We are confident that 99% of the answers to your questions can be found below (as long as you don't mind scrolling).  If you can't find it here, feel free to contact your admission counselor at any time!

What is the application process?
Our application process is intentionally straightforward.  We require an online application (Student Choice or Common Application - we don't have a preference) and an official high school transcript.  An application fee is no longer required.  Once you receive an admission decision and potential merit scholarship award (see below), the next step is to schedule a visit to campus and apply for financial aid (if you plan to) using the FAFSA.  In order to reserve your place in the class, we request that you submit a $300 enrollment deposit via check (written out to New England College with student's name in the memo line) or online via PayPal:




This deposit secures your place in the Class of 2017 and is fully refundable - for any reason - until May 1, 2013.  IMPORTANT: When you reach the "Review Payment" screen, please be sure to click on "Add special instructions to merchant" and enter the full legal name of the STUDENT (as entered on application) beneath "Description" to ensure proper processing of the deposit.

What types of students are admitted to New England College each year?
We welcome a wide range of applicants every year, including traditional first-year, transfer, international, adult (NEC Plus) and veteran students with an average GPA of 2.5-3.0/4.0.

Do you have deadlines?
No, we operate on a rolling admission cycle through August.  While there are no official deadlines, there are several benefits to applying sooner than later.  Three examples:

• The earlier you apply, the sooner you receive a decision (as early as mid-December)

• $11 million in institutional funds (2012-2013) were offered to accepted students; the earlier you apply, the likelihood of receiving these funds is increased.

• Once you have a decision [and potential merit scholarship], you can make plans in advance to visit and meet with Student Financial Services to begin financial planning.

How long does it take to receive an admission decision?
Our goal is to have a decision to you within two weeks of a completed application beginning in December.  All applications received before December 1 should expect to receive a decision by mid-December, while all applicants beyond December 1 should hear within 2 weeks.  If you are awarded a merit scholarship, it will appear on your acceptance letter.

How do you determine admission?
As mentioned above, our process is intentionally straightforward, focusing less on competitiveness and more on helping you to find the right academic, social and financial fit.

Should I send in supplementary material for review?
Though we will accept additional materials (recommendation letters, portfolios, etc.), we request that you represent yourself as best you can within the standard application.

Does the major I list on my application affect my chances of admission?
Many of our students are undecided when they enter as first-year students.  We encourage you to explore our many academic options before narrowing your path, so we do not factor your major interest into the admission process.

I am:

• An International Student

• A Transfer Student

• A Veteran

• An adult over 25 (you may be eligible for our NEC-Plus program)

Are standardized tests required?  Why not?
No.  As an intensive liberal arts college, we look for well-rounded students with strengths in traditional and non-traditional aspects.  We believe that four years of performance are more demonstrative of your intellect than one or two Saturday morning exams.

What is the policy for awarding AP credit?
With scores of 3, 4 or 5 on the AP exam, we will likely award New England College credit.  Because every department is different, this credit may count toward major, core or elective credits and is ultimately determined by the Registrar’s Office and respective academic department.  Credit is not guaranteed.

If admitted, may I defer my admission?
We keep all applications on file for one year.  In most cases, we will uphold our offer of admission for this additional year and we recommend that you submit, in writing, your request to defer for one year.  Gap years, study abroad, etc. can only add to your portfolio of strengths.  If you take classes at another institution, your performance can impact your merit award and your FAFSA must be resubmitted before a financial aid package is offered.  If you have questions, please contact us.

How diverse is the student body (ethnicity, geographic, LGBT, race, socio-economic, etc.)?
We are committed to recruiting students from all backgrounds.  With over 30 states and 20 countries represented on campus, we have found that this geographic diversity alone brings nearly every other interpretation of diversity to our campus.  Visit and you'll see!

What type of extracurricular activities can I find on campus?
What are you passionate about?  We look for breadth and depth in our students when determining admission, so we have an equally dynamic student body.  Our Office of Student Involvement is very active and we have a large number of varsity and intramural athletic opportunities as well.  Did you know that New England College students can ski/snowboard for free at Pats Peak (two miles down the road)?  Seriously.

Is housing guaranteed all four years?  What if I want to live off campus?
Yes, housing is guaranteed all four years.  We have a large variety of accommodations including singles, doubles (standard for first year), suites, apartments and off-campus, college-owned housing.  Unless you live within a certain mile radius (determined by the Director of Residence Life) and plan to commute, we require students to live on campus for at least two full academic years.  Exceptions may be made for transfer and adult students.

Internships?  Leadership Opportunities?
Experiential learning is core to our campus culture.  We have a large number of established internships through our academic departments and the Office of Career & Life Planning.  If you have a GPA of 3.5/4.0 or higher, you may be invited to apply for the New England College Honors Program (NECHP).

What types of visit opportunities are available to me?
We offer a wide range of opportunities to students interested in New England College to come to campus, and we recommend that you visit at least twice.  From weekday tours to Saturday information sessions, open houses & other events, we have plenty of options to fit your calendar.  Visit our Visit Campus page for more information.

When is the best time for me to visit?
We try to accommodate your schedule to the best of our ability, though we do recommend that you come when school is in session, Monday-Friday, or to one of our weekend/holiday events.  Visit our Visit Campus to view our upcoming visit opportunities.

What should I do during my visit?
A tour of campus says a lot, but we also recommend that you branch out.  Reach out to a professor, a coach, a professional from Pathways Academic Success Services, sit in on a class (schedules available in Admission upon your arrival), and have lunch on campus.  If you're considering spending four years at a college, spend a few hours on campus!

Are interviews required during my visit to campus/for admission?
No. We recommend that you meet with us to answer your questions but we do not factor these informal discussions into our application review process.

Does NEC award merit scholarships and if so, how do I apply for them?
Applicants are automatically considered for a merit scholarship when they apply to New England College based primarily on GPA.  Students are eligible to receive only one merit scholarship as part of their financial aid package, which is finalized once the FAFSA is submitted.  Yes, we do accept outside scholarships.

How can I determine if New England College is an affordable option for me?
Until you apply, receive a potential merit scholarship, and submit your FAFSA online, it is tough to judge up front.  If you would like a general estimate of your potential financial aid package, check out our Net Price Calculator:

Do you offer athletic scholarships?
Not for our NCAA Division III athletic programs.  We do not award athletic scholarships but you will find that our athletes are equally dedicated to their academics.  Most accepted students receive some form of merit scholarship based on GPA.  We do offer limited scholarships for our Men's Rugby Program.