College and University Admission Standards

The admission standards for Colleges and Universities vary from school to school. In general, all schools of higher learning emphasize a strong academic high school preparation to insure the student’s readiness to meet their learning challenges. The more selective the college or university, the greater the expectation regarding academic background and the high school course of studies chosen by the student. 

In June of 2016, The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education (MBHE) updated the higher admission standards for all of the Commonwealth’s four-year public institutions. Meeting these standards is only a minimum requirement and does not guarantee admissions. Final admission decisions rest on a variety of factors. Students should challenge themselves academically and take advantage of all opportunities their high school provides. 

Academic Course Requirement (according to the MBHE) 

Seventeen college preparatory courses distributed as follows are required:

Note: World Language Level 1 can be taken in grades 9, 10, or 11.

Admissions Directors at colleges and universities indicate that high school program of studies and performance is the most important credential in admissions determination. The more selective the college or university, the greater the expectations of the admissions committee as defined below. 

Most Selective Schools (accept less than 25% of applicants):
College-preparatory program recommended. Recommended units include English (4), mathematics (4), social studies (4), science (4) and foreign language (4). Applicants are encouraged to take the most rigorous courses and make the most of any opportunities for enrichment. 

Highly Selective Schools (accept less than 50% of applicants):
College-preparatory program recommended, 20 units recommended. Recommended units include English (4), mathematics (4), social studies (4), science (4), and foreign language (3). 

Selective Schools (accept less than 75% of applicants):
College-preparatory program recommended, 16 units required; 20 recommended. Recommended units include English (4), mathematics (3), social studies (3), science (3), foreign language (2-3), and academic electives (4).