Prospective Boost Students
Boost aims to support first generation students that are striving to become college educated. A student is considered first generation if the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelors degree.
Student(s) whose families identify as low-income are encouraged to apply to utilize resources and opportunities provided by the Boost program and the larger UC Berkeley community.
Student(s) attending public schools are encouraged to apply as this program works with many local public schools to provide additional support to students enrolled in the Boost program.
Student(s) that are looking for a boost academically should apply to the program as we provide support, advice, and guidance on how to increase students grades throughout high school.
Boost@BerkeleyHaas has become a place for students to receive a boost in their academics, self-confidence, and leadership skills. This program is for the student with potential and looking to excel even if he/or she is not sure how, the student that may be a leader in the classroom or amongst siblings at home, or a student looking for the next best opportunity. Boost@BerkeleyHaas sees students for who they are in all areas, not just academically, and for the potential students have to grow.
Application Components
Short Answer Questions
It is very important for students to complete the short answer questions listed on the application to the best of their ability. We highly encourage for students to write 1-5 sentences per question in this area.
Two Recommendation Letters
Recommendation letters must be completed by, but are not limited to, a teacher, coach, tutor, mentor, or neighbor. It is important that family members, friends, and classmates do not submit a recommendation letter on your behalf.
Transcripts
Please provide current transcripts that identify the students GPA and grades for the most recent quarter or semester. Grades from the previous year can also be submitted if most recent grades are unavailable.
Unique Item
Please provide one unique item that can show the Boost staff what makes you unique. This can be through art pieces, stories, poems, drawings, pictures, etc. The unique submissions will not be returned after the application review process. Please only submit one item.
Admission Process
When is the application deadline?
Apply by April 15th, 2022
Where and when will Boost programming take place?
All Boost programming takes place on the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business campus. However, during the pandemic our entire program has engaged via Zoom to ensure that our students and their families stay safe and healthy. The Boost program intends to bring all cohorts back to campus by Fall of 2022.
All rising freshman admitted to the Boost program will be provided with a Boost calendar at the beginning of September with confirmed workshop dates and times. The Boost program schedules workshops 1-2 times a month between 1 1/2 – 3 hours at a time. All workshops will take place on Saturday’s as this program intends to compliment students’ academics and not compete with their school schedule
What if my child/ren has competing commitments during the Saturday workshops?
During the application process potential students should evaluate whether or not they have the time to commit to the Boost program. If students are not able to make majority of the scheduled Saturday workshops we encourage these students to look into other college readiness opportunities. It is up to the student after being admitted to communicate their inability to attend a Saturday workshop and follow-up with the workshop lead for any potential materials missed.
Are there any opportunities for students in the summer?
Rising Freshmen are encouraged to attend the Boost Summer Academy. More information will be provided to those students who are accepted into the program. After freshmen year there will not be any summer scheduled programming for Boost students. However, internship opportunities during the summer are provided to students who are interested.
Can my child/ren reapply to the Boost program?
Prospective students are not encouraged to reapply to the Boost program as the only entry point to the program is during their 8th grade year. If a student is admitted they are supported throughout high school and will not need to reapply to the program year after year.
Will application and/or information sessions be provided to students and families?
Application and Information workshops will be held from January to April 2022. Application sessions assist students in how to properly complete and submit the application. During this session students are also informed of the necessary documents that are needed to complete the application. Information sessions will be informing all interested in the Boost program details about our programmatic activities, what should be expected, and the support services we provide to students.