Anna Maria College Admissions Requirements

Anna Maria College, located in Paxton, Massachusetts, offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The admissions process is designed to ensure that students who are academically prepared and aligned with the college’s mission have the opportunity to study at the institution.

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

General Application Requirements

Prospective undergraduate students must meet several standard criteria to be considered for admission at Anna Maria College. These include:

• Completed Application Form: Students can apply via the Anna Maria College application or the Common Application.
• High School Transcript: A complete and official high school transcript is required. Transcripts should show academic performance across all four years of high school.
• Letters of Recommendation: One or two letters of recommendation are required, preferably from teachers, counselors, or mentors who can speak to the applicant’s academic and personal qualities.
• Personal Statement/Essay: A personal essay or statement, usually around 500 words, that reflects on the applicant’s experiences, goals, or reasons for choosing Anna Maria College.
• Standardized Test Scores (Optional): Anna Maria College has adopted a test-optional admissions policy. Students can submit their SAT or ACT scores if they feel these scores reflect their abilities. However, those who opt out will not be penalized.
• Interview (Optional): While interviews are not required, students are encouraged to participate in an admissions interview to provide further insight into their application.

Academic Requirements

The academic qualifications that Anna Maria College looks for in undergraduate applicants include:

• GPA: While no minimum GPA is strictly required, most successful applicants have a GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Coursework: High school coursework should demonstrate a well-rounded academic background. It is recommended that students complete the following:
  • 4 years of English
  • 3-4 years of Mathematics
  • 3 years of Science (with laboratory work)
  • 2-3 years of Social Studies
  • 2 years of a foreign language (recommended, but not required)

Additional Materials for Specific Programs

Certain programs at Anna Maria College have additional requirements:

• Music Therapy: Applicants to the Music Therapy program must complete an audition. The audition is used to assess musical skills and potential for success in the program.
• Nursing Program: Applicants to the Nursing program should have a strong background in math and science courses and may be required to meet additional standards for GPA and coursework.

Application Deadlines

Anna Maria College offers rolling admissions, but encourages students to submit their applications by these priority deadlines:

• Early Action: December 1
• Regular Decision: March 1

Transfer Student Admissions Requirements

Transfer students are a vital part of the Anna Maria College community, and the admissions process is designed to facilitate the smooth transition of students from other institutions.

General Application Requirements for Transfer Students

Transfer applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Completed Application: Like first-year applicants, transfer students can use the Anna Maria College application or the Common Application.
• College Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended are required. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is typically expected, but higher GPAs may be required for certain programs (such as Nursing).
• High School Transcript: Transfer students with fewer than 24 college credits must also submit an official high school transcript.
• Letters of Recommendation: One or two letters of recommendation, preferably from college instructors, are strongly encouraged.
• Personal Essay: A personal statement reflecting on the transfer student’s experiences and why they wish to transfer to Anna Maria College.

Credit Transfer Policies

Anna Maria College has a generous credit transfer policy, enabling students to transfer a significant number of credits from other institutions:

• Maximum Transfer Credits: Students may transfer up to 75 credits from accredited institutions, provided the courses align with Anna Maria’s academic offerings and a grade of “C” or better was earned.
• Massachusetts Transfer Guarantee: Anna Maria participates in the Massachusetts Transfer Guarantee, allowing students from Massachusetts community colleges with an associate degree to transfer more easily.

Application Deadlines for Transfer Students

• Fall Admission: Priority consideration is given to transfer students who apply by August 1.
• Spring Admission: Applications should be submitted by January 1 for spring enrollment.

Graduate Admissions Requirements

Anna Maria College offers various graduate programs, including master’s degrees in Business, Criminal Justice, Counseling, Education, Nursing, and Social Work. Admissions criteria vary by program but generally include the following:

General Application Requirements for Graduate Programs

• Completed Graduate Application: The Anna Maria College graduate application must be completed in full.
• Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• Letters of Recommendation: At least two letters of recommendation, usually from academic or professional sources, are required.
• Personal Statement: A written statement outlining the applicant’s goals for pursuing graduate studies and how the program aligns with their career objectives.
• Resume/CV: A current resume detailing professional and academic experience.
• Standardized Test Scores: Some graduate programs may require GRE, GMAT, or other standardized test scores. However, many programs at Anna Maria have waived this requirement.

Program-Specific Requirements

Each graduate program may have additional requirements. Below are a few examples:

• Master of Social Work (MSW):
  • Applicants must have completed coursework in social or behavioral sciences.
  • Advanced Standing applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an accredited program.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA):
  • Work experience in a business-related field is often recommended.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN):
  • Applicants must have a current RN license and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Application Deadlines for Graduate Programs

Graduate programs often have specific deadlines, though many operate on a rolling basis:

• Fall Semester: Applications are encouraged by July 15.
• Spring Semester: Applications should be submitted by December 15.

International Student Admissions Requirements

Anna Maria College welcomes international students and offers support throughout the admissions and visa process. International applicants must meet the same requirements as domestic students, with some additional steps.

General Application Requirements for International Students

• Completed Application: International students can apply using the Anna Maria College application or the Common Application.
• Official Transcripts: Transcripts must be submitted and, if necessary, translated into English by a certified translator.
• Proof of English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores unless they have completed high school in an English-speaking country. Minimum scores typically required are:
  • TOEFL: 79 iBT
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • Duolingo: 100
• Letters of Recommendation: One or two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other professional sources are required.
• Personal Statement: A personal essay reflecting the applicant’s goals and reasons for choosing Anna Maria College.

Visa Requirements

Once accepted, international students will need to obtain a student visa (F-1 Visa) to study in the United States. To receive the I-20 form required for the visa process, students must submit:

• Proof of Financial Support: Documentation showing that the student has sufficient funds to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for the duration of their studies.
• Passport Copy: A copy of the passport’s identification page is required.

International Application Deadlines

International students are encouraged to apply early to ensure ample time for visa processing:

• Fall Admission: Applications should be submitted by June 1.
• Spring Admission: Applications should be submitted by November 1.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Anna Maria College is committed to making education affordable and offers a variety of financial aid options, including need-based aid, merit scholarships, and work-study opportunities.

Types of Financial Aid Available

• Need-Based Financial Aid: Students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.
• Merit Scholarships: Anna Maria offers several merit-based scholarships to recognize academic achievement, leadership, and community service. All students are automatically considered for these scholarships upon applying.
• Work-Study Programs: Federal work-study programs are available to eligible students to help reduce educational expenses through part-time employment.

Veterans and Military Students

Anna Maria College proudly supports veterans and military service members, offering specific resources and benefits for these students.

Veterans Education Benefits

• Post-9/11 GI Bill: Anna Maria College accepts GI Bill benefits, and the admissions office can assist in processing VA educational benefits.
• Yellow Ribbon Program: Anna Maria is a Yellow Ribbon Program participant, which helps veterans cover tuition and fees that exceed the benefits provided by the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Additional Support for Military Students

The college provides support for military-affiliated students through its Veterans Services Office, which offers guidance on admissions, financial aid, and academic planning.

Admissions Contact Information

For additional information, questions, or assistance with the admissions process, prospective students can contact the admissions office at:

Anna Maria College Admissions Office
50 Sunset Lane
Paxton, MA 01612
Phone: (508) 849-3360
Email: admissions@annamaria.edu
Website: www.annamaria.edu