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What Is FastStart ??
FastStart is an intensive five-week learning experience designed for incoming UCR freshmen who aspire to medical and other science based careers. The program’s goal is to increase the number of disadvantaged students who pursue such careers and to provide the academic and social support needed to help students persist and succeed in their higher education goals.
 The key to a student’s success in pursuing a health science curriculum is directly related to performance in critical gateway classes, Math, Biology, and Chemistry. FastStart helps prepare disadvantaged students with the background and skills necessary to get off to a strong start in their college education.
FastStart is a wonderful introduction to campus life. You’ll experience the unique UCR atmosphere, become accustomed to university demands and resources, and bond with your future classmates in a small group setting. FastStart students live on campus in residence hall facilities. Students will have the opportunity to visit local hospitals and interact with medical professionals.
Program Benefits
Intense reinforcement of basics in Math, Biology, and Chemistry — the building blocks of a science-based career.
- Introduction to UCR campus life, academic demands, and resources.
- Bonding with other students who share your
academic goals.
- Program costs are covered by competitive
scholarships for disadvantaged students.
Note: FastStart does not replace student participation in Bear Facts, the UCR Orientation Program. FastStart applicants should attend one of the Bear Facts sessions.
The Purpose of FastStart
This five-week intensive program provides instruction in Math, Biology, and Chemistry, the important building blocks of a science curriculum. It also includes workshops in study skills, campus resources, ethics, and other enrichment opportunities. Perhaps most importantly, FastStart students receive critical mentoring from student staff, who provide academic and adjustment guidance.
“FastStart is a unique program that not only prepared me academically but more importantly gave me insight into what it would be like to pursue a career in health. The arduous program was a window into what college life would be like both socially and academically. The great part about this program is that I was able to not only learn the material that I needed to, but also form relationships with other FastStart members. These friendships make transitioning into college much easier and will last throughout my college career. FastStart is special in that it allowed me to make mistakes and learn from them before the school year started. All in all, FastStart is a great program for those who wish to pursue a career in health. ”
FastStart ‘07 student
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Since 1999, FastStart has served as the launching pad for more than 140 students embarking on the rigorous demands of a sciencebased curriculum. FastStart students have achieved success in their undergraduate years and gone on to medical school and other health science adventures.
“ Faststart taught me a year's worth of material in one rigorous month. It gave me the experience of living at a place outside of my home. The R.A's were helpful and the Professors were top notch. I've taken AP Chemistry as well as Honors Chemistry, but learned way more in Faststart than I did in high school. Lets just say this is a great investment and the best part is that it doesn't cost you a penny."
FastStart ‘07 student
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Who’s Eligible?
- Incoming UCR freshmen who aspire to medical and other science-based careers.
- Preference will be given to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
What You Can Expect
- Daily classes in Math, Biology and Chemistry.
- Daily study sessions and tutorials.
- Regular workshops in study skills, campus resources, ethics, and other enrichment opportunities.
- Hospital site and research lab visits, along with physician mentor activities.
- Intense bonding in a challenging and rewarding academic setting.
What We Expect From You
- Interest in a health science career - either through the UCR/UCLA Thomas Haider Program in Biomedical Sciences or through another path.
- Daily attendance at all classes, study sessions, workshops, and activities (including lunch). (The typical day lasts from 8:00 to 4:30, with nightly study halls and occasional evening activities.)
- Commitment to participate in all FastStart activities.
- Compliance with all Program rules and University regulations. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the Program.
Program Scholarships
All spaces in FastStart are awarded on a competitive scholarship basis. These scholarships cover all program costs, including room and board for students who choose to stay on campus, all instruction, and books. Students are responsible for their own transportation costs and all incidental expenses.
Students are expected to live on the UCR campus in a residence hall, and are are expected to participate in all FastStart activities.
FastStart is an intensive learning experience, complete with homework quizzes, and exams. We expect students to be involved in FastStart activities throughout every week day, from the start of the program until the end. There will also be occasional evening activities. Consequently, students should not have competing demands on their time.
For Incoming UCR Freshmen
Interested in
Health Science Careers
July 26 - August 28, 2009
Funded in part by grants from:
- The California Wellness Foundation
- The Shirinian/Kaloostian Fund for Disadvantaged Students
- Dr. & Mrs. John Lorentz
UCR/UCLA
Thomas Haider Program
in Biomedical Sciences
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA 92521-0121
Phone: 951-827-4334
Fax: 951-827-5504
Email: dayna
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FastStart 
