Frequently Asked Questions
IS PARTICIPATION IN PRE-TERM REQUIRED?No, but a majority of the incoming class of M.A. candidates attends. Pre-Term is highly recommended for those who want to get a jump-start on their study of economics and quantitative reasoning. Many students prefer to avoid using the 16 non-language courses needed for graduation to satisfy economics and quantitative reasoning prerequisites. Pre-Term offers the possibility of completing up to two foundation economics courses as a way of allowing more room for electives.
IS PRINCIPLES OF MICROECONOMICS OR PRINCIPLES OF MACROECONOMICS OFFERED DURING PRE-TERM?No. Students may take the SAIS
Online Principles of Economics course that begins in May to satisfy all principles requirements. Or students may enroll in Principles of Economics course work at any accredited institution, such as a local or community college or an online program.
THE COMBINED SAIS ONLINE PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS COURSE IS ONLY ONE CLASS. DOES IT COUNT AS TWO PRINCIPLES CLASSES? Yes. The SAIS Online Principles of Economics course is the equivalent of two semesters or one year of Principles of Economics. The SAIS Online Principles course covers both Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics, and prepares students for intermediate Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.
CAN I TAKE TWO PRE-TERM COURSES? Only students who have already taken at least
one of the courses previously and received a “B-” or better can take two courses. Students taking English cannot register for two courses.
IF I TAKE THE ONLINE ECONOMICS WAIVER EXAM(S), CAN I ATTEND PRE-TERM?Yes. If you take the economics waiver exam offerings in Microeconomics and/or Macroeconomics, you are still eligible to participate in Pre-Term, if necessary. For example, if you pass the Microeconomics waiver exam, you can enroll in Macroeconomics during Pre-Term. If you pass the Macroeconomics waiver exam, you can enroll in Microeconomics during Pre-Term.
CAN I TAKE A WAIVER EXAM(S) IF I FAIL PRE-TERM?No. If you fail a Pre-Term course, you must take that course for credit as part of your curriculum during the year. Students may attempt each economics waiver exam once before matriculating at SAIS.
WILL EXTRA HELP BE PROVIDED OUTSIDE OF CLASS?Yes. We offer TA sessions for every section of every economics course held during Pre-Term. These sessions are offered during weekday evenings and weekend afternoons. Regular attendance is strongly encouraged. TA sessions and office hours provide a valuable opportunity to practice and absorb concepts learned in class.
HOW CAN I REFRESH MY MATH SKILLS OR LEARN NEW SKILLS?All incoming SAIS M.A. students will receive access to an online course 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 site in mid-May once they have submitted their matriculation fees. Economics teaching assistants are available to provide additional help with math concepts throughout Pre-Term. Note: Students taking economics in Pre-Term DC (see below) must pass the math exam at the end of the online Blackboard course.
I MET THE MINIMUM ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT WHEN I APPLIED TO SAIS. WHY SHOULD I TAKE PRE-TERM ENGLISH?Although not required, non-native English speakers are strongly encouraged to take Pre-Term English. The course provides training in important writing, listening and speaking skills that can help students successfully transition to their fall semester course load. Pre-Term English may also be useful in preparing students to take the required English proficiency exam.
CAN I TAKE ADDITIONAL COURSE WORK IF I TAKE PRE-TERM ENGLISH?Pre-Term students who enroll in English may not take economics course work. Pre-Term English is a full-time commitment. This requirement is set so that students will be prepared for their course work upon matriculation. Those with a specific need to take economics before matriculation should
contact us with an explanation of their situation.
CAN JANUARY ENTRANTS ATTEND? Yes, those who started at SAIS in January are welcome to attend Pre-Term.
CAN HOPKINS-NANJING CENTER ENTRANTS ATTEND?Yes. Students who will be traveling to China to complete the Hopkins-Nanjing Center (HNC) Certificate or M.A. in International Studies are eligible to participate in the Washington Pre-Term. The eligibility requirements for specific course work are the same for all students. HNC students are also eligible to participate in the
Online Principles of Economics course prior to Pre-Term.
HOW DO PRE-TERM ECONOMICS COURSES COMPARE WITH CLASSES DURING THE REGULAR ACADEMIC YEAR?Pre-Term courses are basically equivalent. Pre-Term Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Statistical Methods have 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 do problem sets in between sessions.
HOW MUCH DOES PRE-TERM COST?Tuition for one Pre-Term course is $1,200. Tuition for two courses is $1,800. This fee includes your chosen coursework, TA sessions and catered events and happy hours. The cost of textbooks is additional. If you take Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, or Statistical Methods at
SAIS Summer Programs, you are eligible to take Pre-Term courses at a discounted rate of $600. Summer Programs courses count toward the number of graded courses required for graduation.
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE BOOKS?Course materials are available for purchase through MBS Direct online at
http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/sais-jhu.htm. Not all courses will require textbooks for purchase. Additional materials will be available through the SAIS Library's Electronic Reserves system at the start of the term. Instructors will provide the password for such information. Students can also purchase textbooks on their own. Please purchase the text as soon as possible so you have it prior to the start of the course. (If purchasing through MBS Direct, go to the above noted Web site and select "Order my books" at the top of the page. Next select 1: Term, select Summer/Pre-term; 2: Course, select Your course; Step 3: Select Your Books.
CAN I PARTICIPATE IN PRE-TERM IN BOTH WASHINGTON, D.C., AND BOLOGNA, ITALY?No. Due to overlapping dates you can participate in
either DC or Bologna Pre-Term.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PRE-TERM IN BOLOGNA?Pre-Term operations in Bologna are entirely separate from Pre-Term in Washington, D.C. Check the Bologna Center Web site for information about
Pre-Term in Bologna.
I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT OTHER SAIS PROGRAMS. HOW CAN I FIND ANSWERS?Try visiting our
Links page. If your question isn't addressed there, please contact us and we will be happy to point you in the right direction.
I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS. HOW CAN I CONTACT YOU?Phone: 202.663.5671
Fax: 202.663.5670
E-mail:
preterm@jhu.edu