• Work with and learn from world-class faculty and researchers
• Gain experience in evaluating real data sets as a part of conducting lab research
• Investigate a question related to the lab’s research and develop a poster to present at a poster session
• Participate in journal clubs, guest lectures, and networking events
• Make lifelong friends with students from all over the world

• Improved ability to interpret, use and analyze real experimental data
• Increased understanding of and comfort working with a rigorous laboratory and research team
• Research poster and lab notes for future applications
• Refined verbal and written communication skills from participating in a poster session and in-depth conversations with other researchers
• Enhanced understanding of college-level research

Check out this link for full lab placement descriptions.

2023 Lab Placements

Discovery Pathology for Infectious Research (Commuter Only)
Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
Principal Investigator: Professor Amanda Martinot

Mozaffarian Research Lab
Biomedical and Nutrition Sciences, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy
Principal Investigator: Dean Dariush Mozaffarian

Nutrition Exercise Physiology and Sarcopenia Laboratory
Biomedical and Nutrition Sciences, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging
Principal Investigator: Roger Fielding

Development of Identity and Community Engagement
Child Study and Human Development, School of Arts & Sciences
Principal Investigator: Professor Sara K. Johnson

Orientation

Residential orientation will take place Sunday evening and be hosted by our housing staff. All program orientations will begin on the Monday of the program start. During this required orientation, we will review the overall program schedule, discuss policies and safety, and answer questions. Staff will be on-hand to address any issues. Check-in for residential students is on Sunday preceding program start - please see the 'Residential Student' dropdown for more information.

Program Format

The morning block of time in the program (9:00am-3:00pm ET each day) will be mentored research with the student’s home laboratory. During this time, students will be introduced to and participate in research happening in the lab and will be fully integrated into the research team with activities including team meetings and presentations - an incredible opportunity to interact with world-class researchers. Mentors will guide students in understanding the ongoing scientific inquiry and will work with the students on interpreting journal articles related to that research. Throughout the program, students will work with their mentors and PIs to build their research skills and interpret and extrapolate on real experimental data. Where possible, each student will be able to complete a research project they design with their mentor. All of this learning will culminate in the student producing a poster about their lab’s research to be presented at the program’s virtual poster session at the end of each term.

In the afternoons, students will participate in a variety of activities to supplement and prepare them for their mentored research:

• Journal Clubs: begin to distill critical information from previously published scientific research through weekly meetings led by a program Classroom Assistant (CA). Journal clubs are designed to prepare students to interpret data and published scientific research, including being able to answer the following types of questions:
  • Problem - what is the problem? why is this needed?
  • Significance - why do we/public care?
  • Approach - what technique(s) did they use?
  • Results - what were their major conclusions?
  • Analysis - what did you think about the results, techniques etc.? do you find them reliable?
  • Figure Interpretation - what was the best figure that helped you come to this conclusion?
• Library Seminars: learn the practical skills necessary for conducting database research, illustrating data, poster design tips and tricks … and more! Students may also use this time to conduct database research on their own and begin working on their research posters.
• Guest Presentations: hear from Tufts faculty, post-doctoral scholars, and senior members of Tufts' administration about their research, career path, experience in the field of research and their current research. Plenty of time will be allowed for Q&A.
• Networking Sessions: students will have the opportunity to informally discuss their ongoing research with their peers and program CAs.

Poster Session & Closing Ceremony

One of the highlights of our program is the opportunity for each student to develop a poster on a research question being investigated in their lab. The student's mentor will help them develop this poster, a critical skill for any researcher. At the end of each term, all of our students will display their posters at a Poster Session with the opportunity to explain their research and answer the questions of their peers, researchers, and scientists from across the University. Parents and/or guardians will be invited to attend the Closing Ceremony. The Ceremony will occur on the last day of the program, and will conclude by 2pm. Exact details and invitations will be forthcoming.

