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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Have you ever had a question about the Early Academic Outreach Program? Many others like you have. We have compiled the following list of frequently asked questions that we hope will help you be more informed about the Early Academic Outreach Program.

EAOP FAQ's

Who is eligible to participate in UC Davis EAOP?
To be eligible to participate in EAOP students must be in the 8th-10th grade* and must be enrolled in a school serviced by UC Davis EAOP. Additionally, the student must come from an economically and/or educationally disadvantaged background. Students should demonstrate interest and motivation in pursuing a college education and must have at least a 2.5 GPA.
*Students with junior standing are admitted at the discretion of the EAOP coordinator assigned to their school.
How is educationally and economically disadvantaged defined?
Educationally disadvantaged means that neither one of the applicant’s parents/guardians has graduated from a 4-year institution in the United States. Economically disadvantaged means the applicant’s family is eligible for free or reduced lunch according to the federal guidelines.
How much does the program cost?
EAOP is free to join and offers its services at little or no cost!
What are the benefits for joining EAOP?
Students in EAOP meet with their Regional Assistant Director (RAD) or Student Outreach Assistant (SOA) once a month in small groups to discuss the college going process and to acquaint students with concepts such as time-management, study-skills, financial planning, etc. The students will also meet with an EAOP representative on a one-on-one basis at least twice a year to discuss their progress in classes and to discuss on a personal level what the student can do to make them more competitively eligible for the university. EAOP offers a variety of weekend and summer enrichment programs to help supplement what students are learning in class, and to get students interested in different careers and areas of education. Finally, once a year EAOP students will be able to participate in practice tests for the SAT and/or ACT. Our test-preparation programs are offered at no cost to the students. In addition, EAOP participants also participate in college fairs and college-visits.
Why do you ask for the student’s social security number?
A student’s social security number is the best way for EAOP to follow our former students’ progress after they leave the program (if they go to college, where they go to college, etc.). All of that data is used in statistics which we present to the state legislature for funding. Including your child’s social security number is optional, but for the sake of our program’s data and research department we appreciate having it included on the application. The student does not need to have a social security number to apply to the EAOP.
Do colleges really care about EAOP and other Academic Preparation Programs?
Enrolling in an academic preparation program is a way for students show to perspective colleges how serious they are about higher education. The application for the admission into the University of California even includes a section for students to list any academic preparation programs they have participated in. Additionally, EAOP offers many enrichment programs which students can participate in and later can include in their personal statements and other areas of their applications. So, YES, colleges DO care about academic preparation programs like EAOP.
Who are the Student Outreach Assistants (SOAs)? What are their qualifications?
The Student Outreach Assistants (SOAs) are current students at UC Davis who provide services to students in EAOP. Our SOAs undergo a rigorous application process and are subject to a background check and DMV pull. Every year we have intensive training to instruct our SOAs in many aspects of our program, from curriculum to classroom management. All our SOAs come from unique and interesting backgrounds and most are interested in pursuing careers in education, have been participants in Academic Preparation Programs and/or are passionate about working with students to create a pipeline to college.
What are Enrichment Programs? What kinds of activities are offered?
Enrichment programs are programs offered through EAOP which either supplement what students are learning in school, or help students explore specific interests. We offer Algebra and Writing academies throughout the year to help students reinforce basic concepts and achieve higher levels of excellence in those subjects. We also host interest-specific programs such as the Health Careers Academy to help students with specific goals gain more hands-on experience in careers they are interested in. For more information about specific Enrichment Program offerings please contact our Enrichment Coordinator .
What is the student’s obligation to the program? What does the student need to do to stay in the program?
Students have a responsibility to attend monthly meetings and one-on-one sessions to maintain active status in our program. It is also essential that every student maintain a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) to stay enrolled in the program. Students must also participate in one of the offered test-preparation sessions offered at the UC Davis campus and at regional high school locations, and students are encouraged to participate in as many enrichment programs as they can.
What are the parents/guardians program expectations?
Parents are encouraged to attend occasional parent workshops and events. Parent workshops are designed to provide valuable information on college admissions requirements, financial aid, systems of higher education, strategies for supporting students, etc. Although parent events are not required, they are highly encouraged.
Does EAOP recruit for the University of California?
No, EAOP does not recruit for the University of California.. Although EAOP is a state-wide program that is based at the University of California campuses, EAOP’s goal is to help students achieve their higher education goals, whatever those goals may be. Many of our students enroll in the California State University, private colleges and universities, California Community Colleges, and vocational and trade schools.
Is my student guaranteed admission to a college by participating in this program?
EAOP empowers students with the information they need to achieve their higher education goals, but the implementation of that information is the responsibility of the student. We advise the students and we can suggest resources to help struggling students, but a student’s admittance to a college after high school is dependent on the student’s progress in high school and the fulfillment of eligibility requirements. Each student must work hard to achieve their own goals, EAOP is only a supplement to a student’s own individual efforts.
Does EAOP offer its student financial assistance or assistance with college applications?
EAOP does not provide financial assistance to its participants, however, EAOP assists students in searching and applying for financial aid opportunities. Students that demonstrate financial need also qualify for college application fee waivers.
Where do I apply?
Students interested in applying to EAOP should complete and submit an application. Students can also ask their school counselor for an EAOP application. Additionally, students interested in applying to EAOP should contact their EAOP representative at their school. Once the application is complete students should mail it along with a copy of their most current transcript to the EAOP Office or deliver to their school counselor or EAOP representative.