Washington DC | Pre-Term | FAQ

Pre-Term Advanced English may be required for some non-native English-speakers; that information would be in your letter of admission if it applies to you. Otherwise, Pre-Term is not required, though a majority of the incoming MAIR. class attends.

Pre-Term allows students to get a jump-start on their degree requirements, meet their classmates, refine their English skills (if applicable), and familiarize themselves with their new city and campus. Passing Statistics will satisfy the MAIR data analytics requirement, allowing additional room for electives and opening the door to higher-level data analytics courses at SAIS.

No. Students may take the SAIS Online Principles of Economics course that begins in April or May to satisfy the economics admissions requirements. Alternatively, students may enroll in Principles of Economics course work at any accredited institution, such as a local or community college or an online program. 

Successful completion of Pre-Term courses is noted by High Pass or Pass on a student's transcript. No mention of Pre-Term is noted for failed courses so this will not show up on a transcript. As Pre-Term courses are non-credit, they will not affect your GPA.

No. If you fail Pre-Term Statistics, you must take that course for credit as part of your curriculum during the year. Students may attempt each waiver exam once before matriculating at SAIS.

Yes. We offer TA sessions during Pre-Term. These sessions are offered regularly throughout the week, with some sessions available on weekends as well. Regular attendance is strongly encouraged. TA sessions and office hours provide a valuable opportunity to practice and absorb concepts learned in class. 

Pre-Term courses are considered equivalent to the courses offered during the regular academic year. Pre-Term Statistics has the same number of class sessions as during the regular academic year. However, Pre-Term courses are much more compressed with less time to study and to do problem sets in between sessions.

All incoming students will receive free access to online pre-calculus and calculus courses in Blackboard that will provide tutorials, lessons, problem sets and quizzes to assist you in this preparation. Students will be given access to the Blackboard sites in mid-May once they have paid their matriculation fees.

Although not required, all non-native English speakers are strongly encouraged to take Pre-Term English. The course provides training in important reading, writing, listening and speaking skills to help students successfully transition to their fall semester course load. Pre-Term English will also help prepare students to take the required proficiency exam at the start of the fall term.

Yes, students who enroll in Pre-Term English can opt to enroll in Statistics as well. Note that the English course is a full-time commitment so taking two courses will be a heavy workload.

No, DC and Bologna Pre-Terms overlap so it’s not possible to participate in both programs.

Yes, if you started in January, you are welcome to attend Pre-Term.