to attend classes taught by MSU faculty and staff at Michigan State University for the week or weekend. This GATE program will offer young gifted students a variety of accelerated exploratory educational presentations and hands-on experiences.

GUPPY will have three or four classes per track. Each class will be one hour and 30 minutes long Monday-Friday or one hour and 40 minutes long Friday-Sunday.

GUPPY 4

2025 Program dates: June 16-20, June 20-22, June 23-27, July 7-11, July 14-18 

Application deadline: May 9, 2025

GUPPY 5-6

Program dates: June 16-20, June 20-22, June 23-27, July 7-11, July 14-18  

Application deadline: May 9, 2025

Eligibility: 

The GUPPY program has different sections for:

  • Grades 4
  • Grades 5-6

Although students may be younger than the grades stated, the nature of the acceleration and the high school level content, no exceptions to younger students will be granted.

The eligibility requirements are the SAME for all sections.

Student must submit the following with their GUPPY application:

  • One of the following minimum test scores:
    • PSAT 8/9: Math 410 or Reading 410
    • IOWA: 90th percentile
    • NWEA: 95th percentile
    • MSTEP: Level 4
    • IQ Test
    • NNAT: 90th percentile
    • CogAT: 90th percentile  
  • Teacher Recommendation Form from one of your teachers in the subject areas of math, science, or technology: During your online application, you will be asked to provide a teacher's school email address, and we will send them an email requesting that they fill out an online recommendation for you. (Do NOT ask your teacher to write you a letter of recommendation - only our online recommendation form will be accepted.)

COST: a $75 non refundable fee(before March 1).  After March 1, application fee will be $95.

Tuition

GUPPY 4:

AM session or weekend: $350 (weekend includes lunches)

All Day (during the week): $675 (includes lunches)

GUPPY 5-6:

AM session or weekend: $350 (weekend includes lunches)

All Day (during the week): $675 (includes lunches)