Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) is hosting information sessions for the Summer Exploring Transfer Program at Vassar College on Monday, November 16 and Thursday, December 3.
Founded in 1985, the five-week scholarship program begins in mid-June and ends the last week in July. The Vassar program offers a taste of residential college life at one of the nation’s most prestigious colleges.
In addition to Vassar, BMCC students in the program have gone on to other private colleges such as Yale and Stanford.
To qualify for nomination, students must have completed 15 to 25 credits excluding remedial credits; enrolled and attended BMCC in the spring semester preceding the summer program; completed English Composition with a B + or higher; have strong English language written skills; a GPA of 3.20 or above and be a first-generation college student.
BMCC Social Sciences, Human Services and Criminal Justice Professor William M. Roane, chair of the faculty selection committee, said motivation and a willingness to put in the hours with a faculty mentor while completing an essay and application process is essential.
He also said life experience is considered when students are selected, and that many students fall outside the traditional age category.
Roane also said many students who had earned a high school equivalency certificate had come to BMCC, did well, and then through the ET program went on to Ivy League schools.
“It’s a big commitment, there’s not one perfect profile, for many students. It’s their life story that makes them a good candidate for the program,” said Roane.
Students who are interested in the program can reach out to Professor Roane at wroane@bmcc.cuny.edu
Also, the next information session on November 16 will be held from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM in M1204.