P​​​​​​lease note: The below represents a sample schedule based on our best expectations for the in-person iteration of this program. The schedule is subject to change as we continue to develop the program to be as meaningful as possible for our students.

The Tufts Summer Research Experience will conclude by 2pm on 8/11/2023 with a Final Research Symposium for students, parents, guardians, and participating lab personnel. 

Materials

No materials apart from what is requested from your Principle Investigator and lab will be necessary for participation in this program. 

Other Requirements

Accessing Tufts Email

• Critical university emails will go to your Tufts email address. You can access your Tufts email through a web‐based email reader used to manage your Tufts email. It includes calendar and contact management tools as well. You must read Tufts University email, since this is the primary way that the university will send you information about registration and payment. Access Tufts Exchange via this link.

Social Activities

Many programs are also planning their own program-specific activities, often thematically relevant to the program content itself. Look out for these activities in the program description above and in the information provided after you enroll!

Residential 

Tufts Pre-College Programs staff is developing a series of social activities throughout the program so that students can meet each other across programs and so that students can participate outside of program hours. These programs include both on campus and weekend excursions throughout the city of Boston.  In the past activities have included Duck Tours, movie night, soccer, Guest speakers from a variety of disciplines, Lunch & Learns on topics such as goal setting, financial literacy and stress management, as well as Trivia Nights, Wellness Courses, and much more!  Confirmed social activity details will be provided closer to program start. 

Virtual

Virtual students will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of virtual social engagements with students from different modalities of program. Students will have an opportunity to sign up for these events one week prior to the event start.

Safety & Campus Access

University Facilities

Students will have full access to the university’s facilities including the libraries, computer lab and student center. Students will also have full access to Tufts’ Steve Tisch Sports and Fitness center, featuring racquet courts, a swimming pool and cardio and weight-training equipment.

In addition, SMFA Studio Art Intensive students will have access to supervised studios and resources including, the W.Van Alan Clark Library, the media stockroom (where you can borrow any equipment necessary for your art), the School Store, the computer lab. See more details about our studios.

Health & Wellness

Tufts works hard to ensure the health and well-being of all of its students. Once accepted to the program, Tufts will ask all students to submit information related to their health and will collect details regarding allergies and accessibility concerns. Tufts and Residential Life staff will work together to ensure students’ routine medical needs are met.

Tufts also has procedures in-place for students with urgent or emergency needs, illnesses, or injuries. Our procedures combine on-campus and hospital-based care depending on the nature and severity of the issue. A student’s emergency contact will be notified, if one is provided, in the event of an issue. Please see our Health & Wellness Services page for additional information.

In any type of health & wellness emergency, students should immediately contact Tufts University Police at (617) 627-6911.

Please note: medical fees of any kind will be billed to the student and are not included in program fees.

Campus Security

Tufts University is considered very safe among U.S. college campuses. Although crime on campus is unusual, we do have an open campus in a major metropolitan area and we expect our students to exercise good judgment and responsibility as they navigate the campus. Tufts University maintains its own police department, on the job 24 hours a day, if an emergency arises. Each location is equipped with an emergency blue light phone system and residence halls require a current and valid Tufts ID card for entry and a mechanical key for access to bedrooms. Emergency processes and protocol will be reviewed during orientation.

For more information, please visit our Campus Safety page

COVID-19

To ensure the safety of our Pre-College students, we are closely monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, and following local, state, and federal guidance as it pertains to our Pre-College programming.

Please see University College's COVID-19 page for specific information regarding Pre-College COVID-19 policies and procedures.

Tufts University is not only a leading institution of higher education and academic research, but it is leading the nation in terms of higher education's response to our public health crisis.

For more information about Tufts' response and action planning regarding COVID-19: Please visit Tufts University's COVID-19 information.

Tufts takes the safety of its students seriously. All programs are staffed with resources appropriate to care for the size and nature of the program. Tufts makes reasonable efforts to secure background checks and to provide Title IX training to every staff person responsible for students in its Pre-College Programs.

