Directions for Student Potential

A Summer Enrichment Program at UMass Boston

Continue Your Success Story

The Directions for Student Potential (DSP) program is a free, 6-week, pre-admission summer program that prepares you for academic success at UMass Boston by guiding you to improve your college reading, writing, and math skills. It's designed for students who demonstrate the potential to succeed at the college level. Successful completion of the program guarantees you admission to most majors at UMass Boston this fall.

DSP Information Sessions

Join us for an online information session to learn more about the Directions for Student Potential program.

How Directions for Student Potential Works

Takes place June 15 to July 23
Program is free, and we'll waive the $250 New Student Deposit fee
Courses meet Monday through Thursday
In-person classes for daytime and remote for evening
Attendance policy applies

What Directions for Student Potential Offers

A culturally relevant curriculum that honors the knowledge and experiences of students
Carefully designed courses that contribute to your academic success and community engagement
The advantage of working with dedicated and experienced advisors for fall registration
The chance to meet and work with UMass Boston faculty prior to the start of the semester
Small class sizes and individualized attention through embedded tutoring
The opportunity to make new friends, network, and become part of the UMass Boston community
A dedicated class provided by Student Support Services (SSS) to learn about the university and engage with campus resources

DSP students may request on-campus housing for the fall semester (a $300 Housing Reservation Fee is required to begin the fall housing process). Summer housing is available for the 6-week period. Contact SummerHousing@umb.edu for more information.

Curriculum

DSP courses provide a solid foundation for your future academic success at UMass Boston. They have been carefully designed to meet the needs of a talented group of culturally and linguistically diverse students. Assessment exams are used to place you in Directions for Student Potential classes most appropriate to your level of academic development.

College Reading and Writing Courses provide you the opportunity to strengthen your reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
Math Skills Courses help you to build a firm foundation in mathematical concepts, analysis, and the problem-solving approach to college-level mathematics.
Elective Courses for students to experience the general education curriculum and dive into disciplines of interest.
USkills Community Courses help you access campus resources, from WISER and Blackboard, to financial aid, and building a strong campus community.

Next Steps

Complete these steps to secure your place in the Directions for Student Potential Program

Log into Beacon Gateway to confirm your participation in the Directions for Student Potential Program and submit your $300 Housing Reservation Fee if you wish to live on campus. The deadline to confirm is May 1.
Complete the ALEKS Math and Writing assessments and attend a Directions for Student Potential Onboarding Session (offered May and June – online and in-person options). Next Step instructions will be emailed toward the end of February/early March.
Attend the Directions for Student Potential summer program June 15 through July 23, 2026.

Next Steps to Enroll at UMass Boston

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions & Selection for DSP

Why was I invited to join the Directions for Student Potential program?
- After a careful and holistic review of your application, you have been offered admission to UMass Boston through the DSP program. Admission is by invitation only and is based on the strength of the information you provided, which demonstrates your potential and motivation to succeed.
Can I apply to the Directions for Student Potential Program?
- No, this is not a direct entry program, it is by invitation only.
Is the program mandatory?
- Yes, this is a mandatory program for students who are invited to join. Students must complete this program in order to enroll as a degree-seeking UMass Boston student for the fall. Failure to successfully complete the program will result in revocation of your admission offer and you will be unable to enroll in fall classes.

Program Costs

How much does the program cost?
- The 6-week Directions for Student Potential Program is free and the $250 enrollment deposit is waived.
- You are responsible for costs associated with living on campus for the summer or fall/spring and there are costs associated with getting to and from campus.

How to Say Yes to Join DSP & Deadlines

How do I secure my place in this program?
- The first step to secure your place is to submit your Enrollment Confirmation Form by May 1 via your Beacon Gateway (remember, the $250 enrollment deposit is waived).
When do I need to make my decision?
- The deadline to confirm your intention to enroll in the program is May 1.
What happens if I decline my offer to join Directions for Student Potential?
- If you decline your admission offer you will not be eligible to join or enroll as a degree-seeking student at UMass Boston in the fall semester.
After I have submitted my Enrollment Confirmation Form, what do I do?
- After we have received your Enrollment Confirmation Form, we will email you instructions to complete:
  - ALEKS Math Placement (must be completed prior to attending your DSP Onboarding Session)
  - DSP Writing Placement (must be completed prior to attending your DSP Onboarding Session)
  - Registration form to select a DSP Onboarding Session (sessions are in May or June and are offered online and in-person).
- The links to access each will be emailed to you. Your assessments and attendance at a DSP Onboarding Session are required prior to starting the program on June 15. Failure to complete these steps will result in revocation of your admission offer at UMass Boston and you will be unable to start the program on June 15 and unable to enroll in fall classes.

