FAQs
Below is a comprehensive listing of our most frequently asked questions. Feel free to peruse the section or click on a link to find the specific information you are looking for.
Boston Campus
E-mail: admissions@mcphs.edu
Phone: 617.732.2850
- How do I request more information?
- How many students attend MCPHS?
- What is the average acceptance rate?
- What is the MCPHS College Code? What is the FAFSA code?
- What are class sizes like at the Boston campus? What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
- Is an interview required?
- What are the TOEFL and IELTS tests? Who is required to take the TOEFL or IELTS?
- I am an international student. Do I qualify for financial aid?
- I have international credentials (transcripts). What do I need to send you?
- Where can I get more information regarding Student life, activities, clubs and organizations at MCPHS?
- Does MCPHS - Boston have housing available for students?
- Does my high school senior year count?
- Does MCPHS award Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) credit?
- What institutions does MCPHS accept transfer credits from?
- Does MCPHS accept transfer credits from community colleges?
- What type of neighborhood is MCPHS located in?
- Is it true MCPHS offers a nursing program at all three of its campuses? Where can I get more information on that career path?
- Does MCPHS offer Early Action?
- What do we mean by the phrase "professional partnerships"?
- What is the Dual B.S./Doctor of Optometry program?
Worcester Campus
admissions@mcphs.edu
Phone: 508.373.5607
- How do I request more information?
- How many students attend MCPHS?
- What is the average acceptance rate?
- What are class sizes like at the Worcester campus?
- Is an interview required?
- What is the TOEFL and IELTS, and who is required to take them?
- I have international credentials (transcripts). What do I need to send you?
- What kind of financial aid is available? What documents are required to apply for aid?
- Is housing available?
- What institutions does MCPHS accept transfer credits from?
- Does MCPHS accept transfer credits from community colleges?
- What type of neighborhood is MCPHS - Worcester located in?
- Is it true MCPHS offers a nursing program at all three of its campuses? Where can I get more information on that career path?
Manchester Campus
Campus E-mail: admissions@mcphs.edu
Phone: 603.314.1701
- How do I request more information?
- How many students attend MCPHS?
- What is the average acceptance rate?
- What is the TOEFL, and who is required to take it?
- I have international credentials (transcripts). What do I need to send you?
- What kind of financial aid is available? What documents are required to apply for aid?
- How can I get direct patient care experience? (*Applicable only to the Physician Assistant Studies program)
- Is job shadowing a PA required? (*Applicable only to the Physician Assistant Studies program)
- When does the Manchester and Worcester Physician Assistant Studies program begin?
- Is it true MCPHS offers a nursing program at all three of its campuses? Where can I get more information on that career path?
International Students
For more information on applying to MCPHS, please see the International Students section of our website.
- What evaluation service should I use to evaluate my transcripts?
- I already had my transcripts evaluated by another company/service. Will MCPHS accept them?
- If I am a transfer applicant, do I still need to submit my secondary school (high school) transcript?
- I only have one official transcript from my school. Will MCPHS accept copies of the original?
- What documents are necessary to obtain an I-20?
- What is a sponsor?
- Once I receive an I-20, how do I obtain an F-1 visa?
- I have an F-1 visa through another college/university. What must I do?
- What are the TOEFL and IELTS tests? Who is required to take either the TOEFL or IELTS test?
- Do I need to take the SAT or ACT exam?
- If I list my test scores and grades, can you tell me if I am eligible for admission to MCPHS?
- If I am not accepted into a program at MCPHS or if I withdraw an application, can I have my documents returned to me?
- Who is considered an international student?
- What does MCPHS consider to be an official transcript?
Boston
How do I request more information?
Click on the "Request Information" link located on any page of the Admission Website and fill out the form. You may also send an e-mail to admissions@mcphs.edu, or call us toll-free at 800.225.5506.
How many students attend MCPHS?
Total Enrollment for all campuses for 2007 was approximately
3626.
Boston: 2920, Worcester: 480, Manchester: 226
What is the average acceptance rate?
Freshman applicants: 67% - the acceptance rate for fall 2007 entering class in all programs.
Transfer applicants – Doctor of Pharmacy: 20%. Master of Physician Assistant Studies: 8%. All other Transfer applicants: 50% - approximate acceptance rates for 2007 entering class.
What is the MCPHS College Code? What is the FAFSA code?
The College Code is 3512. The FAFSA code is 002165.
