History & Mission of the Program
Brandeis University's Transitional Year Program (TYP) is an integral part of our institution's founding and enduring commitment to social justice. Established in 1968, the TYP is a one-year academic program for students who have developed the skills for college success by practicing leadership in their life experiences. The TYP experience allows these students to learn about new possibilities for their lives. It enables them to apply the focus, energy, perseverance, and maturity previously devoted to prevailing in the face of personal challenges to now pursuing academic success.
The intelligent and talented students selected to participate in the TYP typically have not had access to advanced placement and honors courses in their previous schooling experiences. For this reason, the TYP guarantees small classes, rigorous academics, and strong academic support.
Once they enter the program, TYP students become part of the campus community, making many important contributions to campus life. Our collective hope and intent is that all students who complete the TYP will stay at Brandeis to complete their undergraduate careers, and eventually join our community of illustrious alumni.
Students who enter the TYP have a life-changing experience, and have their stories of success added to the TYP’s hundreds of living testimonies of true ambition, resilience, courage, and triumph.
Applying to the TYP
Each year, the TYP admits 20 students to the program. Every applicant must be projected to complete high school or its equivalent (e.g. earning a GED) prior to the start of the 20010-2011 academic year.
Each applicant must submit the following materials by the March 1 deadline:
- Completed Brandeis Application Online, Common Application, or Universal Application making sure to check the TYP box. Please note: In response to the question about why you're choosing Brandeis, please tell us why you're choosing to apply to the TYP specifically.
- Official copy of all high school transcripts and/or GED certificate.
- Official copy of SAT or ACT scores and TOEFL scores, if applicable.
- Official transcript(s) for any course(s) taken at the post-secondary school level.
- Three letters of recommendation, preferably from teachers, guidance counselors, employers, etc.
- A 400-word essay about what makes you a good candidate for the TYP (in place of the Personal Statement).
- A copy of your U.S. Permanent Resident Visa (Green Card) if not a U.S. citizen.
- Completed Brandeis University Financial Aid Application for TYP Applicants.
- Completed FAFSA.
Important TYP Financial Aid Information
- Brandeis University will meet 100% of calculated institutional financial need as determined by the Brandeis University Financial Aid Application for TYP Applicants, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and Federal Income Tax Returns, for each year of an admitted TYP student's attendance. A typical financial aid package will consist of a need-based scholarship, loans and a work award.
- TYP applicants can contact Cathy Nelson in the Office of Student Financial Services for additional information. The Brandeis University Financial Aid Application for TYP Applicants can be mailed or faxed to the Office of Student Financial Services, and should be submitted at the same time as your application for admission.
For more information about the TYP, please visit the Transitional Year Program website. If you have any additional questions about the TYP, please contact the Transitional Year Program Office at TYP@brandeis.edu.
For questions about the TYP admissions process, please contact Luigi Solla, Associate Director of Admissions.