Changing my Major & AP/Dual Enrollment courses

How do I change majors if I didn’t get the major I chose?
- If you would like to change your major to a non-competitive major, you may do so right away by submitting a change of major form.
How do I change my major to Nursing, Engineering or The College of Management (Business programs)?
- Students who are referred to the DSP program will not be admitted into a competitive program. Students may be considered for these programs through the inter-college transfer process. Be sure to speak with your academic advisor about your future educational goals during the DSP program.
Will you consider AP, IB, or dual enrollment courses for transfer credit?
- Yes! Students who complete AP/IB exams or have completed college courses and earned credit (through a regionally accredited institution) are welcome to submit official test scores and/or official college transcripts to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Transfer credit will be considered upon receipt of official documents.

Benefits of DSP

What are the benefits of this program?
- Students who join this program will have the advantage of working closely with UMass Boston faculty, advisors, and tutors over the summer. Small classes accompanied with College Success Workshops, the opportunity to make new friends and become members of the UMass Boston community will enhance your college preparedness for the fall. DSP also offers a special curriculum for ESL (English as a Second Language) students.

Summer Program Dates & Summer Course Modality

What are the dates?
- DSP will run June 15 - July 23, Monday through Thursdays in the day (in-person and on-campus) or evening (remote). Students will have the ability to select their course modality preference.
  - Day classes will run 9:00 a.m. – 1:50 p.m. (with a 60-minute break). Classes will operate on-campus.
  - Evening classes will run 4:30 p.m. – 8:50 p.m. (with a 40-minute break). Evening classes will operate on a fully remote basis. Space is limited.
How do I select my preference for learning modality?
- You will be emailed the registration form to select a DSP Onboarding Session and you will have the opportunity to select your session date along with your preference for in person or remote learning. Remote learning space is limited and will be based on when you have submitted your registration form and your reason for remote learning modality.
When will I receive my course schedule and learning modality for the DSP program?
- This information will be emailed from the Pathways & Student Success Program Office prior to your attendance at DSP Onboarding Session.

Fall Course Registration

How and when will I be registered for fall classes?
- Fall class registration will take place toward the end of the six-week summer program and your faculty advisors will work with you to get you registered and enrolled for fall classes.
When do fall classes begin?
- Fall classes will begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Housing and Dining

Am I required to live on campus during the 6-week DSP program?
- No, on-campus housing is not required for any first-year student during the summer DSP program or during the academic year, but is an option for those who wish to have a residential experience.
How can I request on-campus housing for the 6-week DSP program?
- Complete and submit the Summer Housing Interest Form and a housing staff member will respond with next steps.
- Costs and room types are available on our summer housing webpage and are separate from fall housing costs.
- Students participating in the DSP program will pay the Summer Session I UMass Boston student summer housing rates.
How can I request on-campus housing for the fall semester?
- Specify your intent to live on campus on the Enrollment Confirmation Form in your Beacon Gateway.
- Pay the $300 Housing Reservation Fee in your Beacon Gateway.
- Once we receive the Enrollment Confirmation Form and $300 Housing Reservation Fee you will be emailed the Housing Application. The Housing Application must be completed to continue your request for on-campus housing.
- Once your Housing Application has been completed the Housing Office will email you instructions to submit your Housing Licensing Agreement. This must be signed by you and a co-signer.
- Upon review of your Housing Licensing Agreement the Housing Office will email a housing confirmation email which confirms you have completed the housing process and have been assigned a room.
- Please note, on-campus housing is not guaranteed and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Am I required to have a meal plan?
- If you are living on campus during the academic year (fall and spring) you are required to purchase a meal plan. Meal plan costs can be found on our website and the Meal Plan Office can be reached at mealplan@umb.edu or 617.287.5217.
- If you are commuting to campus you are not required to purchase a meal plan but we do offer commuter meal plan options.
- If you are living on campus during the 6-week summer DSP program you may purchase meals in any of our on-campus dining/market facilities. UMass Boston does not offer a summer meal plan for students living on campus during the summer.

Transportation

Are transportation costs covered during the 6-week DSP program?
- UMass Boston does not pay for your transportation to and from campus, however parking passes may be purchased for the summer or during the academic year if you plan to drive to campus.
What is the cost to park my car on campus during the Summer DSP program?
- Commuter Students: $70
- Residential Students (those living on campus): $450 ($75/week)
- These rates are valid for the duration of the DSP program, June 15 - July 23.
- Students will specify their intention to drive to campus as a commuter or residential student when they attend a DSP Onboarding Session. Students who have made this specification will be given a BeaconCard on June 15 when they arrive on campus. They will then need to visit the Transportation Office by 5:00 p.m. that day to have their card programmed appropriately and to pay the cost of the permit.
What is the cost to park my car on campus during the academic year (fall/spring)?
- Commuter Students: $550 per semester (please check the website for most up to date information).
- Residential Students (those living on campus): $1,200 per semester (please check the website for most up to date information).
- Parking permits are available for purchase through our Transportation Office.
Are there public transportation options to get to campus?
- Yes! UMass Boston is conveniently located just a mile from the MBTA Red Line JFK/UMass Station. UMass Boston students may be eligible for a discounted pass or subsidy. More information can be found on our Transportation page.