Knowledge Justice Excellence

TYP graduates

History and Mission

TYP Logo

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, 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. Further, 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 TYP typically have not had access to advanced placement and honors courses in their previous schooling experiences. For this reason, 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 TYP

Each year, TYP admits 20 students to the program. Each applicant must be projected to complete high school or its equivalent (e.g., earning a GED) prior to the start of the 2011-2012 academic year.

Each applicant must submit the following materials by the posted deadline:

  1. Completed Common Application making sure to check the TYP box.
  2. Official copy of all high school transcripts and/or GED certificate.
  3. Official copy of SAT or ACT scores and TOEFL scores, if applicable.
  4. Official transcript(s) for any course(s) taken at the post-secondary school level.
  5. Three letters of recommendation, preferably from teachers, guidance counselors, employers, etc.
  6. A 400-word essay about what makes you a good candidate for the TYP (in place of the Personal Statement).
  7. A copy of your US Permanent Resident Visa (Green Card) if not a US citizen.
  8. Completed CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE.
  9. Completed FAFSA.

Financial Aid Information

  • Brandeis University will meet 100 percent 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.

For more information about TYP, please visit the Transitional Year Program Web site or contact the Transitional Year Program office at TYP@brandeis.edu.

For questions about the TYP admissions process, please contact Jared Rivers, associate director of admissions.