The Blazing Start program is a retention program aimed to provide students with the resources and support necessary to be successful in college. During the first year, our goal is to help participants build a foundation of academic excellence, encourage community and campus involvement, and develop an overall sense of accountability for their education.
Eligible students are first-time freshmen who graduated high school the same year as, or the year prior to, their first fall semester at UAB. Blazing Start is not available for students admitted for the spring or summer terms.
What Can I Expect from the Blazing Start Program?
Blazing Start was designed with the needs of first-year students at its core. As a participant in the program, you can expect to:
- Enroll in an appropriate full-time course load based on the guidance of the Blazing Start Academic Advisor
- Receive personalized support from the Blazing Start Freshman Success Coach
- Perform well academically through appropriate use of all campus resources
Can I Apply for the Blazing Start Program?
Students may not apply directly to the Blazing Start program. Once you have completed your Undergraduate Application for Admission, we will review your academic record and make our decision based on the information provided.
What Are My Next Steps After I am Admitted to the Blazing Start Program?
Once you are offered admission to the Blazing Start program, you must:
Step 1. Accept your offer of admission by the appropriate deadline (July 15), and
Step 2. Agree to the Blazing Start terms of agreement
To complete these steps, please Log into UAB Blazing Start to inform us of your decision.
Questions?
If you have any additional questions or would like to learn more about UAB’s Blazing Start program, please contact us at