Students are required to attend all elements of the program schedule and any expected absences must be communicated to program staff in advance. Tufts takes the safety of its students very seriously. As such, our current policy for Pre-College students states that students cannot be in a lab or leave campus during their program without the supervision of a staff member or explicit parental permission received through official processes.

Some elements of our supervision plan vary depending on how the student is interacting with our campus. Below is a brief overview of where to find information about this. Please note that not all programs offer Residential/Commuter/Virtual options, but the below applies when they do:

• Residential Students: safety in the dorms is also paramount. Please see the Residential Students section below for more information about how our Residential Life program is staffed.
• Commuter Students: the commute to campus and time outside of the program will not be monitored by program staff, although the Tufts University Police Department and other safety protocols (in which students will be trained) are available to Tufts community members at all times. Detailed information about traveling to each of our campuses, including details on parking, can be found here. Please check the course list if you do not know the campus on which your course meets. Please note: commuter students are not permitted to enter any residence halls on campus. 
• Virtual Students: students are required to attend all elements of the program schedule and any expected absences must be communicated to program staff in advance. Tufts takes the safety of its students very seriously, even in the virtual environment. Students who enroll will receive more information about our virtual safety protocols.

Check-in

Check-in will begin at 9am on the first Sunday of the program (or Monday, 7/3, for Tufts College Experience & Tufts Summer Research Experience). Students are welcome to arrive on campus and check in on Sunday between 9am and 5pm, between the hours of 12pm and 3pm if arriving by car. During check in, room assignments will be distributed and students will have the opportunity to meet their Residential Coordinator (RC) and roommates and unpack.

For students arriving from out of town on their program's arrival day between 9am and 5pm, there is a shuttle service from the airport and train/bus station for students arriving from out of state. All details about arrival and departure travel will be communicated after you have been admitted to the program.

Students arriving outside of the specified window should be in-touch with us to discuss what accommodations can be arranged. While we make reasonable efforts to accommodate students who need to arrive early or depart late, we cannot guarantee the same services will be available to students arriving or departing outside of the specified windows.

Residential Life

Residential Students will get the full Tufts University experience by living on-campus in one of Tufts' Undergraduate dorms! Rooms are air-conditioned with 24/7 security and hospitality; accessible rooms may be available upon request.

Bedrooms will be doubles on a common hall. Halls are divided by gender and age and students are grouped into smaller communities known as Resident Advisor groups. Roommates and RA groups are determined based on the pre-program housing questionnaire and taking into account age and geographic diversity. Full bedding and towels will be provided and will be replaced weekly. Wi-Fi is available throughout campus.

Resident Coordinators (RCs) will live on each hall and will work to create a strong, supportive residential community. A Resident Coordinator's role is to support students in every aspect of their summer experience while serving as a mentor and active leader. 

The residence hall is secured at all times and students are required to use a current, valid Tufts ID card for entry into the building. Each individual dormitory room is secured with either a mechanical or digital lock.

A dedicated residential staff oversees student safety during the entirety of the program. Students are honor bound to follow clear safety protocols whether on campus or in the city, and are required to use the buddy system during free time. Tufts takes the safety of its students seriously. All programs are staffed with resources appropriate to care for the size and nature of the program. Tufts makes reasonable efforts to secure background checks and to provide Title IX training to every staff person responsible for students in its Pre-College Programs.

See our policy section for additional information and please do not hesitate to contact us with questions and concerns.

Residential Staff

Residential staff will support students as they adjust to living in a dormitory and being responsible members of a summer program community. The residence staff will include a director, senior staff and one resident advisor for every ten students. Prior to the program, residence staff will be trained to lead student groups, manage student conflict and resolution and oversee all safety aspects on program. They will begin the program well prepared to meet the needs of all Tufts Pre-College Program students.

