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Real Program student group photo

REAL Program

The Reaching Excellence in Academics and Leadership (REAL) Program, a selective, five-week academic and co-curricular orientation program for students who are first generation, high financial need, or from a background underrepresented in higher education (including asylees, refugees, and permanent residents) that are newly committed to attending the University of St. Thomas.

Founded in 1998, the REAL Program is designed to acquaint 16 students with campus life, resources and services, and to provide experience with college-level coursework. All participants will earn 5 credits by taking two college courses (FYEX 100 and HIST 112 – required for all students) at no cost! The program is offered to replicate a typical semester as a St. Thomas student.

REAL Program allows participants to interact in living and learning environments intended to help them become acclimated to the University before fall semester begins. The program has served 400+ students in its 24-year history, with most participants persisting to their second year at St. Thomas.

2025 REAL Program Dates: Sunday - June 22 to Saturday - July 26, 2025

Applications will open April 1, 2025

Deadline is May 5, 2025

Contact Us

Location
224 Anderson Student Center

Phone
(651) 962-6460

Fax
(651) 962-6465

Nayely Becerra Castillo
Associate Director of Retention and Student Success
bece8536@stthomas.edu

Learn about the Real Program

Register to attend a virtual session on:

Monday, March 24 (2025) – 7-8 PM
Wednesday, April 9 (2025) – 7-8 PM
Wednesday, April 23 (2025) - 7-8 PM

Costs and Compensation

All program costs are covered including room and board. The only cost to the students is the cost of the textbooks for their summer course.

REAL Program participants are also compensated with a small stipend that is distributed incrementally with completion of program requirements.

How to Apply

Postcards will be sent out April 1, 2025. Applications for REAL Program will become live at that time! Deadline to apply is May 5, 2025. As a part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a writing sample.

Learn About the REAL Program

to attend a virtual session and learn more about the REAL Program.

Dates:

  • Monday, March 24 (2025) – 7-8 PM
  • Wednesday, April 9 (2025) – 7-8 PM
  • Wednesday, April 23 (2025) - 7-8 PM

Schedule:

  • Introduction
  • Overview of the Program
  • Applications Overview
  • Student Panel
  • Q&A