College Advising

Welcome to the Urban Scholars Program at the University of Massachusetts Boston

Picture of group photo of students and staff

College Advising

College advising plays a critical role in the Urban Scholars Program. The goal continues to be one of ensuring that students have maximum choice in the selection of an appropriately challenging college or university and that they have sufficient financial aid to attend the college of their choice. Throughout the year, the seniors work individually, as well as in small group, to complete the college admission and financial aid application process.

Choosing College
Students spend the summer prior to their senior year in a weekly college-advising seminar. The focus of this seminar is self-assessment, research, decision-making, and writing of their college essay.
In the fall, the focus shifts to selecting and applying to post-secondary institutions. Each senior meets individually and in small groups with the College Advisor to choose schools and complete the financial aid application process.

Financial Aid and Scholarships
All students receive financial aid through federal, state, and institutional sources. Several seniors receive private scholarships paying for their entire college education. The senior that received the most financial aid this year received over $150,000 for four years with an option to earn a Masters degree.

College Application Process
To prepare juniors for the college application process, the College Advisor held a monthly workshop during the spring and fall terms and once a week during the Summer Institute. The workshop began by focusing on developing in students a purpose about their education and its link to career access. Subsequent sessions focused on self-assessment, post-secondary education, and finding a match between a college and the student's needs and interests.

text only page

urban scholars home | Pre-Collegiate home