The University of Puerto Rico recognizes that it can play an important role in the education of Hispanic students who, though highly interested in reacquainting themselves with the Spanish language and with their Hispanic roots, are not quite prepared to embark on an academic program offered fully in Spanish. Thus, to a limited number of students we offer the opportunity to participate in our special Bilingual Initiative for Hispanic Students, through which they will be able to complete a first year of general education under faculty that is fluent in English and though teaching in Spanish will be willing to offer individual help in English to the Bilingual Initiative students. This program is conceived as a one-year transitional program that will prepare students to be mainstreamed with other UPR-Cayey students.
The advantages offered to students who participate in this program include:
- The waiver of all application fees.
- An exemption from the non-resident tuition fees, thus offering participants the same low rates paid by residents of Puerto Rico: $40 per credit-hour, plus an annual maintenance fee of $141 and medical insurance fees ($594 for the basic coverage; $1,302 for full coverage including prescription drugs) and a technology fee of $75 per year.
- Housing location services to ensure the availability of quality affordable housing for participants.
- A first year of general education courses in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences, offered with individual help in English to the Bilingual Initiative students.*
- During the first semester, as a part of the Basic Spanish course, a special workshop will be offered in writing in Spanish (ESPA 0021). If the number of participants allows, students in this program will be grouped in a special section of Basic Spanish (ESPA 3101).
- If the number of participants allows, a specially designed intensive course in Spanish with a strong immersion experience in Puerto Rican culture.
- Participation-if qualified-in the Financial Aid Programs administered by the University.
- Academic support systems designed to enhance student success.
- Sections offered in English will depend on the number of students admitted to the Initiative. In any case, students will receive individualized academic support services, including help with the development of their language skills in Spanish.
Admission to the University of Puerto Rico is based on the following criteria:
- Graduation from an accredited high school, or GED, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) offered by The College Board. The minimal scores required vary according to the program to which the student intends to apply:
- A minimal SAT score of 1,080 for the Business and Humanities programs.
- A minimal SAT score of 1,180 for the Education and Social Science programs.
- A minimal SAT score of 1,280 for all Natural Science programs.
- Although not used as admissions criteria, students applying for the Bilingual Initiative for Hispanic Students are required to take the following SAT II Achievement Tests: English (Literature or Writing), Mathematics - Level IC or Level IIC, and Spanish (Reading).
How to Apply
Interested students are invited to complete an application on line at http://estudiantes.upr.edu . Simply go to Bilingual Initiative . There you will start the process of applying for admission. Is important to specify on application type "Bilingual Initiative Applicant ". Also, they must request that The College Board SAT Program submits the results of the tests specified above directly to the University of Puerto Rico . Applicants must also request that their high schools send official copies of their transcripts to the University. All documents must be mailed to:
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
Admission's Office
205 Antonio R. Barceló Avenue
Cayey PR 00736
BILINGUAL INITIATIVE FOR HISPANIC STUDENTS
University of Puerto Rico
Office of Students
PO Box 364984
San Juan, PR 00936-4948
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