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Frequently Asked Questions

What is TYP, exactly?

TYP stands for Transitional Year Program. It is a one-year academic program for outstanding high school graduates. Program participants have shown determination and focus under such circumstances as having to work long hours while attending school, providing leadership in their households or surviving conflict in their native countries. Many students are from under-resourced high schools.

How many students does TYP admit each academic year?

Twenty.

Can students transfer to TYP from other institutions if they have not performed well academically?

No. TYP admits students with no previous college experience for fall semester start only.

Might TYP be appropriate for students with learning disabilities?

All students are welcome to apply to TYP. However, although Brandeis University’s Office of Academic Services does coordinate academic accommodations, the TYP does not have similar services of its own.

Will it take me longer to graduate college if I go through TYP?

It depends on the student. Because students take at least two undergraduate courses during TYP, a student could “catch up” to her/his cohort by taking heavier courseloads and/or summer courses to fit in the other five courses it would take to graduate “on time.” [This number of courses applies to undergraduate degree programs at Brandeis. It may be more or less if a student matriculates at another institution after completing TYP]. Most students graduate in four and a half years, including the TYP year.

What classes does TYP offer?

TYP offers exclusive courses in writing, math, science, social science and computer science. For course descriptions, click here. In addition to these courses, students also take one undergraduate course per semester. The undergraduate courses are chosen in consultation with the TYP director according to students’ academic strengths and areas of interest.

Are TYP classes mandatory for program participants?

Yes. Each student who matriculates in the Transitional Year Program must take all of the courses listed above.

Are TYP courses remedial?

The courses in are designed to shadow a competitive liberal arts curriculum. With the exception of undergraduate courses, classes taken during the TYP year are not credit-bearing. Because these classes are exclusive, however, students are guaranteed the benefit of individual attention in a small classroom environment, which they may not have had in their previous schooling experiences.

Is a typical day in TYP similar to a typical day in high school?

No. Unlike high school, college courses are offered on a block schedule, which means that rather than having a school day that runs from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for example, you would have five classes that each meet for three hours per week. Courses often meet for three one-hour meetings on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, or for two one-and-a-half-hour meetings on Tuesday and Friday. With the expectation that students will study for two to three hours outside of class for every hour in class in order to be successful, the commitment to the program is full time.

Can I play a sport while in the TYP?

Students in the program are eligible to play intramural sports. However, students may not join varsity athletic teams, as the year is intended to focus on academics.

Can I join clubs while in TYP?

Yes. However, students in the program may not hold leadership positions in clubs as the year is intended to focus on academics.

What does TYP cost?

The cost of attending the TYP is the same as the cost of attending Brandeis.  Students applying for the TYP are required to fill out the FAFSA and the Brandeis University Financial Aid Application for TYP Students.  Students will typically receive a financial aid package that includes a need-based scholarship, loans, and a work-study award.  The University is committed to meeting 100% of the need demonstrated by the aid application materials. 

Why should a student go to TYP rather than to a community college?

Students admitted to the TYP who complete the year successfully, will continue on at Brandeis as undergraduate students.  During the TYP year, students benefit from a curriculum specifically designed for study at a highly selective university. In addition to participating in a rigorous curriculum, TYP students gain from making connections with admissions officers and have use of all of Brandeis’ campus resources while in the program. 

What kind of performance are you looking for in high school?

We are looking for indications of a strong commitment to the pursuit of postsecondary education. Characteristics of academic strength and motivation, such as an upward trend in high-school grades or excellent performance in under-resourced high schools (e.g. schools unable to offer AP courses), are also given careful consideration. Students who are willing to work hard often perform well in  TYP.

What type of support do you offer students in TYP?

Students in TYP receive close academic advising from the TYP director in individual semimonthly meetings. Students can also take advantage of campus resources, such as tutoring and the Writing Center.

What will be expected of the students while they are on campus?

Students admitted to TYP are expected to uphold the core values of the Brandeis community through compliance with university policies, perform well academically and make productive use of their time at Brandeis.

How are TYP students included in the Brandeis community?

There is no distinction made between students in TYP and undergraduates at Brandeis. Students in  TYP typically live in first-year areas on campus and take undergraduate courses appropriate for first-year students.

How does a student apply?

Directions for how to apply to the program can be found here.

Are TYP students guaranteed acceptance into Brandeis after this first year?

Students admitted to TYP must complete the year successfully in order to continue at Brandeis.  However, they need not reapply to Brandeis for acceptance. Students who perform well, contribute to the campus community and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 while in the program are most successful.

Am I eligible for TYP?

For eligibility requirements, please click here.

How can I get more information?

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us.