Emerging Scholars Program
Emerging Scholars RAP is a highly successful signature Residential Academic Program developed in collaboration with Commonwealth Honors College for first-generation, under-represented, and under-resourced students.
Emerging Scholars benefit from:
- Participating in mentoring opportunities.
- Interacting closely with other ES cohorts.
- Receiving personalized academic advising.
- Making connections to on campus support programs, cultural centers, dedicated faculty, and staff.
- Attending co-curricular academic, social, and cultural events.
Hear from Emerging Scholars:
Juan Valencia Gallego - Grad Year: 2027
What has the Emerging Scholars program meant to you?
A “Second Family” that helps not only to help settle into college with other fellow first-years, but the opportunity to learn and create memories and connections that would last for many years to come.
Highlight your favorite thing/memory about your time as an Emerging Scholar.
Being able to relax and be mindful of yourself in the ES Seminar was a must. In college taking care of yourself is a main priority to be successful.
Emily Depina-Londono - Grad Year: 2026
What has the Emerging Scholars program meant to you?
The Emerging Scholar program has given me a space to interact with scholars similar to me and learn how to thrive in college. It provides new students with support and a community in a large school where that is hard to find.
- Highlight your favorite thing/memory about your time as an Emerging Scholar.
- My favorite memory was the pumpkin painting night we had in our first semester. I enjoyed how talkative and friendly everyone was and I liked the community building aspect of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get into the program? First year students in this program have been identified as having strong academic and leadership potential but fall slightly below the requirements for admission directly into the honors college. Participation in the program is by invitation only upon admission to UMass Amherst. Invited students will be asked to demonstrate and indicate their interest by completing an online application.
- How do I accept the invitation? If you have been invited to apply to Emerging Scholars and you are accepted, please read your acceptance letter carefully for the process and important timelines to become a member of this successful and outstanding program.
- Can I be in the Honors College and in Emerging Scholars at the same time? Participants of the Emerging Scholars program will be able to transition into the Honors College during their first year if they earn 12 graded UMass credits and a 3.4 or higher GPA. This is an opportunity for students to be immersed in an academic year long community, living and learning together as a cohort, and who will take advantage of the resources available to maximize their potential at UMass Amherst whether they join the Honors College or not.
- What classes will I be required to take? All Emerging Scholars courses are intentionally limited capacity to allow for interactions with faculty, to develop strong critical thinking skills, and to engage in intellectual discussions that will be applicable throughout their academic undergraduate years and beyond.
- How many people are in the program? Cohorts are limited to 18 people. One cohort each year.
- Do I have to be in a specific major to be in the program? This program is for students of any discipline - with or without a declared major
- What do I get from being a part of the program? Alumni of the Emerging Scholars program at UMass Amherst have moved on to selective graduate schools, promising careers, and leadership roles. Our Emerging Scholars students have been and are campus student leaders, campus organizers, mentors and collaborators for inclusive campus initiatives. They win awards and scholarships.