Potential, Realized.
Questions about Hawk Advantage? Contact our Office of Admission to learn more.
Hawk Advantage students are enrolled in distinctive general education courses and have access to resources, guidance, and personalized assistance, including:
- Workshops in advanced study techniques
- Time management
- Academic strategies
These are all skills necessary to thrive and meet the demands of college-level coursework. Our unique support sets students up for success on day one—and beyond.
Program Details
Students are first admitted into their school/college and major area of study. We then will carefully review your application to determine if you would benefit from the Hawk Advantage program.
If you would like to increase your academic performance in areas such as writing, math, or science, you can also self-select to enroll in Hawk Advantage for applicable programs when applying to UHart.
Participation in the Hawk Advantage program includes general education courses. Its duration will vary depending on your program of study, and your needs.
Admission Information
When reviewing applications, UHart believes in a holistic approach. While a student’s GPA is important, it isn’t the only factor that can indicate potential success.
Our Admission counselors review each student's personal statement and letter of recomendations. They also take into consider what students are involved in outside of the classroom. Specific to that Hawk Advantage program, the admission team takes a close look at each applicant's math, writing, and science courses to determine if they would be a good fit for the program.
Why Hawk Advantage?
At UHart, we are committed to supporting you throughout your academic journey. The Hawk Advantage program sets you up for success and is included in your educational experience without additional costs.
Benefits Include:
- Small classes with a maximum of 15 students
- Guidance from a Hawk Advantage advisor and a First-Year Advisor from our Center for Student Success in your first year, before you transition to your major faculty advisor
- A Hawk Advantage study center with full-time staff and peer tutors who will offer academic strategy sessions and tutoring support
- A dedicated writing center that is led by Department of English and Modern Languages faculty
Frequently Asked Questions
On the application, students first select their desired major. Next students can indicate that they would like to be considered for the Hawk Advantage. Student can select the full program, which includes supports in math, writing and science, or students can select one or any combination of two.
All College of Arts & Sciences and Barney School of Business majors are eligible for the Hawk Advantage program. Select majors in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions and College of Engineering, Technology & Architecture qualify for the program. The Hawk Advantage provides academic courses for Hartford Art School and The Hartt School.
Yes, the Hawk Advantage program is available all four years. Typically, each semester students take a mix of general education, major and elective courses. Depending on your participation in the full or partial Hawk Advantage program and the sequence in which you take your courses you may finish the program sooner than four years, however supports are always available for Hawk Advantage students.
All students, regardless of their participation in the Hawk Advantage program are assigned a first-year advisor out of our Center for Student Success. Students take a one credit course with their first-year advisor, meeting with them weekly to help students acclimate to college academics and life. Hawk Advantage students receive additional support through the Hawk Advantage Program Director and Academic Support and Study Center. Once the student declares their major starting their sophomore year students are assignment a faculty advisor within their major’s department.
OPTING OUT
Students are able to opt-out of the Hawk Advantage program after completing at least one semester. Before opting out, students need to speak with their academic advisor. Depending on when a student decides to opt-out, they will need to meet a minimum GPA and credit requirements.
OPTING IN
Yes. If a student feels they need more academic support once they begin class they can opt-in to the Hawk Advantage program. Upon discuss with student’s academic advisor and Hawk Advantage program director, we would review student’s academic standing and potentially have the student take a placement exam to determine if a student could join the program.
If a student only requires additional support in one or two of the following areas, math, science, writing, then they would only take Hawk Advantage sections of general education courses in those specific academic areas.
The Hawk Advantage student profile purposefully varies. If you are student that thrives in a small environment for any reason, including but not limited to, having an IEP, learning disability, neurodivergent, mental health challenges, and would appreciate additional supports outside of the classroom, the Hawk Advantage is right for you.