Nominate a Student

A nomination is the starting point for a student’s journey to success with TUP.

Preparing for Cohort 10

 

A message to nominators:

We’re preparing for Cohort 10 of TUP Scholars. Nomination dates, application deadlines, and summer program details are being finalized and will be posted here when confirmed.

We rely on partnerships with School-Based Counselors and College Access Providers to identify talented, motivated students who will thrive in our program. Each student must receive a nomination to begin the application process. We encourage counselors and college access providers to review the eligibility criteria below as they consider students for Cohort 10.

  • This year, we are excited to pilot a pre-nomination process to help counselors and students get a head start. Pre-nomination should be considered for your eligible students who submitted college applications through Early Decision, Early Action, or QuestBridge.

    Pre-nominations will be reviewed before the Priority Cycle opens on January 5, and eligible students will receive an early invitation to apply.

    The Benefit of Pre-Nomination

    Beginning the nomination process earlier provides a longer window to complete Round 1 Applications before the February 13 deadline. Students can learn about The Upward Project, attend recruitment events (like our December virtual info session), and start preparing their application well before the Priority Cycle begins. This early start helps them submit a more thoughtful, competitive application.

    Pre-nomination also supports counselors by reducing the January rush—your students will already be cleared to apply and ready to move forward in January.

  • The Priority Cycle is ideal for students who have already solidified a college choice through Early Decision, Early Action, or QuestBridge applications.

    Nominations will be open January 5 - February 6. During this time, nominators and students will be notified on an on rolling basis. We encourage you to submit nominations early to ensure both you and your students have ample time to complete Round 1 of the application by February 13.

    We aim to fill 50-80% of the 9th Cohort through the Priority Cycle.

    Please note: if we do not have sufficient college information for a student, they may be deferred to the Rolling Cycle.

  • The Rolling Cycle is ideal for students applying through Regular Decision and for those whose nominations were deferred from the Priority Cycle. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the 9th Cohort is filled.

We look forward to learning more about the incredible students you’ll nominate!

 

Nomination Process

STEP 1 - Review Student Eligibility

To be considered for our Scholar program, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Identify as a high-achieving high school student
  • Come from a low-income household
  • Be a first-generation college student in the US
  • Be a U.S. citizen, eligible non-citizen, or lawful permanent resident
  • Live in the Greater Boston area within a commutable distance to downtown Boston
  • Not already a part of an organization with duplicative college & career success advising (including, but not limited to: Thrive, Posse, and Minds Matter)
  • Be available for in-person summer programming before starting college. Dates will be announced.
  • Plan to enroll at a four-year college or university in the fall after high school graduation with strong financial aid support

We will evaluate every application on a case-by-case basis, but the following metrics from our current Scholars give an indication of our selection criteria:

  • Average high school GPA (unweighted 4-point scale): 3.8
  • Average SAT: 1300 (roughly equivalent to a 28 on the ACT scale)
  • Current Scholars are enrolled in selective schools, including Bates, Dartmouth, Harvard, BU, Tufts, and Northeastern.
 

Step 2 - Nominate a Student

When nominations open, School-Based Counselors or College Access Providers will submit a nomination form with basic student information and eligibility confirmation. The form will be available on this page.

Nominations for Cohort 10 are not yet open. Please check this page for updates.

 

Step 3 - students are invited to apply

TUP will reach out to let nominators know which students are invited to apply, and information on next steps for both students and nominators.

 

Step 4 - APPLICATIONS ROUND 1

During round 1, students will complete the initial application, and nominators are responsible for the following documents:

  • Transcript
  • Counselor and Teacher Recommendations from College Apps
  • High School Profile
  • Student Strength & Growth Assessment

QUESTIONS?

Send us an email at applications@theupwardproject.org

 

Application Timeline

The Cohort 10 application timeline is being finalized. We’ll post nomination dates and deadlines here when confirmed.

Cohort 10 dates

Nomination deadlines, orientation, and Summer Intensive dates will be posted here when confirmed.

 

Nominations for Cohort 10

Nominations are not yet open. We’ll post the nomination form here when the next cycle begins.

For questions, contact applications@theupwardproject.org.