What are class sizes like at the Boston campus? What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
Class sizes vary depending on major and year within the program. Most liberal arts and upper-level courses are in the 20 - 35 range, while some introductory courses are in large lecture halls. The student-to-teacher ratio is 17 to 1.
Is an interview required?
Freshman applicants: Interviews are only required of freshman applicants to the Dual BS in Premedical and Health Studies / Doctor of Optometry program. All other applicants are encouraged to visit MCPHS for a campus tour and information session or individual appointment. Please check the Visiting MCPHS page for our current visitation schedule.
Transfer applicants: Interviews are required of transfer applicants to the first professional year (Year 3) of the doctor of pharmacy program and applicants to the physician assistant studies program in Boston. Interviews are by invitation only, and occur after the application is complete.
What are the TOEFL and IELTS tests? Who is required to take the TOEFL or IELTS?
The TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. Candidates for whom English is not their primary spoken language are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS. Students choosing to submit TOEFL results must achieve a minimum score of 213 (computer-based) or 550 (written) or 79 (Internet based). Students choosing to submit IELTS results must achieve a minimum score of 6.5. This test requirement may be waived on an individual basis for applicants who have attended all four years of high school in the United States (exclusive of ESL courses) or have an earned degree (bachelor or higher) from a U.S. college or university. For more information regarding the TOEFL, visit their website at www.toefl.org. For more information regarding the IELTS, visit their website at www.ielts.org.
I am an international student. Do I qualify for financial aid?
No. However, Canadian citizens may qualify for a merit scholarship.
I have international credentials (transcripts). What do I need to send you?
You should have an official copy of all transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admission from the school(s) you attended. Also, you must have these school(s) send another official copy to the Center for Educational Documentation (CED) for translation and evaluation. The CED will review your transcripts and send MCPHS an official report. To contact CED, please visit their website at www.cedevaluations.com, or call them at 617.338.7171. MCPHS only accepts course-by-course evaluations from CED.
Where can I get more information regarding Student life, activities, clubs and organizations at MCPHS?
Please browse the Student Life web-pages by following the links on the main menu on the left of your screen.
Does MCPHS - Boston have housing available for students?
Housing is guaranteed for the freshman year if students submit the required applications, tuition deposit and housing deposits by the established deadlines. Housing for transfer students is limited to a space-available basis. After the freshman year, housing is assigned through a lottery system. (There are limited spaces available; while all students can participate in the housing lottery, the majority of spaces are typically awarded to freshman students moving into the second year at the College).
Does my high school senior year count?
Yes. We want to see students who continue to challenge themselves, especially in science and mathematics courses. We need to see at least first-quarter senior grades before a decision on your application will be made (except for Early Action applicants). Additionally, the College does require final high school transcripts to be submitted from accepted students; senior year grades must be consistent with those earned in previous years.
Does MCPHS award Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) credit?
Advanced Placement: Yes. We encourage students to enroll in High School AP courses. Credit can be awarded if a score of 4 or 5 is earned on the AP exam. It is important to note, however, that it is not always in the student's best interest to have credit awarded (especially for science courses such as chemistry and biology). For this reason, we require students to meet with an academic advisor during the first week of classes before credit will be awarded. Transfer credit for AP coursework is limited to 18 semester hours of credit. For more information, please speak with an admission counselor.
International Baccalaureate: Credit can be awarded for selected coursework. Students must achieve a score of 5 or better on an HL (high level) IB exam. Transfer credits are limited to exams for English, language, biology, and the arts. Transfer credit for IB coursework is limited to 18 semester hours of credit. For more information, please speak with an admission counselor.
What institutions does MCPHS accept transfer credits from?
MCPHS prefers transfer applicants to complete prerequisite coursework at four-year colleges or universities. Courses must be comparable to those in the pre-professional phase of the specific program to which the candidate is applying in order for transfer credit to be awarded. Comparability is determined by the Office of Admission in collaboration with the Office of the Registrar, school deans, program directors, and faculty.
Does MCPHS accept transfer credits from community colleges?
We recommend that applicants to our competitive programs take their pre-professional courses at a four-year college or university. While courses from community colleges may be accepted for transfer credit, provided they are determined to be equivalent to respective MCPHS courses, one of the factors used in the admission decision is the difficulty of previous schools attended.
What type of neighborhood is MCPHS located in?
MCPHS is located in the Longwood Academic and Medical Area in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston. The College is steps away from Harvard-affiliated hospitals, museums (Museum of Fine Arts and the Gardner), and other colleges like Simmons, Emmanuel, Northeastern, and Massachusetts College of Art. Fenway Park and Newbury Street are a short walk, and the entire city of Boston is a convenient subway ride away.
