Students must have at least a 25 on their ACTs and be in the top 25 percent of their high school graduating classes. Department and faculty chairs made the placements. That is beyond what is offered at any many other schools at the freshman level. The experience also is reflected in the student's portfolio, which can make a difference when applying for future employment or to graduate schools. The focus on undergraduate research at the university level is something that Sahlhoff said is fairly specialized in Eau Claire as well.
Faculty also benefit from the program.
But the more significant benefit, she believes, is the type of students this program will attract.