What does Rap mean and what are the benefits of it
does it cost extra
It is Residential Academic Program. https://www.umass.edu/rap/
Doesn’t cost extra. Benefits are living with people with similar interests, getting to take a small class with people you live near, knowing what dorm you’ll be assigned to so you won’t have to take chances. Basically having a smaller community within the larger school.
Thank you. But is it worth or a waste of time (those small classes)
Well, those smaller classes are usually classes in your area of interest/major. The classes themselves will be relatively close to where you’ll be living and it’ll give you a chance to create a closer relationship with a profession in said major. It’s really up to you if you feel that it’s worth it or not. Most freshmen will agree that joining a RAP will be more beneficial than not. Mostly because RAPs usually have study groups that actually are quite helpful for when you just want to study with some friends. Also, the sense of community in a RAP can help you not feel so lost in such a big school. However, that’s not to say that you’ll be stuck in some type of “clique” either. Some RAPs (such as the Isenberg RAP) also require you to room with a RAP-mate as well. In the end, I would say that unless you already have a specific roommate and doming area that you want to live in, then joining a RAP would be a good idea.
Just a tid-bit of information but, roughly 40% of Freshmen are in a RAP.
Also at least some non-majors RAP classes should count towards a GenEd requirement. Students have to take those anyway. Of course if you already have the requirement filled via AP credit then it might not be the best option to do that RAP.
Thank you very much