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Admissions FAQs
Basics
How do I login to the student portal?
You will gain access to your student portal after being accepted into the Tilting Futures Take Action Lab. Your login information will be emailed to you in your acceptance email.
What is the time commitment for Take Action Lab?
Foundations: The first month of the program will be the Foundations virtual course. During Foundations, students will have up to 6 hours of mandatory synchronous sessions each week, as well as an anticipated 5 hours of preparatory and reflection work.
During this period, students will also have pre-departure tasks they will need to complete in order to prepare for travel to the host country. The exact time commitment for pre-departure tasks will vary depending on personal circumstances.
Therefore we expect students to ensure that they have at least 15 hours a week to dedicate to Take Action Lab in the 5 weeks prior to departure for Cape Town.
Immersion: The following 3 months will be in Cape Town, South Africa. Take Action Lab is a full time commitment exclusive to enrolling in college classes or other work. Students are expected to fully participate in Take Action Lab. Students should not enroll in any college courses or have other work obligations during the program.
What are the program dates?
Visit the Dates & Deadlines section on the Admissions page to get the exact dates for your admissions journey and program.
Where can I see the deadlines for each step of the Admissions process?
Visit the Dates & Deadlines section on the Admissions page to get the exact dates for your admissions journey and program.
What's the purpose of the feasibility info in Stage 2 of the Admissions process?
We use the information from the feasibility process to ensure that students have what they need in order to successfully participate in both the virtual and in-person elements of the Take Action Lab.
How long do I have to complete the feasibility tasks in Stage 2?
You will have three weeks to submit your feasibility materials.
Our team will be automatically notified when you complete all the requirements. If you successfully complete and meet the feasibility requirements you will be notified by our team that we received your feasibility requirements and no further action will be needed at that time.
If for any reason you did not meet the feasibility requirements on your first submission, we will reach out to you directly. Some feasibility requirements may take back and forth communication with our team to complete. If follow up is required, we will let you know your necessary final deadline for submission.
If I complete all of my feasibility requirements am I guaranteed financial aid?
Financial aid is limited and not guaranteed. Each semester, we carefully review all incoming financial aid applications and regularly have more outstanding candidates than aid available.
Can I switch program terms?
Please contact our admissions team at admissions@tiltingfutures.org. We review these requests on a case-by-case basis.
Technology Check
Why do I need to complete a technology check?
Our team needs to ensure that your technology meets our minimum technology requirements so that we know you are set up for success for the required courses.
What are the minimum technology requirements?
The virtual component of the program requires a computer with a working webcam, keyboard, and stable internet with sufficient bandwidth to successfully participate in sessions hosted on a web-conferencing platform (such as Zoom).
How do I take a picture of my computer specs?
Your computer “specs” is the make, model, and specifications of your computer. To take a screenshot of your computer specs,
Windows: https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-get-your-computer-specs-3506998
Mac: https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/how-check-mac-specs-processor-ram-3594298/
Can I take the technology check on someone else's computer?
No, you must take it on a computer that you plan to use for the duration of the program. This way we can assess whether you will be able to successfully access and engage in the virtual Foundations course on the device you will be using for the duration of the program.
Can I take the technology check on a mobile device?
No, you must take it on a computer that you plan to use for the duration of the program.
How will I know if I didn’t successfully pass the Technology check?
Our admissions team will reach out to you directly.
What is a live system check?
If for any reason our team is unable to determine if your technology meets our minimum requirements we will reach out to you directly to take a live system check which allows us to get on a call with you to test your technology in a live setting and determine if it meets our minimum requirements.
What tech systems are used for Take Action Lab?
Zoom & Canvas
Will I need a laptop/smartphone in-country?
Yes. We required that students have both a laptop and a smartphone in the country.
Will Tilting Futures cover the cost of buying a technology, such as a laptop or smartphone?
No, Tilting Futures is unable to assist students in purchasing technology, such as laptops or smartphones.
Financial Aid
Is the financial aid form a CSS or FAFSA profile?
No. We use an internal Tilting Futures financial aid form that can be completed through the student portal with no fee. If you have already completed either the CSS Profile or FAFSA for your college/university financial aid application, you are welcome to upload copies of those documents in support of your Take Action Lab financial aid application.
What documents can I upload for my supporting financial aid documentation?
You can upload any documents that prove what you included in your financial aid form for the past fiscal year. This could include tax documents, official proof of income documents, CSS/FAFSA (if you already have it), etc.
What if I can’t pay my financial aid offer?
If you receive your financial aid offer and it doesn’t work for your financial situation, you may select “Appeal my financial aid offer” on the Reply to Offer form in your application status portal. If we are able to amend your financial aid offer, we will notify you through your portal. Please note submitting an appeal does not guarantee that we will be able to provide you with more financial aid.
Can I update my information/documents after submitting the forms?
A student can only save the Financial Aid Application once. If you have information or documents you would like to add or change after you have saved the Financial Aid Application, please reach out to admissions@tiltingfutures.org and we will update your application/documents.
What are the eligibility and requirements for the Global Changemakers scholarship?
All applicants are automatically considered for the Global Changemaker Scholarship.
I was nominated by an educator, how will my nominator scholarship be included?
Your nominator scholarship will automatically be included in your financial aid and/or scholarship offer.
Can I pay my tuition fees in installments?
Yes, tuition fees can be paid in installments as long as they are paid in full by the required deadline.
How will I find out about my financial aid?
You will be notified by email when there is an update to your application status. This email will prompt you to log into your Application Status Portal. You will be able to view your financial aid offer through your portal.
