APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1: fill out the Contemplative Semester application.

  • Applications are open! And accepted on a rolling basis. Our priority application deadline is July 1 — all applications received by then will be prioritized.

  • The application form is hosted by the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies — the above link will direct you to their Submittable platform.

  • We value authenticity — no need to pretend to be perfect! We want to know your whole self :)

Step 2: fill out the scholarship application, if applicable.

  • We are committed to making the Contemplative Semester accessible to folks who would not be able to attend without financial support. We offer a limited number of need-based scholarships, with several scholarships reserved for BIPOC with financial need.

  • If you requested scholarship in your initial application, you will receive an email with a link to a short scholarship application form after we receive your application.

  • If you applied for scholarship, your will receive your response within one-month of your acceptance.

Step 3: schedule & have a video call with us.

  • After submitting the application, you will hear back from us via email within 2 weeks.

  • If invited to the next stage, you will receive an email to schedule a 45-minute Zoom call with 1-2 Contemplative Semester staff members. This is a chance for us to get to know each other more deeply, inquire about your application, and for you to ask any questions you have about the program.

We aim to notify students of acceptance status to the Contemplative Semester within 2 weeks of your video call.

If you have not heard from us by then, feel free to reach out!

Application Deadlines

  • Early Application Deadline: July 1, 2025 - while we accept applications on a first-come-first-served rolling basis, all applications received by this date will be prioritized.

  • Applications Close: Jan 3, 2026

Deposit and Tuition Deadlines

  • A non-refundable deposit of 20% of your tuition fee is due 2 weeks after acceptance to confirm your spot.

  • If we receive your application after Oct 1, your deposit is 50% of your total tuition fees and is due 1 week after your acceptance.

  • Your full tuition amount is due 1 month after your acceptance date.

Refund Policy

  • Any tuition paid before Sep 1 is subject to an 80% refund upon early withdrawal.

  • Any tuition paid between Sep 1 and Jan 1 is subject to a 50% refund.

  • Participants who withdraw after Jan 1, including withdrawal from the program early either by choice or by dismissal, are not eligible for refunds.

  • Any tuition money forfeited will be donated to the CS scholarship fund.