Evelyn Fuentes is majoring in Business Management. She intends to graduate in 2025.
1. What led to your decision to attend college in Waltham at a private university?
When I was searching for colleges, I knew I was interested in studying business and had a
particular interest in entrepreneurship. I am from Maine and wanted to be somewhere that was close to home. I narrowed it down to a few schools, and once I went on my tour at Bentley and heard of all the extracurricular and professional opportunities they had, I really wanted to be a student there. My tour guide was also very helpful in answering any questions I had.
2. Can you describe what kind of support/communities exist for minority students at
Bentley University? In what ways can a student of Color find her niche at Bentley University? Feel supported?
Bentley has a wide variety of cultural organizations and clubs on campus. There is a 3
day pre-orientation program called the MOSAIC experience. It introduces first year
students of color to the many student support organizations and resources on campus.
Our orientation program also helps new students feel welcome and at home on the
Bentley campus. For first year housing, new students have an option to enroll in what
Bentley calls “Defined Communities”. These areas are designated for students who have
an interest or connection in a specific area like the Arts community, FirstGen community,
Future Entrepreneurs community, and more. Student live on the same floor and have an
opportunity to connect with individuals who have similar interests. Also, there is a
program at Bentley called the FirstGeneration Presidential Fellows. It is a leadership
development program where students get guidance on a variety of things ranging from
networking and professionalism to advice on how to navigate college. This program
covers the full cost of attendance if you are selected. And there’s no extra application
process – all first generation applicants are automatically considered. Overall professors
and staff who work at Bentley are very helpful and willing to answer any questions
students have. I’m a first-generation student and have received support with advising,
academics, and planning for future internships.
3. What advice do you have for Juniors and Seniors in high school who want to attend
Bentley and...
a. ...are not familiar with Waltham, MA?
Bentley’s location is great because we are so close to Boston and have free
transportation available for us to get there. There is a shuttle that runs from
Bentley’s campus to Harvard Square throughout the day. We can then take
public transportation Into Boston. There’s also lots of good places to eat in the
Waltham area that you can easily walk to or take the Falcon Flyer shuttle to.
b. ...will be seeking financial aid support?
Financial aid counselors are available during the application process as well as
when you become a student. They can help explain the application process and
how financial aid packages work. All students are assigned a financial aid
counselor who advises about their specific financial aid situation. The Bentley
financial aid staff works individually with each student to find the most affordable
options available to them.
c. … want their application to stand out?
Make an effort to reach out to the undergraduate admission counselors. They
have their contact information on the website and are friendly and open to
answering any questions. Students should reach out and schedule an interview
to learn more about the student experience on campus. It’s also a chance to get
your questions answered and discuss your high school grades and interests.
4. What are some of Bentley University's most notable programs?
Bentley is most known for our top business programs, but students can also choose to
double major with liberal arts programs, or even double minor. There are lots of
interesting majors and minors like Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Computer
Information Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Psychology, Diversity Equity and Inclusion
and more. Also, our study abroad programs are notable since we have wide variety of
opportunities where students can travel outside of the US. We also have a fourth credit
Service-Learning program which is the community service center on campus. Students
can get additional credit by doing community service once a week and connecting it with
their course work.
5. What advice would you offer a student who is considering attending Bentley University but is on the fence about it?
I would say Bentley is an incredible university with so many opportunities. They guide students professionally while also creating a safe space for them to pursue all their specific interests. The student body is also what makes Bentley so special. Students are driven, friendly, and open to learning. Because there are so many organizations, students are bound to find friends and build strong connections on campus.
6. One word to describe a Bentley University student?
Driven
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