Alternative Admissions: College Now/START
UMass Dartmouth offers two alternative admissions programs:
They are intended for those who have completed high school or its equivalent, and who want to and can do university-level work, but whose academic achievements have been hampered by certain social, educational, or economic obstacles.
The university works with applicants to help them find the most appropriate avenue of admission either through regular admissions, or an alternative program such as College Now or START.
Applications for College Now and START are accepted beginning October 1. Applications are accepted for fall admissions only (no spring admissions).
College Now
College Now provides access to academically disadvantaged students and gives them strong support while they are enrolled.
Those wishing to apply for admission to the College Now program may:
- use the College Now/START online application (you will need a credit card to pay the application fee: MasterCard or VISA)
- apply using the Common Application
- apply using the paper application
Enrollment is limited, and the program is offered only to those entering the university in September (fall semester). A personal interview and diagnostic testing are required.
In accord with the guidelines for the Ronald McNair Reserve Grant, applicants for College Now must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:
- be of low-income status (as defined by federal guidelines)
- be of the first generation to attend college
You must be a Massachusetts resident and citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Applicants must have fewer than 24 transferable college credits.
A special fall academic program prepares students to perform to their fullest at the university. Counselors aid each student in goal-setting, course selection, academic achievement, and short- and long-range program planning.
College Now students are full-time students, with the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of other UMass Dartmouth students. Upon satisfactory completion of the fall academic program (maintaining a 2.0 grade point average), they may become degree candidates and can major in the university’s full range of academic programs. College Now students generally require five years to complete the work for their baccalaureate degree.
More information about College Now is available at its web site. We welcome inquiries at 508-999-8703 or 508-999-8704.
START
START (Steps Toward Abstract Reasoning and Thinking) is a program for students who are considering a technical major but who lack the necessary foundation at the beginning of their college careers.
Women and students of color, as members of groups traditionally under-represented in the scientific and technical fields, such as engineering and computer information sciences, are especially encouraged to apply for START.
During the application process, some students are referred to the START program. Students are invited to interview with members of the START faculty. The application is then reviewed and the student is notified of the faculty’s decision.
The four "steps" of START include:
- a mathematics course which includes algebra through an introduction to calculus
- a laboratory-based science course that assists students in understanding, analyzing, and problem solving in chemistry and physics
- a course that teaches effective reasoning and computer skills in the areas of math and science
- counseling and tutorial aid which help students develop good study habits in demanding technical programs, and assists them in adjusting to university life
At the end of the academic year, upon successful completion of the program (2.0 grade point average), the student continues at UMass Dartmouth. Students who begin at the university in START can expect to spend five years pursuing a degree in a technical program unless they accelerate their progress by taking extra courses.
Students interested in START should call 508-999-8704.
Those wishing to apply for admission to START may:
- use the College Now/START online application (you will need a credit card to pay the application fee: MasterCard or VISA)
- apply using the Common Application
- apply using the paper application
