Question 1

Do I need prior mentorship or college access experience to become an Advising Fellow?

Accepted Answer

No. Matriculate does not expect Advising Fellows to have pre-existing experience. Whether you had a lot of support during your own college process or faced systemic challenges, both backgrounds are considered a good fit. Extensive training, resources, and staff support are provided throughout the role.

Question 2

What does the UC Berkeley Matriculate chapter actually look like as an organization?

Accepted Answer

The Berkeley chapter is a Matriculate Student Association (MSA), meaning it is an all-volunteer group of trained undergraduate Advising Fellows with no formal relationship between Matriculate (the national nonprofit) and UC Berkeley. Fellows are recruited, trained, and supported by Matriculate nationally.

Question 3

Are there leadership roles beyond being an Advising Fellow, and are they paid?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Matriculate has Head Advising Fellow, Advising Fellow Leadership Team, and National Advising Fellow Leadership Team roles. All leadership positions come with paid stipends, access to professional development, and 1:1 staff support.

Question 4

When do Advising Fellows actually start working with high school students?

Accepted Answer

Fellows are matched with high school students starting in the spring semester and advise them through their junior and senior years, a process that spans roughly 18 months.

Question 5

How flexible is the weekly time commitment given a full course load?

Accepted Answer

High School Fellow meetings are self-scheduled, so Fellows find times that work around their existing classes and commitments. The expected commitment is 4-6 hours per week during the school year.