All incoming freshman who are admitted for next fall are welcome to Start Sooner. Take 6 hours of class and jumpstart your Sooner experience!
Start Sooner is the University of Oklahoma's premiere early start program designed for incoming OU first-year students. Since 2016, our month-long program has allowed students to get ahead in their coursework, get to know campus early, and build a community going into their OU experience.
Start Sooner’s goal is to provide incoming first-year students a unique experience that will help them transition from high school into college. Students will be able to move into the residence halls a month early, take 6 credit hours virtually or in person, and explore Norman. Start Sooner at the University of Oklahoma offers courses taught by distinguished faculty, residential living on campus, and engaging activities for students to enjoy.
As a Start Sooner participant you will spend the morning and afternoon in college courses at OU. You will get the opportunity to choose a course that interests you, satisfying a general elective credit, as well as participate in a Foundations to College Learning course with the rest of your Start Sooner peers. Your Foundations course will focus on teaching incoming students how to successfully navigate OU and build a strong foundation for collegiate success.
Our available in-person and virtual general elective courses are listed below:
| In-Person General Elective Course | Course Description |
|---|---|
| P SC 1113 American Federal Government | A study of the structure, organization and powers of the executive, legislative and judicial branches including relationships between state and national governments. Emphasis upon political processes and popular government; elections, political parties, pressure groups, voting behavior. |
| HES 1823 Scientific Principles of Health and Disease | Students will be exposed to the basic science-based principles needed to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of human health. The course is designed to assist students in the development of a basic understanding of the anatomical structures and physiological process that are critical to understanding the development of various diseased/disorders. |
| MATH 1523 Precalculus and Trigonometry | Primarily concentrates on trigonometric functions and their inverses, trigonometric identities, solutions of triangles, and applications. In addition, limits, vectors and some vector operations, polar coordinates and continuity are introduced. Suitable for students planning to take calculus; intended as prerequisite for MATH 1823. |
| MATH 1823 Calculus and Analytical Geometry I | Topics include functions, limits, and continuity; differentiation; and applications of differentiation including related rates, maximum-minimum theory, curve sketching, and optimization. |
| PSY 1113 Elements of Psychology | A survey of the scientific study of human behavior. Emphasis is placed upon scientific method, basic life processes, mechanisms of adaption, individual differences and group behavior. Students have the opportunity to be exposed to the research process either by serving as participants in research experiments or by conducting reviews of research topics. |
| SOC 1523 Social Problems | Analysis of major social problems of contemporary U.S. and policy debates concerning them. Examination of social science theory and research that are relevant to understanding these problems. Development of social institutions in which social problems occur. |
| Virtual General Elective Course | Course Description |
|---|---|
| A HI 1113 Understanding Art | Explanation and analysis of the principles underlying the visual arts. Consideration of formal, historical and other factors in the valuation and enjoyment of painting, sculpture, architecture and utilitarian objects. |
| P SC 1113 American Federal Government | A study of the structure, organization and powers of the executive, legislative and judicial branches including relationships between state and national governments. Emphasis upon political processes and popular government; elections, political parties, pressure groups, voting behavior. |
| MUNM 2313 History of Jazz | Detailed study of jazz as a major art form. Studies the development of jazz through the growth of distinct styles. Stylistic change and cultural ties are made through representative works. Critical listening and evaluation are a major element. No prior knowledge is necessary. |
| METR 2603 Severe and Unusual Weather | Provide non-majors and majors a detailed descriptive account of the physical processes important in the formation of various severe and unusual weather phenomena including: thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail storms, lightning, hurricanes, midlatitude snowstorms, lake effect snows, atmospheric optical effects, and global climate change. |
| PSY 1113 Elements of Psychology | A survey of the scientific study of human behavior. Emphasis is placed upon scientific method, basic life processes, mechanisms of adaption, individual differences and group behavior. Students have the opportunity to be exposed to the research process either by serving as participants in research experiments or by conducting reviews of research topics. |
| SOC 1523 Social Problems | Analysis of major social problems of contemporary U.S. and policy debates concerning them. Examination of social science theory and research that are relevant to understanding these problems. Development of social institutions in which social problems occur. |
| SOC 1113 Introduction to Sociology | The fundamental concepts of sociology; foundations of group life; social change, processes, and problems. |
Students will experience collegiate life in the residence halls through fun and exciting activities hosted and planned by our undergraduate student guides. Programs will be offered almost every day of the week for students to have a quick study break and connect with each other.
