Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all your questions about Accelerate Programs, the application process, tuition, student life, and more.

Residential Programs

General Program Questions

What is the program format/schedule?

All residential programs for Summer 2025 will be twelve days in length. Move-in is on Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with move-out taking place the following Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Academic programs run from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with social activities on campus and off campus taking place on evenings and weekends. Please note that exact hours may vary slightly by program and location. 

Can international students attend the programs?

Yes. Although we do not sponsor student visas for non-credit programs, we welcome all international students to apply as long as they have the ability to be present during the program. International students are considered for need-based aid and other applicable discounts. 

How big are the programs?

Enrollment varies by program. A typical size is 15-30 students per program.

Who is eligible to apply to the programs?

Students should be rising juniors or seniors in high school. Students must be at least 17 years old by the start of any London-based residential program. 

Application Information

What are the application deadlines?

Important dates and deadlines are listed on our Apply page. The Priority application deadline is January 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET; the Regular application deadline is February 28, 2025, ET at 11:59 p.m. ET; and the Late application deadline is March 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

What are the application requirements?

Application requirements can be found on our Apply page.

How do I accept my offer of admission and enroll in a program?

Students who are offered a place in the program will receive an email which will contain information on next steps to secure a place in the program, including a non-refundable deposit equal to 10% of tuition (after financial aid/discounts). Programs will fill on a first-come, first-served basis so we recommend depositing early. Families experiencing any financial concerns regarding deposits are encouraged to reach out to precollegeprograms@northeastern.edu

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Discounts

How much do the programs cost?

The tuition for Summer 2025 residential programs is $6,895, which includes the program tuition, course materials, housing, meals, and social activities.

Is there financial aid?

Yes, students can apply to be considered for financial aid within the application. Accelerate Pre-College Programs strives to work with families to make our programs financially accessible. Accelerate’s financial aid awards are typically either in the form of scholarships or program discounts. All admitted students will be considered for need-based aid. Students will receive their financial aid award information with their program admissions decision.

When is the full tuition payment due?

Final payment is due by May 1, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Do you offer payment plans? 

There is no formal payment plan but if you have a need for additional time to submit the final payment, please contact precollegeprograms@northeastern.edu.

Can I use my 529 fund to pay for this program?

Yes, please contact your plan provider to check on their requirements, but families in the past have been able to do this.

Academics

Who teaches the programs?

Most programs will be led by Northeastern faculty, with the support of other faculty, instructors, or graduate students. Current Northeastern students may serve as teaching assistants. 

Are these programs credit-bearing?

There is no credit awarded or transcript upon completion of the program. Students will receive a Recognition of Completion signed by a faculty member.

Will I have homework outside of class time?

Accelerate programs are rigorous and are meant to give students a taste of college academics. All students can expect some work outside of class hours, typically working with peers on group projects.

Are a laptop or other materials required in order to participate in the program?

Admitted students should refer to the Participant & Family Handbook and their Admitted Student Portal for program requirements and a suggested packing list. Most programs require a personal laptop. Students experiencing challenges bringing a laptop should contact precollegeprograms@northeastern.edu before the start of the program. 

Residential and Student Life

What can I expect for meals?

Dining varies between each of our campus locations. Please see the Student Life pages for Boston, London, and Oakland for more information.

Where do students stay?

Students are housed in a residence hall on or near Northeastern’s campus, depending on the program location. More information about residence halls will be shared with admitted students. Please see the Student Life pages for Boston, London, and Oakland for more information.

What types of activities occur on the evenings and weekends?

Previous social activities have included on-campus events such as arts and crafts, stuff-a-husky, and giant board games. Off-campus activities have included exploring the local neighborhoods surrounding our campuses (e.g., a cannoli tour of the North End, thrift shopping in Cambridge, touring around San Francisco, or visiting the London Eye). 

Are there any exceptions where a student could commute to the program?

All of our summer campus-based programs are residential. Students seeking an exception should contact the Pre-College team at precollegeprograms@northeastern.edu

Safety and Supervision

What staff supports the program?

The programs are overseen by the Accelerate Pre-College team, led by Senior Director of Pre-College Programs, Liz Quinn. Student Life staff, both professional and current Northeastern students, live in housing with the program participants and manage residential life and social activities. The academic teams are comprised of Northeastern faculty, instructors, and current Northeastern students.  

Do students need health insurance to participate in the program?

Yes, participants are required to be covered by health or travel health insurance relevant to the location of their program for the duration of the program.