To see the dates when you can expect to receive your offer, visit the Dates & Deadlines section of the Admissions page.
Do I have to include my parent/guardian information?
Yes, we require that you submit your family’s financial information in the financial aid application. If you have an extenuating circumstance please reach out to admissions@tiltingfutures.org.
What if the tax year is different from the calendar year?
We ask that you submit financial statements from the most recent taxes filed. We understand that different countries can have different tax year timing.
What can financial aid cover and not cover?
We’ve put together a detailed breakdown of Tuition & Financial Aid. This download details what is and is not covered by financial aid.
English Language Assessment
Will I have to take the Language Assessment if I’m a Native English speaker?
No. The Language Assessment is only for students who marked that they are not a Native or Fluent English speakers on their application. We do this because our courses are taught in English.
What are the language requirements?
We use the CEFR scale to help us determine English proficiency and readiness to participate in Take Action Lab. The optimal CEFR range for applicants to score at is Level B2 or higher. Scores below B2 will disqualify you from participating in Take Action Lab.
CEFR defines Level B2 as: Generally, you have an effective command of the language. You can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. Issues you might encounter: it is likely that there will be some inaccuracies of the English language, which can lead to misunderstandings, especially under (time) pressure.
Passport Upload
When do I need to have my passport ready by?
Passports are required for travel booking and visa applications. Students who will apply for a visa should have their passport in hand 10 weeks before departure.
When does my passport need to be valid until?
Your passport should be valid at 6 months past your planned departure date.
What is considered to be a “successful” passport upload?
A successful passport upload is one that shows a clear and entire image of your valid passport. We will compare the information you enter in your passport upload to the image of your passport, from the country of issuance, your birthdate, your passport number, and your correct name. The passport should also be valid until at least the dates listed above.
What do I need to upload to show proof I have applied for my passport?
This may look different depending on the process in your country for obtaining a passport. But it should show that you have a set date and time for obtaining your passport, be a confirmation of an application for a passport, or provide us with clear information about when/how you will be obtaining your passport.
Does Tilting Futures offer aid to cover passport costs?
No, Tilting Futures does not cover passport and visa fees.
What if I am a dual citizen and have multiple passports, which should I use?
You should use the passport you intend to use to enter South Africa.
How do I request supporting documents that can help me apply for my passport?
If you require supporting documents please email admission@tiltingfutures.org with information on what type of document you need from us and what information must be provided.
Health History & Feasibility
How does the Health History and Health Feasibility work?
All students are required to fill out health history forms and provide vaccination record information during our feasibility process. All these forms will be available through a secure form in our student portal. We are dedicated to keeping this information secure and private. If there is any follow-up needed after submitting your records our health team will reach out to you directly.
What vaccinations are required?
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella
- Meningococcal
- Typhoid
- COVID-19
- Any applicants residing in, or transiting through, any Yellow Fever endemic areas must have a Yellow Fever vaccination for entry to South Africa.
- Students must also receive a Tuberculosis test and/or BCG Vaccination.
What happens if I can’t get my vaccines by the feasibility deadline?
Students who do not already have all of their vaccinations must be in contact with our health team at health@tiltingfutures.org.
If you are unable to get your vaccines by the feasibility deadline, the health team may be able to give you an extension if you are able to provide them with the exact date and location of where/when you will be receiving your vaccination.
This is a very case-by-case situation so clear and quick communication with our health team is necessary.
What if I can’t get the required vaccines in my country?
These vaccines are a requirement for this program. If you are unable to receive them unfortunately you will not be able to participate.
Who should I reach out to with health history form questions?
For any health questions, email health@tiltingfutures.org.
Does Tilting Futures offer aid to cover health costs?
No. Our financial aid does not cover any pre-departure health costs.
What is a supplemental form?
If our health team finds information on your health history forms that requires them to need additional information, they may ask you to fill out a supplemental form to provide them with this information. This form can also be found and filled out via your student portal.
What is a health screening call?
If our health team requires information from you regarding information you provided on your health history forms, they may reach out to schedule a call with you.
This is not an interview for the admissions process, it is a way for our health team to speak directly to you to answer any questions they may have about information you provided to ensure that they can make an accurate assessment for your medical feasibility.
Enrollment
How long do I have to complete my enrollment steps?
After receiving an enrollment Welcome Packet, students have one week to complete and sign the Welcome Packet.
If any additional time is required, reach out to admissions@tiltingfutures.org as soon as possible.
My parents haven’t received the link to the Guardian Enrollment Acknowledgement Form how do I send it to them?
An email with a link to this form will be sent to them only after you have signed the Enrollment Acknowledgement Form yourself.
If after you have signed it and your parent has not received it, please email admissions@tiltingfutures.org as there may be an issue with the email listed.
Are there any program fees that aren’t included in my tuition balance/deposit?
The only required payment is your tuition/deposit. You can download a detailed breakdown of expenses here.
When do I have to pay my remaining tuition balance by?
Tuition must be paid in full no later than 2 weeks before the start of Foundations.
Is the deposit refundable?
No, the deposit is not refundable.
After I enroll, what will the next step be?
After you enroll, our team will reach out to you to get you started on the next steps and begin to introduce you to our Tilting Futures staff and your fellow students. There can sometimes be a delay between when you enroll and beginning your next steps.
What if I need a visa?
For students who will need visas to travel, the Programs Team will offer guidance on how to put together the proper documentation and submit your application.
Will I definitely receive a visa if I apply for this program?
Once your application is submitted, it is not always guaranteed that you will receive a visa so it will be important to adhere to deadlines and submit all paperwork exactly as recommended.