Is it true MCPHS offers a nursing program at all three of its campuses? Where can I get more information on that career path?
Yes, MCPHS offers a bachelor of science in nursing program at all three of its campuses. All programs in Boston, Worcester, and Manchester have been granted full initial accreditation by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) as of April 2007. The Boston program is a three-year accelerated BSN degree program, and will admit 60 students per year. The BSN programs on the Worcester and Manchester campuses are 16-month accelerated BSN degree programs for candidates who hold a bachelor degree in another field and have completed specified prerequisite courses.
All of the programs will prepare graduates to sit for the national licensing examination for registered nursing practice (NCLEX-RN). For more information on a career in nursing, please visit www.discovernursing.com.
Does MCPHS offer Early Action?
Candidates with solid academic records who have decided that MCPHS is a top choice college are encouraged to apply for early action. Applicants must submit the application and all required materials by November 15. The Office of Admission makes decisions on Early Action applications by December 15. Early Action is open only to prospective freshmen. Accepted students have until May 1 to respond to the College's offer of admission.
What do we mean by the phrase “professional partnerships?”
A professional partnership is a link between MCPHS and partner institutions that allows qualified MCPHS students to matriculate seamlessly into professional or graduate programs not offered at MCPHS. Several professional pathways are available for students interested in the premedical and health studies or health psychology majors. For more information regarding the program, admission requirements and curriculum please visit the Academic Programs section of this website. You also may call the MCPHS Office of Admission at 617.732.2850 or 1.800.225.5506, or e-mail us at admissions@mcphs.edu.
What is the Dual B.S./Doctor of Optometry program?
MCPHS and the New England College of Optometry have a formal affiliation that allows students to enter a 7-year, dual B.S. in premedical and health studies/doctor of optometry degree program. This program, designed for the academically outstanding student, consists of 3 years of study at MCPHS followed by 4 years of professional study at the New England College of Optometry. For more information regarding the program, admission requirements and curriculum please visit the Academic Programs section of this website. You may also call the MCPHS Office of Admission at 800.225.5506, or e-mail us at admissions@mcphs.edu.
Worcester
How do I request more information?
Click on the Request Information link located on any page of the Admission Website and fill out the form. You may also send an e-mail to admissions@mcphs.edu, or call us toll-free at 800.225.5506.
How many students attend MCPHS?
Total Enrollment for all campuses for 2007 was approximately
3626.
Boston: 2920, Worcester:480, Manchester: 226
What is the average acceptance rate?
Worcester and Manchester - Accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy: 20%;
Accelerated Bachelor of Science Nursing: 63% - the acceptance rates for the 2007 entering class.
What are class sizes like at the Worcester campus?
The Worcester Accelerated PharmD is a cohort program where all 150 students in the cohort have major classes together. There are also electives, labs and break-out sessions which are taught in smaller sections of 10-40 students.
Is an interview required?
Yes. An interview is a required part of the admission process, and is by invitation only. Invitations are sent once the application is complete.
What is the TOEFL/IELTS, and who is required to take it?
The TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. Candidates for whom English is not their primary spoken language are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS. Students choosing to submit TOEFL results must achieve a minimum score of 213 (computer-based) or 550 (written) or 79 (Internet based). Students choosing to submit IELTS results must achieve a minimum score of 6.5. This test requirement may be waived on an individual basis for applicants who have attended all four years of high school in the United States (exclusive of ESL courses) or have an earned degree (bachelor or higher) from a U.S. college or university. For more information regarding the TOEFL, visit their website at www.toefl.org. For more information regarding the IELTS, visit their website at www.ielts.org
I have international credentials (transcripts). What do I need to send you?
You should have an official copy of all transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admission from the school(s) you attended. Also, you must have these school(s) send another official copy to the Center for Educational Documentation (CED) for translation and evaluation. The CED will review your transcripts and send MCPHS an official report. To contact CED, please visit their website at www.cedevaluations.com, or call them at 617.338.7171.
What kind of financial aid is available? What documents are required to apply for aid?
Financial aid packages consist of institutional, state, and federal grants and loans. A number of alternative loans are also available. Only the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required. The School Code number for FAFSA is 002165.
Is housing available?
