 | Congratulations! We are pleased that you are about to join the ranks of over 13,000 SFS alumni who have made a meaningful contribution to real world environmental problem solving. While on 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 faciliting 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 sent to:
The School for Field Studies
10 Federal Street
Suite 24
Salem, MA 01970-3876
- 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.
- Medical Approval Process. All admissions decisions are granted contingent on medical approval. You must complete the Online Medical Review as well as the Physical Examination and Authorization Form, which is part of the Online Medical Review (signed by a medical professional within ten business days of acceptance). Students with late medical forms may forfeit their space. You will not be allowed to join an SFS program without proof of current medical insurance (valid through the completion of the program) and a signed medical release. Please contact the Admissions Office if you anticipate a problem in meeting these requirements. For TCI students only: SCUBA/Snorkel Form
The Post-Acceptance Online Process (click here), which includes the following forms: 1) Terms and Regulations Contract, 2) Acknowledgement & Assumption of Risks Agreement, 3) SCUBA/Snorkel form (Turks and Caicos only), 4) Credit Registration Form (semester only). These forms need immediate and responsible action on your part. Please review them and provide your electronic signature and submit electronically. All are due within 10 business days of acceptance. Your acceptance is contingent upon receipt and approval of these forms; otherwise you may forfeit your space. Read and complete them carefully. By signing and submitting these forms you are acknowledging that you have read the appropriate Field Preparation Guide and Program Manual. If you are unable to complete this process online, you may download the forms from the SFS website and return them via fax or mail (PDFs of post-acceptance forms).
- 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 forms within 10 business days 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.
- Alumni Contacts. SFS Alumni Contacts are an important part of our Admissions Team, and we strongly suggest you consult with one or more of them. Each Alumni Contact has the unique experience of day-to-day living in the field with SFS and intimate knowledge concerning the site accommodations, immediate and local community, and research and educational goals of the Center. In addition to this information, you will also learn more about the dynamics of group living. Feel free to contact them at any time throughout the preparation process. Your Admissions Counselor will provide you with the names and contact information.
- Travel Arrangements. Your Admissions Counselor will provide you with information regarding travel arrangements.
- 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.
• Please submit a scanned electronic copy of your passport (photo page) to your Admissions Counselor
Kenya/Tanzania students only:
Within 10 business days of acceptance to the program you are required to email the following information to your Admissions Counselor: -Electronic, scanned, color copy of your passport (no Xerox, no B&W)
-Electronic copy of 5 official passport photos. You must create this photo sheet at the following link: http://www.epassportphoto.com (Be sure that the photos meet all requirements for official passport photos).
Field Preparation Guides
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