Resources

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 visit Tufts' 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 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.

If you live on the West Coast or internationally, you may be wondering how you will be able to participate in a program that has both in-person and virtual options. Please know that Tufts sees a diversity of geographical perspectives as not just beneficial but essential to a twenty-first-century education. We have been working hard with our staff to ensure all students who are offered a spot in our programs will be able to attend — whether in live, streamed, or recorded sessions. We will be updating this section with program-specific accommodations as we seek improved ways to suit our students' needs and have a better sense of the geographic distribution of our students.

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 the 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 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!

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. Access Tufts Exchange via this link. You can also set up your Tufts email to forward to your personal email account using these instructions.

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 which is available 24/7 to students who are actively enrolled in a program.

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 so 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 aid 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.