In August 2005 MCPHS - Worcester opened a new Living & Learning Center located at 25 Foster Street (adjacent to the main building at 19 Foster Street). Some of the highlights of this state-of-the-art facility include:
- 171 beds on 6 floors
- Competitively priced (compared to local housing market)
- Housing options for singles, doubles, efficiencies & multiple room suites
- Full kitchens, dining areas and living rooms
- 24 hour security
- On-site laundry facilities
- Ample shared lounge & study areas
- Enclosed walk-through access to the School of Pharmacy
- High-speed internet access, cable TV, and telephone service
What institutions does MCPHS accept transfer credits from?
MCPHS prefers transfer applicants to complete pre-requisite coursework at 4-year colleges or universities. Courses must be comparable to those in the pre-professional phase of the specific program to which the candidate is applying in order for transfer credit to be awarded. Comparability is determined by the Office of Admission in collaboration with the Office of the Registrar, school deans, program directors, and faculty.
Does MCPHS accept transfer credits from community colleges?
We recommend that applicants to our competitive programs take their pre-professional courses at a 4-year college or university. While courses from community colleges may be accepted for transfer credit, provided they are determined to be equivalent to respective MCPHS courses, one of the factors used in the admission decision is the difficulty of previous schools attended.
What type of neighborhood is MCPHS - Worcester located in?
The College is in the downtown area near the DCU Center, Common Outlet Mall and the Worcester Medical Center. As in any urban area, students must always be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions. MCPHS maintains on-campus security during hours when the building is open.
Is it true MCPHS offers a nursing program at all three of its campuses? Where can I get more information on that career path?
Yes, MCPHS offers a bachelor of science in nursing program at all three of its campuses. All programs in Boston, Worcester, and Manchester have been granted full initial accreditation by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) as of April 2007. The Boston program is a three-year accelerated BSN degree program. The BSN programs on the Worcester and Manchester campuses are 16-month accelerated BSN degree programs for candidates who hold a bachelor degree in another field and have completed specified prerequisite courses.
All of the programs will prepare graduates to sit for the national licensing examination for registered nursing practice (NCLEX-RN). For more information on a career in nursing, please visit www.discovernursing.com.
Manchester
How do I request more information?
Click on the Request Information link located on any page of the Admission website and fill out the form. You also may send an email to admissions@mcphs.edu, or call us at 603.314.1701.
How many students attend MCPHS?
Total Enrollment for all campuses for 2007 was approximately
3626.
Boston: 2920, Worcester: 480, Manchester: 226
What is the average acceptance rate?
Accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy: 20%, Accelerated Bachelor of Science Nursing: 63%, Master of Physician Assistant Studies: 33% - the acceptance rates for the 2007 entering class.
What is the TOEFL/IELTS, and who is required to take it?
The TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. Candidates for whom English is not their primary spoken language are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS. Students choosing to submit TOEFL results must achieve a minimum score of 213 (computer-based) or 550 (written) or 79 (Internet based). Students choosing to submit IELTS results must achieve a minimum score of 6.5. This test requirement may be waived on an individual basis for applicants who have attended all four years of high school in the United States (exclusive of ESL courses) or have an earned degree (bachelor or higher) from a U.S. college or university. For more information regarding the TOEFL, visit their website at www.toefl.org. For more information regarding the IELTS, visit their website at www.ielts.org.
I have international credentials (transcripts). What do I need to send you?
You should have an official copy of all transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admission from the school(s) you attended. Also, you must have these school(s) send another official copy to the Center for Educational Documentation (CED) for translation and evaluation. The CED will review your transcripts and send MCPHS an official report. To contact CED, please visit their website at www.cedevaluations.com, or call them at 617.338.7171. Please note that CED is the only foreign transcript service used and accepted by MCPHS.
What kind of financial aid is available? What documents are required to apply for aid?
Most students are eligible for subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans. However, the bulk of the tuition is generally paid through private loans. Applicants must have good credit to obtain such loans. Although MCPHS does not offer institutional scholarships or grants for graduate students, there are some opportunities for PA students to receive federal scholarships, such as the National Health Service Corps. You may learn more about these options at www.aapa.org.
How can I get direct patient care experience?
*Applicable only to the physician assistant studies program: Employment in positions such as EMT, nursing, medical assistant and OR patient care technician are examples of how many students obtain experience. If you are not already working in the health care field, it may be more difficult to break into it but it is possible. You can receive training to become a certified nurse assistant and work in a hospital or nursing home setting. You can also volunteer at many larger institutions. While in most cases volunteering does not provide for direct, hands-on patient care, it may allow you to become familiar with the health care environment and open a door for you to gain experience.
