Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Freshman

Candidates for admission to the freshman class are expected to complete a college preparatory program of an approved secondary school, satisfying the following Carnegie Units:

4 Units of English
3 Units of Mathematics, including Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry (4 recommended)
2 Units of Laboratory Science (3 recommended)
2 Units of Social Science (3 recommended)
2 Units of Foreign Language recommended (not required)

Lasell University will also consider applicants who have successfully fulfilled the requirements for a secondary school diploma or GED.

Transfer

All transfer candidates are expected to have received a secondary school diploma or GED and to have completed college/university coursework at an accredited two- or four-year institution, or at an international institution approved by the Ministry of Education, for credit toward a degree program at Lasell University.

International

Proficiency in English is required of all Lasell University students. Applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in reading, speaking, and writing English. Candidates with strong academic backgrounds that have yet to attain proficiency in English may be considered for the Lasell University ESL (English as a Second Language) Program or offered conditional admission. The Lasell University ESL Program is a credit-bearing program contained within an academic major.

Academic Program Specific Admission Requirements

Admission to all academic programs at Lasell University is competitive. With more applications than admission slots, the University may restrict enrollment into certain academic programs. Applicants to Lasell University's Education Licensure Programs must successfully complete all required Carnegie Units with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale. Both first year and transfer applicants who are admitted into the Education Licensure Programs enter directly into the major; there is no secondary selection process.  Applicants are encouraged to complete the application process by January 15 for Fall (September) consideration.

Licensure is valid in the state of Massachusetts. Licensure may be valid in other states but may require additional steps and cannot be guaranteed. To learn more about other state licensure reciprocity please visit https://www.nc-sara.org/professional-licensure-directory

Entrance Examinations

Lasell University is Test Optional. Lasell's Test Optional Policy places the decision to submit test results with the applicant and applies to all undergraduate programs. Lasell University holistically evaluates applicants emphasizing their scholastic record, extracurricular involvement, personal essay and interview.  Students who believe the results from standardized testing support their candidacy for admission, are encouraged to submit their scores. The Lasell University CEEB Code is 3481. Information concerning the SAT may be obtained from The College Board at www.collegeboard.org. Information concerning the ACT may be obtained from the American College Testing Program at www.act.org.

Applicants whose primary language is not English should submit an Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Pearson Test of English (PTE).  SAT I or ACT scores may be substituted, if available. Candidates with strong academic backgrounds who have yet to attain proficiency in English may be considered for the Lasell University ESL (English as a Second Language) Program or offered conditional admission. TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Results:

·       Minimum for ESL Supplement Program: 54iBT, 5.0 Band IELTS, or 40 PTE Score 

·       Minimum for no ESL Supplement Program: 71iBT, 5.5 Band IELTS, or 48 PTE Score  

Information concerning the TOEFL may be obtained from the Education Testing Service at www.ets.org.

Information concerning the IELTS may be obtained from English for International Opportunity at www.ielts.org. 

Information concerning the PTE may be obtained from http://pearsonpte.com/.

Undergraduate Admission Procedures

Freshman Admission
In addition to the application for admission, freshman applicants should have the following documents forwarded to the Office of Admission:

• High School transcript (including 1st quarter senior grades if applicable)
• A personal statement or essay on a topic of your choice
• One letter of recommendation

International Freshman Applicants should also submit official secondary school transcripts or mark sheets for all schools attended (college, gymnasium, and lycee); transcripts should be translated into English.  In addition, all International Freshman Applicants should submit a Financial Declaration Form, and if applicable proof of English language proficiency. 

International applicants with foreign transcripts are encouraged to have their credentials evaluated by a professional credential evaluation service.  Each applicant is responsible for making sure that all required information is translated into English prior to being submitted to the Office of Admission.  Applications are considered complete when all credentials have been received.  Complete applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.  Candidates are encouraged to complete their applications as early as possible. The Financial Declaration provides evidence of the applicant's ability to pay educational and living expenses while at Lasell University and is required in order to obtain the I-20 Form, which is necessary to receive an F-1 student visa.  International applicants may substitute a signed bank statement verifying availability of sufficient funds.

Transfer Admission
In addition to the application for admission and applicable fee, transfer applicants should have the following documents forwarded to the Office of Admission:

• Official college transcripts from each college or university attended
• Official final high school transcript or GED (waived if 12+ credits have been earned at another college or university at the time of application)
• A personal statement or essay on a topic of your choice
• One letter of recommendation

International Transfer Applicants should also submit a copy of the current I-20 Form (if already in the United States), and a Transfer Report Form completed and signed by both the student and the International Student Advisor at the applicant's current institution.  In addition, all International Transfer Applicants should submit a Financial Declaration Form, and if applicable proof of English language proficiency. 

