Biological Sciences TAP (BIO TAP) – Fall 2008
This unique Talent Advancement Program (TAP) is designed for 48 first-year students who are admitted to UMass Amherst as biological science majors. Invitation to the TAP is based on criteria set by the Biology department . This program is a wonderful opportunity for you to get to know other motivated Biology and Pre-Med majors, make connections to faculty, and learn about the goals and opportunities within biological sciences departments at the University! In addition to the opportunities listed below, students in the BioTAP will have the advantage of upper class peer mentors who will live on the corridor with the TAP students to provide academic and personal support. |
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When you join this TAP you will…
- Enroll in a one-seminar created for specifically this program. The seminar is taught by experienced faculty members and will help students discover the invaluable resources and opportunities available at UMass Amherst.
- Share your living and learning experience with other high-achieving students in your major.
- Experience a variety of opportunities that will help you make a successful transition to the academic and social life at UMass.
- Have the chance to work closely with faculty members through a variety of academic opportunities offered by the department.
- Explore academic and/or professional opportunities related to your interests and goals.
If you were invited to this program, please be aware that you will not be in the program unless you follow the required steps to join!
Be sure to visit the How to Join page on this website to learn about the process and important timelines you must follow to become a member of this fantastic program!
Also, please read the letter from Professor Bruce Byers . We also encourage you to read the comments from previous BioTAP students and letters from current BioTAP students, referred to as “Student Ambassadors” linked below.
Classes
You will enroll in the following classes for Fall semester:
- TAP Seminar taught by faculty, taught in the residential area
- English Writing 112 – College Writing, taught in the residential area
- Bio 197Q - Quantitative Biology of the Cell, seats reserved in class on the main campus
Location
BioTAP students will live together in Dickinson Hall Dickinson Hall in the Orchard Hill area of campus.
Read what people say about the BioTAP!
Copy of invitation letter sent to students
Student Ambassadors
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is TAP and how does a student get invited to join the program?
The Talent Advancement Program provides a positive living and learning environment which helps first year students excel academically and adjust to the University. Since TAP students live together and attend several common courses, the program creates a "small college" environment within a university setting. Not all students accepted to the University are invited to participate in the program. Students who have excelled in high school are invited to join the program on the basis of their high school GPA, class rank and SAT scores. Prospective candidates are recruited during the spring semester after the Admissions Office has sent out acceptance letters for the fall semester.
TAP is different from other first year programs at the University because each
individual TAP is tailored to a specific major. The program builds on the
talent of entering students to advance their academic performance. Program
courses fulfill major and/or University General Education requirements. TAP
participants also attend a special faculty seminar.
How does TAP enhance the academic success of participating students?
Research conducted on this campus, and at other universities across the country, indicates that there are at least two major aspects of the campus environment which can have a significant, positive effect on student academic success: personal contact with faculty and a supportive university environment which integrates a student's social and academic experiences. TAP is designed to provide both of these components. The program reinforces academic discipline and motivation through peer support of academics. Program evaluations indicate that first-year TAP students adjust to the University and tend to do better academically than the general first-year student population.
TAP provides an opportunity for small groups of first-year students to live
in the same residence hall and share several common classes related to their
major in the fall semester. College Writing and the TAP seminar for each
major are taught in the residence hall. In addition, some programs feature
upperclass TAP mentors who live on the same floors with TAP students. Participating
students can work together in class, on homework, and form study groups.
Who should participate in TAP?
First-year students majoring in one of the TAP majors who wish to:
• Achieve high academic performance
- Take advantage of a "small college" living environment while enjoying all the benefits of a large diverse university
• Live with students who share their majors
Is it possible to participate in TAP if I am in the Commonwealth College (the University's Honors College )?
Yes. Commonwealth College encourages its students to participate in a first-year living-learning program like TAP. Also, Commonwealth College students in TAP may be able to take the Honors version of College Writing as part of their program.
Will I meet other students outside of my TAP program?
You will meet many students outside your TAP program—in the residence hall, in your classes which are not part of your TAP program, and in a wide variety of student activities and organizations.
Why is it important that I attend the summer orientation program for incoming students?
During summer orientation, TAP participants meet with faculty and other advisors, take critical placement tests (foreign language and writing), and sign up for courses (including TAP classes) and their residence hall. Additionally, TAP students attend a short meeting and have the opportunity to speak with a program representative. If students are unable to attend summer orientation, their space in the program may be given to someone else and/or their full participation in the program may be hindered.
May I request a specific TAP roommate?
TAP students may choose a specific program participant as their roommate. If you do not request a specific individual you will be assigned to live with another student in your TAP program. Students do not need to attend the same orientation session in order to sign up as roommates.
