Re: SCHOLARS PROGRAM:
I am a first-year scholar and I can honestly say that it is the most diverse and generous program of its kind which asks very little of its students, save for maintaining a 3.0 and putting in 100 hours of community service a year (I complete over 150 with minimal effort, so this is not a huge time commitment by any means).
The director of the program, Dr. Iacono, is a formidable person who knows every Scholar individually. For example, in the second month I was there, I ran into her at a career-building event and spoke directly to her for what I believe was the second time. Immediately, I was addressed by not only my name, but my preferred nickname, and asked about my progress in declaring my major.
This year alone with USP, I have attended a clambake on a rented island and consumed lobster and clam chowder, been to the opera, heard Gloria Steinem speak, toured Plymouth Plantation and the Mayflower replica, been to the Museum of Science in Harvard, as well as the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum… ALL FOR FREE.
I honestly ask myself what they saw in my application at times… But I think we all do. The truth is, they see originality and entrepreneurship in us; and they fully anticipate great things to come from us. They simply give us the tools to do it.
The Scholar accolade means that professors will want you in their labs, because your stipend will be covered by USP; it also means that you have incredible leverage for getting into classes you need, or simply want, to take. It means that you don’t have to worry about paying $90 to print a poster, because you can get it covered; it means (for me at least) getting involved in three research projects (one of which was completely independent) in your first year, should you feel so inclined. It means career workshops, and free Patagonia fleeces (no joke), and the opportunity to apply for $5000 summer research grants.
The faculty fellows are an incredibly strong component of the program. Drs. Iacono and Karas, the program directors, are intimidatingly-well qualified for their positions; both have worked at multiple Ivy schools and decided they preferred to work at a school which favors effort and hustle over prestige. Dr. Goodale of the College of Arts, Media and Design know just about everyone in Boston. Need someone to talk to you about STEM education in the Boston Public Schools? He knows a guy. Looking for a mentor for you short film project? Talk to this professor whose research overlaps with your own goals. Professor Fowler, distinguished professor of History is more deeply rooted in Boston and New England than anyone I have ever met, and hosts “In the Field with Fowler” events in which he takes scholars around historical New England and essentially imparts his wisdom. Dr. Cram is perhaps the professor who does the most research with undergraduate students; specializing in marine biology, she has helped scholars as young as 19 design their own original STEM research. I could go on.
Let me remind you, finally, that the USP is 4 years old.
Apologies for the length of the comment; I just think that you should be aware of the wealth of opportunities that would be available to you as a University Scholar.