How to Apply

Admissions
Undergraduate

Undergraduate Eligibility

SEA welcomes applications from undergraduate students enrolled at US or international colleges or universities who have an interest in studying the ocean from a variety of perspectives. Students from most majors—including but not limited to the sciences, social sciences, and humanities — can participate in SEA programs. While there is no GPA requirement, we take a holistic view of each student’s application through their academic record, submitted references, and motivation and goals for the selected program. Some programs have specific prerequisites for admission.

Review our Essential Eligibility Criteria to be sure SEA is right for you. 

Rolling Admissions

All programs operate on a rolling admissions basis, meaning we review each application once all materials are submitted and considered complete. Each SEA program has a limited capacity with a maximum of 24 or 25 students. We accept applications up to one year in advance and encourage students to apply early to ensure availability of their first-choice program.

Fall Programs 

Financial aid priority deadline
 April 15

Application deadline
 June 1

Spring Programs

Financial aid priority deadline
 October 15

Application deadline
 November 1

Summer Programs

Financial aid priority deadline
 March 15

Application deadline
 May 1

Application Process

Access the online application portal, and you will be guided through the process.

You will be required to submit:

  • Online application form
  • Official transcripts
  • Two academic references
  • An academic writing sample
  • Short answer essay questions
  • Participation Approval Form from your home school

Once your application is complete, you will schedule a short interview with an admissions staff member. Admissions decisions are made generally within two weeks of completion of the interview. The SEA financial application process takes place after you’ve been accepted and is completed through the same portal.

Next Steps

Connect with SEA Admissions
We’ll help you navigate your program choices and direct you to resources on your home campus. We recommend scheduling an advising call early in the process.
Get in Touch
Choose your program
Identify which semester or summer program is the best fit for you.
program finder
Work with your home institution
Think about logistics including study abroad approval, credit transfer, academic planning, and internal application deadlines.
Complete your Online Application
Complete your online application. You can apply for an SEA program at the link below.
Apply Now
Consider funding options
Meet with your home institution’s financial aid office to determine what aid will transfer to SEA.
Apply for a valid passport
if you do not already have a valid passport, you will need it for the program and waiting times may be extended.
Gap Year

GAp Year Eligibility

SEA welcomes applications for selected programs from high school graduates who have deferred their college acceptance or will matriculate in the spring semester and have an interest in understanding the ocean and environmental issues from a variety of perspectives.

Students can choose to earn a full semester of college credit or opt to participate fully on a non-credit basis (i.e. for colleges who do not allow credit bearing programs for deferred students).. We take a holistic view of each student’s application through their academic record, submitted references, and motivation and goals for the selected program.

Review our Essential Eligibility Criteria to be sure SEA is right for you. 

Rolling Admissions

All programs operate on a rolling admissions basis, meaning we review each application once all materials are submitted and considered complete. Each SEA program has a limited capacity with a maximum of 24 or 25 students. We accept applications up to one year in advance and encourage students to apply early since some programs may fill before the stated deadline.

Fall Programs 

Financial aid priority deadline
 April 15

Application deadline
 June 1

Spring Programs

Financial aid priority deadline
 October 15

Application deadline
 November 1

Summer Programs

Financial aid priority deadline
 March 15

Application deadline
 May 1

Application Process

Access the online application portal, and you will be guided through the process.

You will be required to submit:

  • Online application form
  • College admissions or deferred admissions letter
  • Official high school transcript
  • Two references
  • An academic writing sample
  • Short answer essay questions

Once your application is complete, you will schedule a short interview with an admissions staff member. Admissions decisions are made generally within two weeks of completion of the interview.

Next Steps

Connect with SEA Admissions
We can help you clarify your goals and discuss gap year options and recommend scheduling an advising call early in the process.
Get in Touch
Choose your program
Identify whether the credit or non-credit gap option is the best fit for you. Be sure to check with the college you’ll be attending to understand their policies related to deferral and transferability of undergraduate credit earned during a gap year.
program finder
Complete your Online Application
Complete your online application. You can apply for an SEA program at the link below.
Apply Now
Consider funding options
Determine how much you and your family can contribute towards the cost and explore availability of external scholarships and possible use of 529 plans. The SEA financial aid application process takes place after you’ve been accepted and is completed through the same portal.
Apply for a valid passport
if you do not already have a valid passport, you will need it for the program and waiting times may be extended.
Get REady
Get ready for an amazing gap year experience on shore and at sea!
High School

High SChool Eligibility

SEA welcomes applications from current high school students, including graduating seniors, who have successfully completed at least one high school level science and one high school level mathematics course, and have an interest in understanding the ocean and environmental issues from a variety of perspectives. Rising freshmen will be considered for the virtual programs only. We review each application carefully, with an emphasis on student interest, motivation, and goals for the selected program.

Each SEA high school program has a limited capacity with a maximum of 20- 25 students. We accept summer applications beginning in the preceding fall and encourage students to apply early since some programs may fill before the stated deadline.

Review our Essential Eligibility Criteria to be sure SEA is right for you. 

Application Deadlines

Application Deadline 1

January 15

Decisions

January 30

Application Deadline 2

February 28

DEcisions

March 14

Rolling Admissions

March 30 - capacity

Contact Us

(508) 540-3954

Application Process

Access the online application portal where you will be guided through the entire process. You will be required to complete the following in order to be considered by the application deadline:

  • Online application form
  • Official high school transcript
  • One academic reference
  • Short answer essay questions

Once your application is complete, you will schedule a short interview with an admissions staff member if you are applying to SEA Expedition or SEA Pre-College. Admissions decisions are made within two weeks of the application deadline. 

Next Steps

Connect with SEA Admissions
We can help you clarify your goals and discuss program options and recommend scheduling an advising call early in the process. We’re also happy to talk to parents and guardians.
Get in Touch
Choose your program
Identify the program that is the best fit for you—on shore, at sea, or virtual—by discussing your preferences with your parent(s) or guardian(s), teachers, and other advisors.
program finder
Complete your Online Application
Complete your online application. You can apply for an SEA program at the link below.
Apply Now
Get REady
Get ready for an amazing summer experience on shore, at sea, or virtually!