Dining

Residential program fees include three meals per day and brunch / dinner on Sundays. All meals on the Medford/Somerville campus will be at Dewick-MacPhie Dining Center, conveniently located a few minutes from student housing. Dewick-MacPhie provides a wide variety of menu choices, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and an organic salad bar. All meals on the Boston Fine Arts (SMFA), Boston Health Sciences, or Grafton campuses will be provided through boxed lunches or by Tufts staff. Tufts staff will also provide meals for program related activities taking place off-campus. Tufts dining is able to accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences. Please advise us of dietary needs during the application process.

Activities & Trips

We want your summer to be fun too! It is summer after all! Residential Life staff will be planning trips and activities throughout the summer that will allow students to make friends, build relationships, and relax from the world-class academic work they will be doing in the classroom.

Daily Activities

Daily activities might include ice cream socials, midnight pancakes, trips to local coffee houses for poetry readings, lectures around campus, visits to Davis Square, etc. The cost of most of these activities will be included, however incidentals like coffee at the coffee house or public transportation fares for an optional activity will not be covered by the program.

Many programs are also planning their own program-specific activities, often thematically relevant to the program content itself. Look out for these activities in the program description above and in the information provided after you enroll!

Trips

Examples of past weekend trips include excursions to Six Flags New England, Crane Beach in Ipswich, downtown Boston, the Museum of Fine Arts, Duck Boat tours, Charles River Cruises, and more! Please note that weekend trips vary from year to year and these are only examples of the kinds of trips this program might include.The cost of any such excursions (including transportation, entrance fees, regularly scheduled meals, and supervision) is included in the cost of the program, although souvenirs, extra food, and other incidentals is not.

Note: We are closely monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, and following local, state, and federal guidance as it pertains to our residential programming. Information below is subject to change as the situation develops.

Commuting to the Program

We know that for some students, living on campus is not the best option. We welcome you to our program! For commuter students, the program will begin at 8:45am on the first Monday of the program with an orientation and end at 2:00pm on the last Friday of the program with a closing event. Saturdays and Sundays are not program days and commuter students are not expected on campus on these days. During each day of the program, commuter students should arrive on campus at 8:45am, and proceed directly to their program's location. SFMA Studio Art students have the option to meet at Medford and take the bus to SMFA, or meet at the SMFA campus. Students must depart from campus by 6:00pm at the latest, though students may leave at the end of their afternoon sessions at 5:00pm on most days. Students remaining on campus past 6:00pm, arriving before 8:45am, or on non-program days will not be under the care of program staff (parents accept responsibility)

Commuter students and their parents are responsible for ensuring their student travels to and from campus safely and on time each day. Detailed information about traveling to the Medford / Somerville campus and the Boston Fine Arts campus, including details on parking, can be found here.

Please note: commuter students are not permitted to enter any residence halls on campus. Breakfast / dinner are not provided for these students.

Dining

Students can purchase breakfast or dinner onsite with credit card, debit card, cash, or JumboCash. All meals on the Medford/Somerville campus will be at Dewick-MacPhie Dining Center, conveniently located a few minutes from student housing. Dewick-MacPhie provides a wide variety of menu choices, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and an organic salad bar. All meals on the Boston Fine Arts (SMFA), Boston Health Sciences, or Grafton campuses will be provided through boxed lunches or by Tufts staff. Tufts staff will also provide meals for program related activities taking place off-campus. Tufts dining is able to accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences. Please advise us of dietary needs during the application process.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the unique nature of each of our Pre-College Programs, virtual opportunities for our programs will vary and this program has not yet defined its specific Virtual opportunities. We have outlined below what a sample version of the Virtual experience would be like. Please check back for updates regarding the details of your Pre-College Program's Virtual options.

