Curious about Spring Tufts Pre-College intensives and seminars? Join our Virtual Open House on January 16th!
About Us
Curious about Spring Tufts Pre-College intensives and seminars? Join our Virtual Open House on January 16th!
Our Vision
Academic Preparation
At Tufts, we design our Pre-College programs to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in higher education. By engaging in rigorous coursework, students can better prepare for the academic challenges to come.
College Readiness
These programs are designed to support students in navigating the transition from high school to college, including providing support with applications and financial aid, as well as exploring possible fields and career paths.
Equity and Access
At Tufts, these programs also play a crucial role in promoting equity and access in higher education. We offer support, resources, and mentorship, targeting students from underrepresented backgrounds or those who may face barriers to college entry.
College Courses for High School Students
Courses at Tufts for high schoolers offer a stimulating and enriching academic experience tailored to the interests and ambitions of young learners. Drawing from the university's renowned curriculum, these courses cover a diverse array of subjects. Whether delving into advanced topics in mathematics, the intricacies of literature, or exploring cutting-edge research in science, high schoolers at Tufts find themselves immersed in a dynamic learning environment that prepares them for future academic success and personal growth, all while earning college credits.
Summer Intensives and Experiences
Tufts Pre-College offers an enriching and immersive experience designed to empower students. Located at one of the nation's most renowned research universities, these offerings provide a unique opportunity for high school students to delve deeply into a variety of subjects, developed and led by expert faculty and staff at Tufts. Our Pre-College offerings foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and collaborative learning. Whether students are delving into hands-on lab experiments, engaging in spirited debates, or honing their creative talents, they emerge with newfound skills, confidence, and a glimpse into the dynamic world of higher education.
Pre-College Student Life at Tufts
Pre-College students at Tufts become part of a vibrant community where learning and exploration are paramount. Students participating in these programs will engage in a variety of academic and extracurricular activities, from attending classes taught by expert faculty to participating in workshops and seminars that ignite intellectual curiosity to spending the day exploring the history and charm of Boston, Massachusetts. Beyond academics and adventures, they have the opportunity to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, forming friendships and bonds that often extend beyond their time at Tufts.
Hear from Pre-College Students
Read "Student Voices," a blog written by Pre-College students.
Contact Us
Need more information about Pre-College offerings at Tufts, contact our team anytime. Our Program Administrators are standing by to answer all your questions, call or email today and get started on your lifelong education journey with Tufts.
- Phone: (617) 627-2926
- Email: precollege@tufts.edu
Meet the Team
Arianna Wilson
University College
617.627.5151
Director, Pre-College Programs
Arianna Wilson joined University College as the Director of Pre-College Programs in October of 2019, after spending over a decade in K-12 public education. She leads the college’s efforts developing and implementing the strategy for Pre-College programs, with a goal to introduce students to new fields of interest and study while giving them the opportunity to sample the college experience. Using her extensive experience directing Expanded Learning Time programs in Boston Public Schools and Melrose Public Schools, Arianna hopes to expand the reach of Tufts Pre-College Programs to span the Pre-K-12 pipeline, and offer access to disadvantaged students who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to attend.
Outside of her work at Tufts, Arianna is the Executive Director of Alex's Team Foundation, a Boston-based charity organization that supports the fight against childhood cancer. She holds a Master's degree in Education from Smith College and graduated from Amherst College with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Psychology. Arianna lives in Watertown with her husband Ryan, and their children, Chase, Tucker, and Callum.
Tressa Janati
University College
Associate Director, Pre-College Programs - University College
Tressa Janati joined the Pre-College Programs team at Tufts University in February 2023 as the Associate Director of Operations and Finance. Tressa's commitment to youth development began with her role at the East Boston Community Council, where she managed an after-school program for high school students. In subsequent roles with Boston Public Schools, she supported schools and central offices in making student-centered budget decisions and worked to improve coordination across departments. Tressa's passion for empowering youth and promoting immigrant advancement continues to guide her work today.
Tony Gao
University College
Associate Director, Pre-College Programs - University College
Dr. Tony Gao has a background in biomedical engineering, specializing in cardiovascular biomechanics. Prior to joining the Mini Med School team, he was part of the TUSM Center for Science Education, where his postdoctoral work focused on the development of online graduate courses for high school biology educators. Dr. Gao is interested in the potential of educational gaming and other interactive media as equitable tools to improve engagement with topics such as health literacy and science communication, both within and outside the classroom.
Maggie Tiano
University College
Assistant Director of Student Success, Pre-College Programs - University College Climate Resilience Institute
Maggie joined the Pre-College team in July 2022 as a Program Administrator. She has since continued her work in University College as the Assistant Director of Student Success. Prior to her role at Tufts, Maggie worked as a Program Manager in the Office of Global Services at Northeastern University. Maggie's work is driven in her passion for student success and engagement through at a higher education institution.
Abigail Theirrien
University College
Program Administrator Team Lead, Pre-College Programs - University College
Abigail Theirrien joined the Tufts Pre-College Programs team as a Program Administrator in February 2023. Prior to her role at Tufts, Abigail worked as a high school special education teacher, driven by her passion for accessibility. Abigail strives to create inclusive and enriching learning experiences for all students.
Alison Currier
Program Administrator, Pre-College Programs - University College
Ali Currier joined the Tufts Pre-College Programs team in March 2024 as a Program Administrator. She helps support the Engineering and Business programs and manages aspects of the hiring process for program staff. With a background in higher education administration, Ali is passionate about making quality education accessible for all. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time at the park with her two dogs and cooking.
Marisa Doyle
University College
Program Administrator, Pre-College Programs - University College
Marisa is originally from Connecticut and earned a BS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from the University of Connecticut. After graduation, she relocated to Boston, where she joined the administration team at Eliot-Pearson Children's School, affiliated with the Department of Human Development and Child Studies at Tufts University, as the Enrichment Program Coordinator. She recently joined the University College Pre-College team as the Health Science Program Administrator and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Health and Global Business Administration at Tufts University. Marisa is passionate about connecting students with opportunities to explore and engage in higher education, helping them develop collegiate skills and dynamics, and connecting them with like-minded peers.
Nathan Giacalone
University College
Program Administrator, Pre-College Programs - University College
Joining Pre-College Programs in June 2024, Nathan supports multiple programs and focuses on process improvement and faculty affairs. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Nathan is a lifelong resident of Greater Boston and is excited to help students from both near and far get the most out of their experience at Tufts. Prior to joining University College, Nathan worked for two years in Finance & Administration at the Fletcher School where he is currently a part-time MALD student.
