Who is eligible to apply to BBT 2025?

The program is intended for current and recent undergraduate students. At least two years of study at the college level (or adequate comparable preparation) at the start of the program is recommended. Recent graduates from the classes of 2024 and 2025 are eligible.

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How much does it cost to attend BBT? 

Tuition and room-and-board are free of charge to students. However, participants are responsible for costs associated with transportation to and from Woods Hole, MA. 

 

My academic year ends after BBT 2025 starts. Can I arrive late? 

We strongly discourage it. The BBT is a short, immersive program and every day counts, especially at the beginning. That said, we’re willing to make accommodations on a case-by-case basis for exceptional or extenuating circumstances. 

 

What are the components of the BBT 2025 application? 

The first step is submission of an online application with five short answer (350 words or less) questions, a CV or resume (required), an unofficial transcript (required), and a writing or work sample (optional). Second round applicants will be invited to a 30-45 minute interview with BBT alumni and faculty; they will also be asked for two recommendations (one from a teacher, mentor, or employer; the other from a peer).

 

I am majoring in a STEM field. Is BBT the right program for me? 

Yes, absolutely! All majors and disciplines are encouraged to apply to BBT. 

 

I am an alum of a CTI program. Will this be considered in the application process? 

That’s great! And we’re so glad you’re interested in attending the BBT as well. Please make sure to explain in your application why you are particularly interested in the BBT and what you think you stand to learn from the experience. 

 

This is my second time applying. Will this be considered in the application process? 

Yes. We strongly encourage you to explain how you’ve grown over the past year - and how this makes you a good fit for this year’s BBT cohort. We strongly discourage you from simply cutting and pasting your responses to last year’s application. 

 

Will late applications be accepted? 

No.

 

When will I hear back about my application? 

Applicants will be notified in mid-February about invitations for second-round interviews. Final cohort decisions will be made by mid-March. 

 

I can’t attend either info session. Is there another way for me to receive the information? 

One of the info-sessions will be recorded and published to our website prior to the application deadline.

 

Who should I pick to write a referral for me? 

We advise you to ask for recommendations from individuals who can write openly and honestly  in detail about you and your strengths, particularly as they connect to the Gull Island Institute’s mission and programming. In terms of peer recommendations, we strongly advise against asking romantic partners to submit letters on your behalf. 

 

Who reviews the applications for BBT?

Applications are reviewed by a committee of student alumni who have attended the BBT, as well as Gull Island faculty and staff. Serving on the Application Committee is an important aspect of Gull Island’s institutional self-governance pillar. 

 

I can’t do BBT this year, but I’m still interested in Gull Island Institute. Are there other ways to get involved? 

Yes! We are always looking for interns who are interested in helping out with our work and organizational operations. Please email us at contact@gullisland.org if you would like to learn more, or would like to lend a hand. 

 

Can I get college credit for BBT? 

The Buzzards Bay Term is not a credit-granting program. 

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How physically demanding is the program? 

Labor is the primary physical component of the Buzzards Bay Term. Students can expect to participate in physical labor for about 2.5 hours every morning during the week. Labor duties on Penikese and Cuttyhunk range from lower-impact activities (meal crew, dishes, cleaning, weeding) to moderately strenuous tasks (coastal cleanup, mowing, land and plant management, and working off the oyster barge). Occasionally, there may be more physically demanding forms of work (which are optional). Because labor projects are coordinated to fit the needs from our on-island partners, we often don’t know the exact details until closer to the start of the program. However, labor assignments are generally flexible and can be adapted to the needs of the cohort. For questions about labor accommodations, please reach out at contact@gullisland.org

 

How do I get to Penikese Island?  

To get to Penikese, all students and faculty first gather in Woods Hole, MA before taking a chartered boat together to the island. The boat ride is about an hour long. There are no ferries or other boat services available between Penikese and the mainland. 

Getting to Woods Hole from Boston is easiest by bus: Peter Pan and Plymouth-Brockton Buses run regular daily timetables between Boston and Woods Hole, with stops at Boston-Logan Airport and Boston South Station. Gull Island staff will work to coordinate arrival and departure with all participants.

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Didn't find an answer to your question? Email us at contact@gullisland.org.