Technical Needs

Students will need access to the following in order to participate in this program:

• Computer: either a Mac or PC with the following
  • Mac - running at least OS 10.6 (Snow Leopard) 
  • PC - running Windows 7/8/10. Users on Windows 10 will have to download the Windows 10 Anniversary Update.
• Smart Phone: any phone capable of accessing social media platforms like Instagram
• Internet Access: A reliable, high-speed (cable or broadband) internet connection is required. Students are expected to log into Zoom and Canvas and to check email daily, and will need regular and reliable access to the internet.
  • If you do not have reliable access to internet, programs may have internet hotspots available for students with demonstrated financial need. While this cannot be guaranteed, and supplies may be limited, please check with your program for availability. 
• Web Camera: either integrated into your computer or external, set-up and working
• Web Browser: one of the following browsers updated for the latest updates: 
  • Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge, and Safari.
• Software*: programs capable of
  • ​Reading and creating word documents, spreadsheets, or powerpoint files (e.g., Microsoft Office, Open Office, or Google Docs)
  • Reading PDFs (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader)

              *software may vary by program

We will provide you will access to other software that is required for your program for the duration of your program. As long as you have technology that meets the above requirements, you should have no trouble accessing the software. Depending on the program, this software may include Zoom and Canvas.

Trial Run: Getting Connected

Most programs will send software in advance with instructions to complete a trial-run before the program begins. We will also use orientation time to ensure everyone is connected and comfortable! 

Getting Help/Support

First, please try contacting the Pre-College staff at 617-627-2926.

If they cannot answer your question, they will pass you along to our technical support team who is available 24x7 to students who are actively enrolled in a program.

Tufts Research Experience is a highly competitive program that fills up quickly. We highly recommend applying as early as possible. This program also offers F-1 Visas for eligible students -- please see the 'International Students' section below for more information.

*Update 3/21/2023: Due to overwhelming interest, applications for this program have now closed for Summer 2023.*

*Applications submitted after the payment deadline will require payment in full on admission to hold their seat.

* Admission is granted on a rolling basis and a wait list for seats may begin before Deadline for All Materials. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in this program. ^ Includes weekends and holidays.

* NOTE: Application and materials are due by February 15 or May 1 for TSRE and AVM. Applicants will be notified of their admission decision within 10 days of those dates. If application materials (i.e. transcript or recommendation/evaluation letter) are submitted after these dates, you may be notified of your admission decision at the next application deadline. All other programs have rolling admissions, with a final application deadline of May 1.

Program Eligibility

General Requirements

• Current high school grades 11-12
• Must be age 16 by the first day of the program

Residential Students

Students electing to live in the dorms or to attend a residential program must be at least 15 at the start of the program and no older than 19 before the program end date.

International Students

International students are welcome to apply to and attend.  Tufts Summer Research Experience is F-1 eligible.  Upon admission, you will be able to request a Form 1-20 to begin your visa application process.  More information here.

Non-Native English Speakers

If you indicate that English is not your primary language, you will be asked to submit evidence of English Language proficiency. Please see our "How to Apply" page for details.

Application Requirements

Step 1: Complete an Online Application 

The online application will ask you for the following information:

• Basic personal information, including parents/guardians and emergency contact (if you are under 18, we will contact a parent for permission to enroll)
• Program preferences (e.g., whether you would like to be a residential or commuter student)
• Up to 3 lab preferences, indicating your order of preference
  • Please note that students indicating only 1 lab are not typically considered for additional labs if their first choice is unavailable
  • For each lab preference, you will need to submit one 250-word statement describing your interest in that specific lab
• One 250-word Personal Statement describing your research experience and your interest in research
• Contact information for 1 individual to submit a Letter of Recommendation - this individual can be a teacher, counselor, or mentor. We will contact this individual on your behalf
• Test scores - optional, unless you must submit scores as evidence of English proficiency
• Warrants and signatures

If you need to log back into this application after starting, click here: return to my application.

Step 2: Upload Your High School Transcript

During your application process, you will be asked to provide us with contact information for an official from your high school. They will receive an email with further instructions to upload your transcript. Transcripts must be submitted by a school official.

