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Eligibility and Services

Apply to KC Pathways Achievement Plus Program

Eligibility

Although no student is accepted at King's unless it is felt he or she can be successful, some students show, through their high school records and SAT/ACT scores, that they would more likely succeed if they utilized academic support services. The Achievement Plus Program (APP) is intended to serve full-time and transfer students who:

  • Have SAT or ACT scores or low high school GPA that do not attain achievement levels according to grade reports
  • Have low to average SAT scores while attempting a difficult curriculum (e.g., pre-med, physician assistant, education, athletic training, accounting)
  • Incoming placement testing places student in MATH 100 and/or ENGL 105
  • Are returning to college after several years' absence
  • Have a vocational or non-traditional rather than a college preparatory background
  • Are transferring from a two-year, post-secondary institution
  • Are an ESL student
  • Have a financial need

Financial Eligibility Guidelines

Students are eligible for the program when their resources for higher education are deemed to be limited. Financial eligibility is derived from the Student Aid Index (SAI) calculated from the student’s completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The student’s SAI must be not greater than 12,000 to qualify.

Services and Opportunities

Tutoring

APP Tutoring offers individualized and small groups to fit the student’s needs. The staff is comprised of trained peer tutors who provide our students with content-centered assistance to supplement classroom instruction, as well as faculty learning specialists. Participants in APP have first-choice preference for an individual tutor, when available. There is no fee for tutoring, and students may sign up for sessions online or by visiting the Academic Skills Center.

The Achievement Plus Learning Specialist is available on a one-to-one basis to enhance study skills and strengthen reading and writing abilities. Students may also attend the small group Learning Strategy Workshops facilitated by the learning specialist.

Counseling

Counseling is a fundamental ingredient of APP with individual and group sessions to help students realize education, career, and personal goals. APP staff partner with the College's Counseling Center, Office of Career Planning, and Office of Financial Aid to provide:

  • Onboarding for students entering King's College and the Achievement Plus Program
  • Assistance with career planning and decision-making
  • A one-credit career planning course
  • Workshops on academic and personal development issues
  • Personal counseling
  • Financial aid counseling

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance in the form of a King's College grant is available to APP students contingent upon eligibility as determined by the Office of Financial Aid. An active APP student has the potential to receive from $200 to $1,200 per year.

Lending Library

The APP Lending Library is available each semester for students to borrow textbooks in Core and high demand major classes. This is a free service that is first come, first served. Students can contact APP staff to request any book in the Lending Library Catalog.

 

Chi Alpha Epsilon

Chi Alpha Epsilon is the national honor society for students who are admitted to colleges and universities through developmental program pathways. The national organization was founded in 1990 to promote continued high academic standards, foster increased communication among its members, and honor academic excellence. The King's Alpha Lambda Chapter was established in 1999 and admits full-time junior and senior APP students who have achieved a 3.00 cumulative GPA for at least two consecutive semesters and have been an active participant in the program.

Members give back to the program through leadership and service. Membership enables students to take on a form of leadership in an academic setting such as tutoring, serving as a peer leader, or volunteering time at a local social service agency. Kelly Lettieri, Achievement Plus Director, is moderator of the society.

Peer Mentor Program

Peer Mentor Program matches first-year students with an upperclassman to help with the transition to college. This service is offered only during the summer bridge program. Incoming students meet weekly with their mentor to discuss summer classes, faculty expectations, anticipated major workload, campus resources, strategies for success.

Beginning Buddy Program

The Beginning Buddy Program connects incoming first-year students with current King’s College students to provide guidance as new students start their college career. This service is offered only to students who do not participate in the summer program. New students starting for the fall semester meet virtually or in-person at least three times in the summer prior to classes to discuss topics like academic workload, faculty expectations, and campus resources.