Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boston Campus Programs

General Program Questions

What is the program format/schedule?

Boston Campus programs running for Summer 2023 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 around Boston taking place on evenings and weekends. Please note that exact hours may vary slightly by program.

Can international students attend the program?

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.

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 program?

Students should be rising juniors or seniors and not have graduated from high school. Students should also be 16 years of age by the start of any residential program.

Application Information

What are the application deadlines?

Important dates and deadlines are listed on our Apply page. The early application deadline is February 28, 2023 and the regular application deadline is April 3, 2023.

What are the application requirements?

Application requirements include: 

  • Application: Online Application 
  • Transcript: An unofficial high school transcript or report cards 
  • Personal statement: a short statement (maximum of 600 words) describing your passion for the subject matter, your motivation for enrolling in the program, and what you hope to gain from the experience 
  • Reference/Recommendation: Within the application, there is an option for students to submit the name and contact information of a teacher or counselor as a reference, this is not required.  

More information on the application process including important dates and deadlines can be found here

How do I accept my offer of admission and enroll in the 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. Programs will fill on a first-come, first-served basis so we recommend depositing early.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Discounts

How much does the program cost?

The program tuition for Boston residential programs in Summer 2023 is $6,495, 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.

Is there a discount for siblings of current Northeastern students?

Yes. Applicants may indicate this affiliation on their application. Admitted students will receive a discount of 25%.

If I apply for financial aid and I am also eligible for a sibling or alumni discount, is it possible to receive both a financial aid award and a discount of 25%?

Either a financial aid award or a discount will be applied to your tuition balance, whichever is greater.

When is the full tuition payment due?

Final payment is due May 15.

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?

Programs will be led by Northeastern faculty, with the support of other instructors or graduate students. Current Northeastern students will 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.

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

Admitted students will be provided with any required materials and a packing list for the program. Students in need of support acquiring these materials (e.g. borrowing a laptop) will work with Pre-College program staff prior to the start of the program.

Residential and Student Life

What can I expect for meals?

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided during the program dates; the cost is included in the program fee. Meals will vary and may include dining hall options, grab-and-go totes, and catered events. Allergies and dietary restrictions will be accommodated whenever possible. We recommend students have personal funds available for additional snacks.

Where do the students stay?

Students are housed in a residence hall on Northeastern’s campus. More information about the residence hall will be shared with admitted students.

My friend is also attending the program. May I request a roommate?

Admitted students will have the option to request a roommate through their program forms. Both roommates must request each other through that form.

What types of activities occur on the evenings and weekends?

Previous social activities have included activities such as exploring Boston neighborhoods, museums, trivia nights, arts and crafts, and more. 

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

All of our Summer 2023 Boston Campus 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 Director of Pre-College Programs, Liz Quinn. Students will be with faculty and teaching assistants during the daytime on weekdays (from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Residential life staff live in housing with the students and manage residential life and social activities.

Is there a curfew?

Yes, students must be in their residence hall by 10:00 p.m. each evening.

Do students need health insurance to participate in the program?

Yes, students will need to provide proof of health or travel health insurance in order to participate in the program.

What happens if a student needs medical attention while participating in the program?

If a student has a medical situation occur while on campus, we will bring the student to an Urgent Care facility or an emergency room, depending on the severity of the situation. We recommend checking with your current healthcare provider to understand what they recommend, especially if you are traveling to the United States.