Feature Stories 2024: UMass Dartmouth attracts top achievers: Why they chose UMassD

UMass Dartmouth welcomes a new class of academically exceptional students, many of whom excelled at the top of their high school classes. Incoming students expressed their excitement and goals for the future, as well as the reasons they chose UMassD for their college education.

Jacob Coutu, engineering

Jacob went to Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, where he graduated in the top 5 of his class. He was part of the National Honors Society, and received the President’s Award of Academic Excellence and the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship.

“I am not too sure what I want to do in the future, but I know I want to help the people and be a voice for them, including those who are often underrepresented or unheard, such as veterans or the poor.”

“As someone going for engineering, UMass Dartmouth’s status as a tier 1 research institution appealed to me. I am looking forward to my time at UMass Dartmouth, becoming more independent, furthering my education, and meeting new people.”

Dominic Deoliveira, political science (pre-law)

Dominik graduated from Atlantis Charter High School as valedictorian. He participated in multiple sports, including football (captain) and baseball.

“I chose UMass Dartmouth because of its affordable price and location close to my home. I had also heard about the Law 3+3 program and was interested.”

“I hope to continue on to UMass Law and become a lawyer.”

Laryssa Desouza, biochemistry

In high school, Laryssa was third in her class and received national honors for every year she attended Atlantis Charter High School. She also participated in other activities, including playing for the school’s volleyball team.

“I chose UMass Dartmouth because the education level here is of a private school for the price of a public school, and it’s closer to home so I can still be with my family every day.”

“With my major, I plan on pursuing a career as an orthodontist.”

Jane Kostka, mathematics

Jane graduated as salutatorian from Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School. She was a part of the National Honor Society and participated in the Latin and French clubs. She won the Magna Cum Laude award from the National Latin Exam and was a National Merit Scholar, and also volunteers at a local equine therapy center once a week.

“I went on a tour at UMassD and was really impressed with the campus. I already knew that I wanted to go to a relatively small, but still academically rigorous, school and UMassD checked all the boxes.”

Jane plans to add art history as a second major. “I hope to use my majors to work in a museum in the future.”

Faiza Rahaman, computer science

Faiza graduated from the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School as the valedictorian. She also participated in business professionals of America and won third place state finalist when competing in Microsoft Excel. She was in the National Honor Society and garnered a total of 60 community service hours.

“I chose UMassD because it was the most affordable option for me and it is also within commutable distance from my home. UMassD is additionally known for its excellent computer science program and renowned college of engineering, and I wanted to have the best education possible for my major. UMassD also has a diverse and welcoming community. As a South Asian and Muslim woman, this made the college seem more appealing to me”

“I hope to become a software engineer after graduating.”

Julia Ribbon, nursing

Julia graduated from Atlantis Charter High School with high honors, placing 4th in her grade. She participated in activities and was team captain of multiple sports, including soccer and basketball.

“I chose UMass Dartmouth because I come from a small high school, and I wanted to go to a relatively smaller college with a community.”

“I hope to become a traveling nurse.”

This story was written by Shailyn Bacchiocchi '25, Professional Writing and Communication Master's student.

I went on a tour at UMassD and was really impressed with the campus. I already knew that I wanted to go to a relatively small, but still academically rigorous, school and UMassD checked all the boxes.