Step 3: Parental Consent and Letter of Recommendation

As a part of your application, you will be asked to provide contact information for both a parent/guardian and a recommender. Once you submit your application, our systems will automatically email the parent/guardian and recommender you listed in the application with instructions for how to fill out the online permission or recommendation form.

Please note your application will not be considered submitted and review of your application will not begin until the materials from Step 2 and Step 3 have been received by Tufts Pre-College Programs.

Pre-College Admissions Decision

Once an applicant has submitted an application and all required admissions documents are received, the applicant will be considered for admission by the Tufts Pre-College Programs review committee for the specific program(s) to which they applied.

For the majority of our programs (aside from Tufts Summer Research Experience and Adventures in Veterinary Medicine), decisions are made on a rolling basis and students will typically receive an official email informing them of their admissions status within 10 business days of Tufts receiving all required materials. If you do not receive your email within two weeks of all materials being submitted, please contact us at precollege@tufts.edu or 617-627-2926.

For Tufts Summer Research Experience (TSRE) and Adventures in Veterinary Medicine (AVM) programs, application and materials are due by February 15 or May 1. Applicants will be notified of their admission decision within 10 days of those dates. If application materials (i.e. transcript or recommendation/evaluation letter) are submitted after these dates, you may be notified of your admission decision at the next application deadline. All other programs have rolling admissions, with a final application deadline of May 1. 

Disclaimer: This program is not related to Tufts University Undergraduate Admissions. Participation in this program does not result in admission to a Tufts University degree program. Tufts reserves the right to admit as requested, to deny admission, or to offer provisional admission. The program will not provide feedback to applicants if admission is denied

Post-Enrollment Materials

Admitted students must do the following prior to the start of the program:

• A $550 deposit must be received within 10 days of admission^ until the payment deadline of May 15th or until the program fills, at which time enrollment is secured only by full tuition payment
  • ^ Days count includes weekends and holidays
• Complete all enrollment forms and/or follow-up requests prior to the stated deadline

Should the above not be completed prior to the stated deadlines, the student will be automatically withdrawn from the program.

Other Key Financial Policies

Refund Policies - COVID

Billing & Payment Policies

All Policies

Program Fees - Summer 2023

Commuter Program Fee: $8,000

• Includes: all program activities, use of select campus facilities, included program and residential excursions and daily activities, staff-accompanied airport transfer during specified windows.
• Excludes: residential accommodations, breakfast/dinner/weekend meals, airfare/transportation to and from home city or residence, courses and activities shown to have an extra fee, laundry, spending money, souvenirs, meals eaten away from program, trip cancellation insurance, medical insurance, required vaccinations, medical and dental expenses, any non-program-related transportation needs, and anything not explicitly stated above.

Residential Program Fee: $11,250

• Includes: all program activities, various materials for use in labs and skills-building activities, room, 3 meals per day (brunch / dinner on Sundays), use of select campus facilities, included program and residential excursions and daily activities, bed linens, pillow and towels, 24-hour residential care and support, staff accompanied airport transfer during specified windows.
• Excludes: airfare/transportation to and from home city, courses and activities shown to have an extra fee, laundry, spending money, souvenirs, meals eaten away from program, airport transfers outside of specified windows, trip cancellation insurance, medical insurance, required vaccinations, medical and dental expenses, any non-program-related transportation needs, and anything not explicitly stated above.

Virtual Program Fee: $7,500

• Includes: all program activities, PI mentorship, opening/closing events, poster session, lab notebook, included daily activities
• Excludes: anything not explicitly stated above.