Students have the opportunity to discover what Oklahoma has to offer through weekend trips. Students will be able to explore Norman and the Oklahoma City Metro through a variety of activities. These weekend trips are not mandatory but are encouraged for all Start Sooner students.
Registration for Summer 2025 is now open!
All cancellations for Summer 2025 must be submitted in writing to startsooner@ou.edu with the student's name and OU ID number. Cancellations will be accepted until July 1, 2025.
Are you interested in Start Sooner 2025?
Click the link below to complete the form and hear from a member of our team.
All students participating in Start Sooner must be admitted to begin at OU starting in the Fall semester. For more information about the OU application process, please visit the website for the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.
There are different costs based on residency of the Start Sooner participant. Costs for Start Sooner include tuition and fees for 6 college credit hours, housing and food, and a program fee.
Please see the financial aid section below for information about Start Sooner Financial Aid. Please contact us with any questions you have.
The cost below is the estimated program cost for Oklahoma Residents. The cost is variable, as some courses require additional fees. These fees can be found in the course catalog.
| Estimated Cost Breakdown | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition/Fees | $2,643.48 |
| Housing & Food | $1,000.00 |
| Start Sooner Program Fee | $500.00 |
| Total Cost | $4,143.48 |
*Costs not included: additional course fees (ranging from $5 - $60), textbooks, classroom supplies, off-campus meals, and medical costs.
** This an estimated cost that is subject to change.
The cost below is the estimated program cost for Non-Oklahoma Residents in the Start Sooner program. The cost is variable, as some courses require additional fees. These fees can be found in the course catalog.
| Estimated Cost Breakdown | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition/Fees | $6,057.48 |
| Housing & Food | $1,000.00 |
| Start Sooner Program Fee | $500.00 |
| Total Cost | $7,557.48 |
*Costs not included: additional course fees (ranging from $5 - $60), textbooks, classroom supplies, off-campus meals, and medical costs.
** This an estimated cost that is subject to change.
Virtual students should note that the total cost will not include Housing & Food, and the Start Sooner Program Fee will be reduced to $75. However, students will have an additional online course fee.
Please note that the total cost does not include additional course fees, textbooks, and classroom supplies.
| Oklahoma Resident Estimated Cost Breakdown | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition/Fees | $2,894.95 |
| Start Sooner Program Fee | $75.00 |
| Total Cost | $2,969.95 |
| Non-Oklahoma Resident Estimated Cost Breakdown | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition/Fees | $6,057.48 | |
| Start Sooner Program Fee | $75.00 | |
| Total Cost | $6,132.48 |
Start Sooner students are encouraged to fill out the FAFSA to assist with the cost of the program.
Students need to fill out the FAFSA and it must be completed before June 30th. The current year FAFSA should be submitted in addition to the one for the upcoming school year.
The FAFSA application process can be found here.
Students will need to actively watch the money tab on one.ou.edu for information needed to process their aid and for awards.
Please consider the following dates before committing to Start Sooner, as the dates listed are mandatory for participation in the program.
Orientation: Sunday, July 6, 2025
Classes begin: Monday, July 7, 2025
Classes end: Friday, August 1, 2025
Students are expected to attend class Monday - Friday throughout the program, as attendance is mandatory.
Students will be required to attend a meeting at 8PM each Sunday of the progam. Program coordinator approval will be required if absent.
If there are any conflicts with these dates, please contact us as soon as possible.
Start Sooner includes both the academic classroom experience and the community residential experience. It is our goal to create and jumpstart the first year experience for Start Sooner participants. In order for that to happen, Start Sooner has developed programs and activities that are structured around building community, developing students personally as achievers and leaders, and providing a social experience.
There will be non-mandatory evening activities planned during week nights with no activity lasting more than one hour. Study hall is open and available every day of the program.
Saturday trips during the program are not mandatory for students. However, students are highly encouraged to attend.
Class attendance is mandatory.
Students are required to attend a program meeting each Sunday night of the program at 8 p.m. A doctor's note or other documentation will be required for any absences.
Start Sooner students are required to attend all mandatory programming. Other Start Sooner activities and programming are highly encouraged.
Most importantly, Start Sooner students will be required to adhere to the university's student conduct policy. For a full list of student policies at the University of Oklahoma, please visit the University of Oklahoma’s Student Handbook.
In addition to the University of Oklahoma’s policies, students will adhere to Start Sooner’s policies in order to protect and ensure the safety of all students.