Is job shadowing a PA required?
*Applicable only to the physician assistant studies program: It is strongly recommended but not required that applicants to the PA Studies program seek out one or more practicing physician assistants in the community to "shadow" during their workday. This will allow you to gain valuable insight into the role the PA plays on the health care delivery team.
When does the Manchester Physician Assistant Studies program begin?
The Manchester/Worcester Physician Assistant Studies program begins each January. Applications must be submitted via CASPA no later than October 1. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible; CASPA can take 4-6 weeks to process applications and credentials.
Is it true MCPHS offers a nursing program at all three of its campuses? Where can I get more information on that career path?
Yes, MCPHS offers a bachelor of science in nursing program at all three of its campuses. All programs in Boston, Worcester, and Manchester have been granted full initial accreditation by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) as of April 2007. The Boston program is a three-year accelerated BSN degree program, and will admit 60 students per year. The BSN programs on the Worcester and Manchester campuses are 16-month accelerated BSN degree programs for candidates who hold a bachelor degree in another field and have completed specified prerequisite courses. The BSN program at Manchester is approved by the New Hampshire Post-Secondary Education Commission and the New Hampshire Board of Nursing.
All of the programs will prepare graduates to sit for the national licensing examination for registered nursing practice (NCLEX-RN). For more information on a career in nursing, please visit www.discovernursing.com.
International Students
What evaluation service should I use to evaluate my transcripts?
MCPHS only accepts transcripts evaluated by the following service:
Center for Educational Documentation (CED)
617.338.7171
www.cedevaluations.com
I already had my transcripts evaluated by another company/service. Will MCPHS accept them?
No. All transcripts must be evaluated by CED.
If I am a transfer applicant, do I still need to submit my secondary school (high school) transcript?
Yes. All transfer students must submit a secondary school transcript and have a course-by-course evaluation completed by CED (Please note: students holding a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor degree do not need to submit their secondary school transcripts and evaluation).
I only have one official transcript from my school. Will MCPHS accept copies of the original?
No. Only official copies in a sealed envelope from your school or CED are accepted. MCPHS will not accept opened or unofficial documents.
What documents are necessary to obtain an I-20?
You must submit a bank letter (from you or your sponsor's bank), the Certificate of Financial Resources form, and a non-refundable tuition deposit. Please see the Immigration Requirements section for further details.
What is a sponsor?
A sponsor is someone who has the funds available and is willing to finance the cost of your education.
Once I receive an I-20, how do I obtain an F-1 visa?
An F-1 visa must be administered through the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Please see the Immigration Requirements section for further details.
I have an F-1 visa through another college/university. What must I do?
You must complete and follow the instructions on the MCPHS Transfer of Schools form.
What are the TOEFL and IELTS tests? Who is required to take either the TOEFL or IELTS test?
The TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. Candidates for whom English is not their primary spoken language are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS. Students choosing to submit TOEFL results must achieve a minimum score of 213 (computer-based) or 550 (written) or 79 (Internet based). Students choosing to submit IELTS results must achieve a minimum score of 6.5. This test requirement may be waived on an individual basis for applicants who have attended all four years of high school in the United States (exclusive of ESL courses) or have an earned degree (bachelor or higher) from a U.S. college or university. For more information regarding the TOEFL, visit their website at www.toefl.org. For more information regarding the IELTS, visit their website at www.ielts.org.
Do I need to take the SAT or ACT exam?
Any first-year (freshman) applicants or applicants with fewer than 30 semester hours of college credit must take and submit official SAT and/or ACT scores.
If I list my test scores and grades, can you tell me if I am eligible for admission to MCPHS?
Decisions are made after a student submits an application, application fee, official test scores, and appropriate transcripts and documents. Once the admission decision is made it will be sent to the applicant via standard mail.
If I am not accepted into a program at MCPHS or if I withdraw an application, can I have my documents returned to me?
Once documents are submitted to MCPHS, they become the property of the College and cannot be returned.
Who is considered an international student?
Non-U.S. citizens as well as U.S. citizens and permanent resident non-citizens who have academic credentials from countries outside the United States and those who are in the U.S. on a visa must follow the directions for international applicants listed in the MCPHS College Catalog.
What does MCPHS consider to be an official transcript?
All transcripts must come directly from your school(s) in a sealed envelope with the institution's stamp or a college/university official's signature across the closure. Opened documents will not be accepted.