Non-Refundable Program Deposit: $550

• A pre-payment on program fees is required to reserve space in the program within 10 business days of admission to the program
• This deposit will be applied toward program fees and is not an additional fee
• The balance of payment for program fees is due upon notification of charges, and no later than May 15
• This deposit is non-refundable in the event of withdrawal from the program

Materials Fee: $200

Health Fees - TBA

Health Insurance: TBD, only if evidence of U.S.-based health insurance valid for the entire duration of the program is not presented (Summer 2022: $174.25)

• Coverage Dates: TBD
• Students carrying sufficient, U.S.-based health insurance valid for the entire duration of the program do not need to pay this fee
• All high school students enrolled in Tufts Pre-College Programs must carry U.S.-based health insurance valid for the entire duration of the program
• Students will be asked to provide evidence of sufficient insurance during the enrollment process. If your student has sufficient insurance, no further action will be necessary
• Those who do not have sufficient insurance will be automatically enrolled in and billed for a qualifying plan for the duration of the program. If evidence of qualifying insurance is presented by June 15, we will reverse the insurance enrollment and charges.

Vaccinations: TBD, only if evidence of required vaccinations is not presented (Summer 2022: $50-$185 per vaccine)

• Students who can demonstrate that all required vaccinations were received prior to the program start date do not need to pay these fees
• All high school students enrolled in Tufts Pre-College Programs must show evidence of required vaccinations during the enrollment process. If your student has all required vaccinations, no further action will be necessary
• Those who do not have all required vaccinations will be asked to provide further documentation or will be required to receive the vaccination, with parental consent, while on campus. If a student receives the vaccination while on campus the student will be responsible for the associated fee and grades / transcripts will be with-held for non-payment. If a student does not provide appropriate documentation or agree to receive the vaccination while on campus, Tufts reserves the right to remove the student from the program
• Those who do not have sufficient insurance, and are an international student, will be automatically enrolled in and billed for a qualifying plan for the duration of the program. If evidence of qualifying insurance in presented by June 15, we will reverse the insurance enrollment and charges.

Availability of Awards

Tufts Pre-College Programs are committed to aiding students from all backgrounds. Although we have only limited need-based financial aid available, we do our best to distribute the funds to students for whom it can make the greatest difference in their ability to attend.

Financial Aid awards are made on a rolling basis to students with demonstrated need. We aim to provide enough aid to eligible students that they are able to successfully enroll and participate in the program. Seasonal aid awards are as follows:

• Fall: we currently do not offer aid for the Fall term
• Spring: we currently do not offer aid for the Spring term
• Summer: we will typically distribute awards monthly beginning in February and will continue until the enrollment deadline or until aid is fully distributed

If financial assistance is essential to your ability to attend the program, we recommend that you wait to pay the $550 non-refundable deposit until you have received your financial aid decision. Award decisions will be issued twice per month.

Students with undocumented status are considered for financial like any other U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If you are undocumented or have DACA status and want more information about how to apply for financial aid, please call our office at 617-627-2926.

Please note:

• International students are not eligible for financial aid at this time. Families should expect to contribute to the remaining portion of the program cost as well as other expenses like travel, books, etc. 
• We currently do not offer aid for students participating in our Leadership for Social Change Intensive

Process

1. Complete the Admissions Application for the pre-college program you would like to attend.
2. During the application process, you will be asked to indicate whether you are interested in being considered for financial aid.
3. After submission, you will have the option of completing a financial aid application in your student portal
4. We will review your financial aid application. Your financial aid application will be considered for the next monthly aid award(s). Award decisions will be issued twice per month.
5. If you receive an award,
   1. You will be notified by email of the amount of the award
   2. You will have 10 days (including weekends and holidays) to accept the award by completing your Financial Aid Award Form and submitting your deposit. If you have received a full financial aid scholarship you are not required to pay your deposit, as it is covered by your scholarship. 
   3. Tufts Pre-College Programs will then credit your student account with the amount of financial aid you received
   4. Please note: Your enrollment in the program is still contingent on payment of any remaining balance after the award is applied to your account, and on receiving your enrollment forms
6. If you do not receive an award you will be notified via email

Please see the policies section of this website for a complete list of applicable policies.