As a part of the Start Sooner program, students are required to complete a set number of study hours per week based on the format of their general education course (online, video conference, or in person). Study hours must be logged in the program's designated study hall locations, and students should check in with a member of the program staff. Study hours are required to ensure students are as successful as possible in their two courses, especially because of the fast-paced nature of summer courses.
Visitors will be permitted until curfew, Sunday-Thursday at 11:00 p.m. and Friday-Saturday at 12:00 a.m.
Students will be allowed to leave campus during the program. However, students must attend class and all mandatory programming, and must abide by Start Sooner policy.
Please note that all students must be in the residence hall by curfew each night.
Quiet hours will be observed on the halls where students are living at the times listed below. There is a Start Sooner student lounge where students can play games and work on group projects until curfew.
• 9 p.m. – 11 a.m. Sunday through Thursday
• 11 p.m. – 11 a.m. Friday – Saturday
Any student with a disability should notify Start Sooner staff in order for necessary accommodations to be made.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to the goal of achieving equal educational opportunity and full participation for students with disabilities. Consistent with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, The University of Oklahoma ensures that no “qualified individual with a disability” will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination solely on the basis of disability under any program or activity offered by The University of Oklahoma. Accommodations on the basis of disability are available by contacting the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center at 730 College Avenue - University Community Center, Norman, OK 73019; (405) 325-3852 Voice, adrc@ou.edu.
More information on disability resources can be found at ou.edu/adrc.
In the event of an unforeseen circumstances or emergency where a student needs to be removed from Start Sooner, a parent or guardian should immediately contact the program director and notify them of the occurrence. Following the initial notification, the parent or guardian of the student needs to fill out a withdrawal card and follow the process listed here on the Academic Advising website. The Start Sooner Program Fee is non-refundable. Tuition is 100% refundable should a student withdraw before attending the second scheduled class during the first week of of the July summer block.
If a student withdraws from the program, they will not be able to remain in the residence hall during the program. They will have to move out of the residence hall and move back in on the fall move-in date.
Students can register online on our registration page.
Students must register by April 30, 2025.
To officially cancel your registration for the program, please email startsooner@ou.edu with your request, name, and OU ID by July 1, 2025.
Students need to fill out the FAFSA and it must be completed before June 30th. The current year FAFSA should be submitted in addition to the one for the upcoming school year. The deadline to apply for financial aid for Start Sooner is June 30, 2025.
Students who receive financial aid assistance will count as a half year towards their remaining eligibility of financial aid. Students will have 5.5 years remaining of financial assistance after receiving aid for Start Sooner.
Oklahoma’s Promise students tuition waiver will not be able to be used for Start Sooner. Oklahoma’s Promise tuition waiver does not start until Fall of the student’s first year of college.
Students’ bursar bills must be paid by July 25, 2025.
Upon successful completion of the program students will receive six hours of credit. Three credit hours for the general education course and three credit hours for the ‘Foundation to College Learning’ course.
Start Sooner students will enroll in two courses for a total of six credit hours. Students should refer to our 'Academics' page for more information on offered courses for Summer 2025.
Yes, students will schedule an advising appointment with one of our Start Sooner advisors where they will be able to select the general education course they would like to take in addition to the Foundation to College Learning course. Once registered for Start Sooner, our team will email all students with additional information on the summer enrollment and advising process.
Students should schedule their New Sooner Orientation (NSO) advising as normal. However we ask that they do not schedule their NSO appointment during the program, as class attendance is mandatory. Any students who schedule their NSO appointment during the program will be asked to reschedule.
Start Sooner students will have access to many campus resources including the campus writing center, course specific math tutoring, academic support from course teaching assistants, and support from Action Tutoring. Students will also learn about campus academic resources in the ‘Foundation to College Learning’ course
Information on specific room and building assignments will be available in the early Spring semester. To learn more about the residence halls, please visit the OU Housing webpage.
Optional (but highly encouraged) programs will be planned by Start Sooner staff most weeknights of the program. Weekend trips around Oklahoma will be planned for each weekend of the program. The cost for all programming is included in the program fee.
Yes, the program will conclude in time for students to participate in Panhellenic recruitment.
Yes. Students are able to leave campus during the program at their leisure. However, class attendance is mandatory.
Yes. If a student wishes to return home at this time, they are free to travel without having to check-out with Start Sooner staff. Students will need to return to campus for Camp Crimson, which will occur directly after move-in.
For any additional questions, please contact us at startsooner@ou.edu or 405-365-3289, and we will be happy to assist you.
