SES FAQ

How much does the SES program cost? 

  • For this year the total cost was: $37,433 
  • Break down: tuition ($26,368), fees for text books and lab expenses ($900), and housing and meals ($10,165). 
  • Rates for 2025 will be posted in October.  
     

Are scholarships available? 

  • Depending on the home school, students may be able to use their current financial aid for the program. For schools that don’t transfer financial aid, scholarships from MBL may be available. Please reach out to us to ask about available aid and how best to fill out the financial aid request form before submitting your application.

When are applications due?  

  • Accepting early admissions until November 15th.  Final applications due at the end of March 2025.

What are the prerequisites?  

  • Programs are designed to have students engaged with the courses Monday to Friday from 8:30am-5pm. Students should be prepared to take a full workload. 
  • Students do not need to have straight A’s - but rather their transcript and written responses should reflect an active interest in hands on field work and laboratory experience.  
  • The SES program recommends courses in general biology, chemistry and calculus or statistics. Students should be prepared for a full course load. 

How do I get credit? How many course credits do I receive?

  • Students may receive credit directly through their institution (school by school agreement). 
  • Students may receive credit from the University of Chicago. After acceptance into the program, students will be registered (through the MBL) as a  student-at-large at the University of Chicago and receive grades and transcript from the university. Students do not have to apply through U Chicago – this will all be handled by the MBL team.  Students should confirm that the registrar at their home institution will accept the University of Chicago courses as transfer credit. 

What is housing like? 

  • SES students reside in the Brick Apartment or Brick Dorms, located on the MBL campus in the immediate area of the classroom, laboratories, library, and dining hall. The Brick Apartments and Dorms are accessed by ID cards by residents only. 
  • Dorm rooms may be furnished with a bed, dresser, small desk, chair, phone and sink. Closets provide additional storage space. Ebert Hall includes a first floor lounge area with fireplace and first floor sun-porch for social and recreational gatherings 
  • Questions/Request - reach out to our team!

What do students do for fun? 

Students participate in a variety of optional hosted events throughout the semester, such as:

  • Plum Island ~ Boston and Providence visits 
  • Provincetown MA Whale Watch 
  • New England Aquarium ~ Research Vessel tours 
  • SES Halloween Party ~ New Bedford Whaling Museum