What is the High Potential Program?

The High Potential (HP) program provides individualized support services to first year, first-generation, and low-income students who enroll in the program. Operating since 1973, the HP program admits an average of 40 students to be in the program to receive intensive support services in HP students’ first two years at St. Mary’s College.

What are the benefits of High Potential?

HP students receive additional support services while enrolled in the program. Students will participate in a two-week Summer Bridge program and a First Year Advising Cohort with special attention in further developing reading, writing, and mathematical skills. The two-week summer bridge program includes taking classes and workshops for .50 credits. HP students also attend a .25 credit HP FYAC weekly class during the fall AND spring semesters, earning an additional .50 credits. Successful completion of the HP program in the first year will earn students additional 1.0 credits at no cost to HP students.

What are the criteria to become eligible for High Potential?

Applicants for HP will need to be admitted to Saint Mary’s College through the traditional application process prior to being considered for the program. In addition to being admitted to Saint Mary’s College, priority consideration for the HP program will be given to students who are first generation (neither parent has completed a college-degree) and come from low income (Pell-grant eligible) families.

How do you apply for High Potential?

Once students are admitted to Saint Mary’s, prospective HP candidates may submit the HP application for consideration. The application may be requested from Damien Fatongia in the Saint Mary's Admissions Office. The application will require information regarding family income, family’s educational background, information regarding educational goals, along with two short essay questions and a letter of recommendation from your most recent professors in math and English.

Is there a fee for the High Potential Program?

The cost for participation in the HP program is $325.00. Should a candidate require additional support to meet this need, please contact Elia Salgado at emoreno@stmarys-ca.edu or at 925-631-4165

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact:

Tracy Pascua Dea
Director of Student Academic Support Services
tjp2@stmarys-ca.edu
(925) 631-4349

Pedro Ramirez
Senior Admissions Counselor
Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment
pnr2@stmarys-ca.edu
(925) 631-4930