International Admission 
International applicants with foreign transcripts are encouraged to have their credentials evaluated by a professional credential evaluation service.  Each applicant is responsible for making sure that all required information is translated into English prior to being submitted to the Office of Admission.  Applications are considered complete when all credentials have been received.  Complete applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.  Candidates are encouraged to complete their applications as early as possible. The Financial Declaration provides evidence of the applicant's ability to pay educational and living expenses while at Lasell University and is required in order to obtain the I-20 Form, which is necessary to receive an F-1 student visa.  International applicants may substitute a signed bank statement verifying availability of sufficient funds.

Transfer Credits

Accepted transfer students will receive a credit evaluation of any submitted course work after the offer of admission. 

Transfer credit may be awarded for college level courses completed at accredited colleges and universities, with final grades of "C" (2.0) or better.  Previous courses must be comparable in content to those offered at Lasell.  Previous college/university courses completed with pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory are non-transferable.  In addition, college/university credits completed in excess of 10 years are non-transferable, and all science coursework completed in excess of 5 years is non-transferable.  Students who choose to repeat a course for which transfer credit was awarded, will not earn additional credit toward degree completion.  In addition, some courses may not be transferrable toward the student's chosen major, as they may exceed the elective requirements for that particular degree program.

Transfer applicants must submit official transcripts of all prior college/university level work with corresponding course descriptions or course catalogs. In addition, International Transfer applicants should have their official transcripts of all prior college/university level work and/or their academic credentials translated into English if necessary, and evaluated by a credential evaluation service for transfer credit consideration.

Students entering most programs will be eligible to transfer up to 90 college credits, conditional upon course equivalency. Student's pursuing a Bachelor's Degree must complete their final semester at Lasell University.

Lasell University holds several Transfer Articulation Agreements with other colleges and universities. For a detailed list, please visit Transfer Agreements.  Lasell University also participates in a Guaranteed Admission Agreement with Massachusetts Bay Community College and Middlesex Community College. 

Advanced Placement Program/Advanced College Standing

Advanced Placement Program
As a participant in the Advanced Placement Program of The College Board, Lasell will grant college credit to students who present entrance scores of at least 3 on Advanced Placement tests offered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Students should have their scores sent directly from ETS to the Office of Admission at Lasell University. The Lasell University CEEB Code is 3481.  The Office of Admission will evaluate the number of Lasell University credits awarded under the Advanced Placement Program.  Information concerning Advanced Placement Program may be obtained from The College Board at www.collegeboard.org. 

International Baccalaureate
Candidates who have completed International Baccalaureate Higher Level (HL) subjects and have received a minimum exam score of 4 in a full diploma program may be granted college credit.  Students should have their scores sent directly to the Office of Admission at Lasell University from IBO or have them printed on their official secondary school transcript.  Information concerning the International Baccalaureate may be obtained from The College Board at  http://www.ibo.org/.

International General Certificate of Secondary Education
Lasell University recognizes the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, or IGCSE and may award credit for A-Level completed coursework. Students who have taken O-Level courses are eligible for admission provided they have no less than five strong passes (minimum grade of C).  However, college credit is not awarded for O-Level completed coursework.

Financial Awards

All full-time freshman, transfer, and international candidates for admission are considered for Lasell University financial awards. No separate application is necessary. The Admission Committee strives to recognize students' academic achievement through a variety of financial awards. Information on the types of awards offered by the University can be found at: http://www.lasell.edu/tuition-and-aid/types-of-financial-aid.html

Tuition Exchange Applications

Similar to the admission process, Tuition Exchange selection is very competitive.  There are a limited number of Tuition Exchange awards available each year to new students.  Tuition Exchange Applications must be received by February 1.  The Office of Human Resources in collaboration with the Office of Student Financial Planning begins informing Tuition Exchange candidates of decisions on February 15.

Enrollment

Resident students offered admission to Lasell University are asked to submit a nonrefundable enrollment deposit of $400 ($200 tuition deposit, $200 housing deposit).  Admitted students not seeking on-campus housing are asked to submit a $200 tuition deposit.  The University observes a May 1 deposit deadline for students planning to enter in the Fall. Deposits received after May 1 will be accepted on a space available basis.  Students planning to enter in the Spring, should make their applicable deposits on or before January 1.  Deposits received after January 1 for Spring enrollment, will be accepted on a space available basis.  The tuition deposit is applied toward tuition charges. Similarly, the housing deposit is applied to on-campus residency charges.  Assignment of students to particular residence halls will be made depending on availability.  Upon receipt of the deposit, new students will receive an enrollment confirmation and a New Student Welcome Packet.

Prior to enrolling at Lasell University, the following requirements must be met: satisfactory health clearance, satisfactory completion of all in-progress courses, receipt of final grades for the current academic year, and verification of high school completion.  Any students wishing to be considered for Title IV Federal Student Aid Program funding must have an official high school transcript with proof of graduation on permanent file regardless of freshman or transfer status.

In addition, new students should contact the Office of Student Accounts to develop a plan for meeting their financial responsibilities to the University, including satisfying payment deadlines, fulfilling loan or grant requirements, and addressing outstanding balances.  All students are billed for tuition and fees on a semester basis.  Payment is required prior to registering as a student at Lasell University.