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Residential Academic Programs (RAP) are designed specifically to help first-year students in their transition to college by offering unique living and learning opportunities. When students participate in a RAP they live with others who share similar academic interests or majors, and may take one or two of their courses and/or discussion sections together in their residential area. In collaboration with faculty from departments across the university, RAP has developed programs for students from any major as well as for students entering the university without a declared major.

Both on campus and nationally, students find that when they live and study together they do better academically, form lasting friendships, and have a more satisfying college experience. RAPs are very popular—in fact, almost half of all entering first-year students take part in one, and the retention rate for RAP students is significantly higher than for non-participants. Located in first-year residence halls, RAPs draw on the available upper class student staff, resources, and activities to support academic success. A current list and complete description of all RAPs is available on the RAP website rap.umass.edu.