Frequently asked questions

OUR HIGH SCHOOL IS NOT LISTED, SO MAY I STILL BE CONSIDERED?
Unfortunately, you may not apply for the UND Upward Bound program if you do not attend one of the ten target schools. Schools are selected based on "need" and are the only schools that can be served by the program.

HOW DOES A STUDENT APPLY FOR ADMISSION?
Students must complete a UND Upward Bound application in order to apply. To find a downloadable pdf version of the application and application instructions, go to the "How Do I Join?"  tab.

IS THERE AN APPLICATION FEE?
No, there is no fee associated with applying for UND's Upward Bound program.

ONCE A STUDENT BEGINS THE PROGRAM, DOES THE STUDENT NEED TO REAPPLY EACH YEAR?
No, you only need to apply once when you first join the program. However, there is necessary paperwork that must be completed each year in order to participate in the program.

HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE SELECTED EACH YEAR?
The program accepts 85 students throughout the school year and 65 during the summer.

WHAT KIND OF COMMITMENTS MUST STUDENTS AND FAMILIES - MAKE IF THEY WISH TO APPLY TO THE PROGRAM?
In order to be part of UND's Upward Bound program, students need to commit to the following:
1. Attend school (scheduled classes, labs, etc.) regularly.
2. Be enrolled in college preparatory courses each semester that will make them eligible for admission to state institutions of postsecondary education.
3. Maintain satisfactory academic progress in all classes and a minimum GPA of 2.00.
4. Meet regularly with UB staff when they visit their school during the school year.
5. Complete all monthly assignments, forms, career inventories, tests or other materials required by UB.
6. Attend UB activities and meetings during the school year.
7. Attend and complete the six-week summer residential component held on the UND campus.

I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE TWO COMPONENTS - SCHOOL YEAR AND SUMMER. MUST A STUDENT PARTICIPATE IN BOTH PARTS?
Yes, as listed above, students are expected to attend UB activities and meetings during the school year AND attend and complete the six-week summer residential component.

WHY MUST STUDENTS LIVE ON CAMPUS DURING THE SUMMER?
The idea of the summer component is to simulate a college experience for our students. Living on campus, in the residence halls, allows students to get a greater all round college-like experience, as most college's require freshman to live on campus during their first year.

WHAT ARE THE DATES FOR THE SUMMER PROGRAM?
Typically the summer program runs from late May/early June until early/mid July.

ARE STUDENTS ALLOWED TO LEAVE CAMPUS TO WORK OR VISIT THEIR FAMILIES DURING THE WEEK?
Yes, students are typically allowed to leave campus if they have parental permission and there are no scheduled activities during that time.

WHAT MAKES UPWARD BOUND SO UNIQUE?
No other program in the area provides such comprehensive services to target high school students. Upward Bound recognizes that every student is unique and uses an individualized approach in working with them. The commitment from the program is a lengthy one, starting at the time the student enters the program throughout high school. The program's advisors work with students in small groups and privately to address their individual needs. In addition, they help students to develop their academic potential, learn from others and their cultures, and identify and meet realistic goals. Cultural and educational events are held to expose the students to new and different positive experiences.

 DO STUDENTS RECEIVE HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE CREDIT FOR SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING UPWARD BOUND?
Yes, for each summer completed during grades 9-11, students receive a ½ high school credit. For completion of the Summer Bridge component which occurs the summer after the student's senior year, up to 9 college credits are awarded.

DOES UPWARD BOUND PROVIDE A TRANSCRIPT THAT LISTS ACADEMIC INFORMATION?
Yes, transcripts are provided to you, as well as your school, detailing your credit earned through Upward Bound.

DOES THE PROGRAM PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION?
Yes, whenever there are planned activities with Upward Bound there is always transportation provided, free of charge.

WILL UPWARD BOUND PAY FOR THE STUDENT'S COLLEGE EDUCATION?
Not entirely, however up to 9 college credits can be earned through the Bridge program. Additionally, Advisors help Upward Bound students seek out scholarship and other financial aid opportunities.

MUST UPWARD BOUND STUDENTS ENROLL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?
No. While the program is housed at the University of North Dakota, students are encouraged to attend the college of their choice.

ARE UPWARD BOUND STUDENTS GUARANTEED ADMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA?
No, they are not. If the Upward Bound student chooses to apply to UND, they must apply for admission and meet admission criteria in order to be accepted, just as any non-Upward Bound student would.