FAQ

Who can apply to SEED Academy?
Do you accept students as juniors or seniors?
I go to a private school. Can I apply?
How many students do you accept each year?
There's homework?!!?!
I am involved in a number of activities. What kind of commitment is required?
How much does the program cost?
How do I apply to SEED Academy?
How are students chosen?
How do families paprticipate in the program?
Do you have programming during the summer?

Who can apply to SEED Academy?
Starting in 2006-2007, we began accepting current ninth and tenth graders who are enrolled in Boston, Cambridge and Lawrence public schools, and who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
***The only students eligible to apply for the program are those enrolled in public schools located in Boston, Cambridge and Lawrence.

Do you accept students as juniors or seniors?
Beginning in 2006-2007, we will accept students at two entry points: ninth OR tenth grade. We do not accept students in the 11th or 12th grades.

I go to a private school. Can I apply?
We receive financial support to provide programming for public school students in Boston, Cambridge and Lawrence. We do not accept students who attend private, parochial or METCO suburban high schools. However, there are a number of other enrichment programs that may be of interest to you.

How many students do you accept each year?
We want to make sure that our students get as much individualized attention as possible. In the spring, we will accept approximately 20-25 ninth graders and between five and 10 tenth graders. Our student to faculty ratio is about 8:1.

There's homework?!!?!
Yes. We take homework very seriously as a representation of our students' motivation and as a tool for strengthening their math and science skills. One of our goals is to help each SEED Academy student increase their academic ability. By completing homework assignments, students can identify their own problem areas and their instructors and teaching assistants can provide them with informed support for improvement. On average, an assignment should take about one hour.

Homework completion is required. Students who do not complete thier work will not be invited to return to the program.

I am involved in a number of activities. What kind of commitment is required?
SEED Academy is a significant commitment. We meet in the fall and spring for ten Saturdays per semester, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants are expected to attend all sessions.

We encourage students to consider their schedules seriously before deciding to apply. Students who cannot meet the attendance requirement cannot continue in the program.

How much does the program cost?
The average cost for each SEED Academy student is a little over $3,000 per year. However, we are able to provide all of our participants with scholarships to cover all programs, materials and meals through the generosity of its sponsors and MIT.

How do I apply to SEED Academy?
Prospective SEED Academy students can access our application online or by request. Our application deadline is in November.

How are students chosen?
SEED Academy students are remarkable young people. In making student selections, we consider a number of factors. Academic performance, teacher recommendations, extracurricular activities and interviews help us to identify students with strong academic motivation who will make a strong contribution to the program and be a positive addition to their cohort.

The SEED Academy application process is straightforward. Once we receive a student's completed paperwork, an admissions committee evaluates it. The committee will recommend that we interview or waitlist the student, or reject the application.

In the next phase, the administrative staff interviews finalists and their parents. After final decisions are made, selected studnts are invited to participate. If an accepted student rejects our offer, we will recruit other candidates from our waitlist.

How do families participate in the program?
With schools and community organizations, we see ourselves as partners with families to ensure every student's success. Families are invited to all semester student presentations, as well as spring and fall parent workshops focusing on student high achievement. In addition, parent representatives take part in our Advisory Board and Parent Organization.

Do you have programming during the summer?
Currently, SEED Academy does not provide summer programming. Our sessions run during the fall (September to December) and spring (February and May).