Parent FAQ
Your student is considering a summer program at Tufts University. Here is what you need to know about Tufts Summer Study.
What is Tufts Summer Study? Tufts Summer Study is the university’s summer precollege program for high school juniors (class of 2015) and seniors (class of 2014). With five enrollment options, your student has an opportunity to engage in college-level study in the summers before college. We think Tufts is the perfect setting for high achieving precollege students to try their hand at a program or college course.
Who is eligible to apply? Enrollment in a Tufts Summer Study program is limited to students who are rising high school juniors (class of 2015) or seniors (class of 2014). Students who are younger are not eligible. If your student is a current senior (class of 2013) he or she might consider enrolling at Tufts through Tufts Summer Session.
Can my student earn
Tufts University Credit?
| Program | Eligible year of HS Graduation | Credit or Non-Credit |
| College Courses for Seniors | 2014 | All courses are for credit |
| Tufts Summer Writing Program | 2014 & 2015 | Credit by application only for students graduating in 2014 |
| Ethics & Global Citizenship | 2014 & 2015 | Credit by application only for students graduating in 2014 |
| Health Science Honors | 2014 & 2015 | Credit by application only for students graduating in 2014 |
| Developing Computer & Interactive Media | 2014 & 2015 | Credit by application only for students graduating in 2014 |
Why should students enroll for non-credit? Non-credit (or enrichment) enrollment benefits students in many ways. Without the pressure of a grade, students often report they feel freer to engage in college-level study in order to explore their interests and future academic plans. Many are unsure about college life, majors, time-management, or performance. Tufts Summer Study gives them the opportunity to try out college, gauge their interests, and add something distinctive to their resume.
Why should students enroll for Tufts University credit? Starting a college career early – while earning academic credit from a top university – can be just the right thing for the talented high school senior. Getting ahead on college credits by enrolling in introductory level courses can pay off down the road. Tufts academic credit can be transferred to the college or university your student attends in the future by simply requesting a Tufts academic transcript.
How does my student transfer the credit he or she has earned at Tufts?
If your student attends Tufts as an undergraduate, he or she can speak with an academic dean to see how the credit that was earned in the summer can be added to the plan of study.
Remember, every college and university has policies and procedures that determine the permissibility of college credit earned elsewhere. Earning summer credit at Tufts is not a guarantee that the course will transfer, but every summer, hundreds of college students transfer summer credit earned at Tufts to other colleges.
I notice that Tufts has a different credit load system than other colleges. What does this mean for my student? A Tufts course is expressed in terms of academic units. This course load may be different than the system you will encounter at other schools, which typically express class value in terms of credit hours.
A full Tufts course is the equivalent of a three or four credit hour course at another institution. The explanation for how the home school should transfer the course is detailed on the back of a Tufts University transcript.
What is needed for the application? Students apply online, and follow up with additional credentials that support the application. Those credentials include:
- Personal Essay
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- High School Transcript
- PSAT/SAT or other college entrance exam score
A $25 application fee (nonrefundable) is also required to complete the application.
What are the dates? Tufts Summer Study starts on Tuesday July 2, 2013 and ends on Friday, August 9, 2013.
What are the costs? Tuition is either $2,165 or $2,325 per course.
Other costs for transportation, books, and meals while on campus need to be factored in as well.
Is there financial aid to help meet the cost of attendance? Financial assistance to help families meet the cost of attendance is available to applicants who document financial need. Financial aid is limited, so we encourage students and families to apply early for fullest consideration.
Most awards will be for a 50 – 60% reduction in tuition. A few full-tuition awards will be provided.
To apply, submit a Financial Aid Application along with a copy of your family’s 2012 IRS 1040 form to Tufts Summer Study. Your information will be held confidentially, and will be returned to you (if you ask) or destroyed.
How will tuition be billed and paid? Tufts university invoices tuition electronically through Tufts eBill. Students and all other invited viewers will receive an email notice from "TuftsEbillView-info@tufts.edu" that a tuition eBill has been posted to the Tufts eBill website. On receipt of this notice, it is important that the Tufts eBill be viewed and dealt with promptly. If, within two weeks prior to your study at Tufts, you have not received the emails described above, or received a bill, it is your responsibility to contact Tufts Student Services (617-627-2000 or studentservices@tufts.edu).
You have the option to pay using a secure ACH/eCheck transfer directly from your bank using your Tufts eBill account. If you prefer, you can download a payment coupon from Tufts eBill and send a check to the address indicated.
You can pay using a Visa or MasterCard at Tufts Student Services. Although you cannot pay over the phone, this service is available anytime in person. When you and your student attend the Tufts Summer Study Orientation program you can pay in person using a credit card.
Is summer housing available? Tufts Summer Study is non-residential; this means that no summer housing is provided for our precollege students.
Is the Tufts Medford/Somerville campus accessible by public transportation? The Tufts campus is 10 minute walk from Davis Square Station on the MBTA Red Line.
The MBTA #80, 94, & #96 buses all make stops at the Davis Square Station on the MTBA Red Line and will drop passengers off on the Tufts Medford/Somerville campus.
We are planning a summer vacation at some point during the program. Is this a good idea? It’s never a good idea to miss a class. It is our expectation that students will attend every meeting of the course. Since summer study is intense, missing one class is like missing three or four classes in the fall or spring terms. Even a seasoned Tufts senior would have difficulty making up that many absences.
Most instructors have course attendance
requirements written into their syllabus.
Many will stipulate how unexcused absences affect the final grade.
Are there other summer programs at Tufts? Yes. Tufts Summer Study is the university’s precollege program for rising high school juniors and seniors offered through the School of Arts & Sciences and School of Engineering.
- The university runs a pre-college summer program in Talloires, France.
- Tufts Conference Bureau provides summer English as a Second Language programs..
- The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in Grafton, MA, offers a career exploration program for high school students in the summer .
- The Tufts Center for Engineering Outreach runs summer program for elementary aged children.
- Summer drama programs for children are offered through the Tufts Department of Drama & Dance.