Congratulations! We are pleased that you are about to join the ranks of more than 14,000 SFS alumni who have made a meaningful contribution to real world environmental problem solving. While participating in an SFS program, we expect you to take a proactive role in all aspects of your experience including scheduling activities, choosing research projects, managing risk, and facilitating the day-to-day operation of the field station.
The Admissions Office will do everything possible to help you prepare for your program. However, the most important person in your preparation is you! Start now, work steadily, and before you know it you'll feel confident that you're ready to go.
KEY STEPS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR PROGRAM
All Admissions documents should be sent to:
The School for Field Studies
10 Federal Street
Suite 24
Salem, MA 01970-3876
All Medical paperwork should be faxed (preferred) to 978-741-3551, “Attn: Safety Department” or mailed to:
The School for Field Studies
Attn. Safety Department
10 Federal Street
Suite 24
Salem, MA 01970-3876
1. Field Preparation Guide and Program Manuals
The most important first step is to read each of these very carefully. These indispensable documents are required reading as they contain important information about academics, policies, procedures, packing lists, and logistics.2. Medical Approval Process
All admissions decisions are granted contingent on medical approval. It is important that you understand what is required of you in the Medical Approval Process. Please read this information thoroughly.3. The Post-Acceptance Online Process
This process includes the following forms:
- Terms and Regulations Contract
- Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks Agreement
- SCUBA/Snorkel form (Turks & Caicos only)
- Credit Registration Form (semester only)
4. Tuition Deposit, Program Costs and Financial Aid
Once accepted to a program, please submit your deposit ($650 semester, $450 summer), financial aid application (if applicable), and necessary forms within two weeks in order to secure your place on the program. If necessary, consult with the appropriate office on your campus regarding special billing procedures and financial aid transfer. Program costs and travel/personal expenses are important to consider as you prepare for your program. As you review this information about payment and aid, please pay close attention to deadlines and SFS refund policies.5. Alumni Contacts
SFS Alumni Contacts are an important part of our Admissions Team, and we strongly suggest that you use them as a resource. Each Alumni Contact has had the unique experience of day-to-day life in the field with SFS and has an intimate understanding of site accommodations, immediate and local community, and the research and educational goals of the Center. You will also learn more about the dynamics of group living and what will be expected of you as a part of the SFS team. Feel free to get in touch with them at any time throughout the preparation process. Your Admissions Counselor will provide you with names and contact information.6. Travel Arrangements
Your Admissions Counselor will provide you with information regarding travel arrangements. Do not make any plans or book any plane tickets until you have received the necessary information from your Counselor.7. Passport
SFS requires students to have a valid passport for travel to all program locations. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months following completion of your program. If you do not currently have a valid passport or if your passport will expire before the required time, you should immediately begin to apply for a passport through the U.S. Department of State at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. Passport processing times can be lengthy so you should begin this process as early as possible, even if you have not yet been admitted to an SFS program.
Kenya and Tanzania students only:
Within two weeks of acceptance to the program you are required to email the following information to your Admissions Counselor in order to apply for a Pupil’s Pass.
- Electronic, scanned, color copy of your passport (no Xerox, no black and white)
- Electronic copy of five official passport photos. You must create this photo sheet at the following link: http://www.epassportphoto.com
Make sure you download the free, electronic photos. Do not pay to order prints! Here are some basic instructions, but contact your Admissions Counselor if you have any trouble navigating this website.
Step 1
Upload your headshot photo to the website. It can be a scan of an actual passport photo you had taken, or just any picture of yourself against a blank wall. The website will give instructions so you can be sure that your photo meets the requirements.
Step 2
The next page will ask you to use the cropping tool to frame your face in your photo.
Step 3
The following page will present you with a few different options for purchasing and ordering prints. Do not buy any photos! Instead, look to the bottom right hand corner of the screen where you will find a link that says, “No thanks.” Click that link, and you will be taken to a new page where you can download an array of five passport photos as a single picture (jpeg) file. Download the photos, and attach them to an email and send them to your Admissions Counselor.
