Admission Options

Early Action for Freshman Applicants

Merrimack’s Early Action I deadline is November 15th.
Merrimack’s Early Action II deadline is January 15th.

Early Action is intended for students who are completing their senior year in high school and desire to have an admissions decision early. Under the Early Action plan, your application materials—including your Common Application—must be received on or before November 15 for EA1 and by January 15 for EAII.  This is a non-binding program.

Deposits are due by May 1.  Early action candidates not granted Early Action will still receive full consideration for the fall term. Notification to the candidate of the College’s decision on admission will then be made on a rolling basis.

• Pros: earliest admission decisions; keeps your options open.
• Cons: deadlines vary across the board; some earlier, some later.

Early Decision for Freshman Applicants

Merrimack’s Early Decision I deadline is November 15th.
Merrimack’s Early Decision II deadline is January 15th.

Early Decision is intended for students who are completing their senior year in high school and who consider Merrimack College their top choice.  Under the Early Decision plan, your application materials— including your Common Application and Early Decision Agreement —must be received on or before November 15 for EDI and by January 15 for EDII. This is a binding program. If you apply to Merrimack for early decision, applying to other colleges through the regular admission process is allowed. If you are accepted to Merrimack through early decision, all other applications must be withdrawn.

Deposits are due by January 15 for EDI and by March 1 for EDII. Early decision candidates not granted Early decision will still receive full consideration for the fall term. Notification to the candidate of the College’s decision on admission will then be made mid-March.

• Pros: locked in early; more time to plan, celebrate and relax!
• Cons: deposits due early; very little wiggle room if you change your mind.

Regular Decision for Freshman Applicants

Merrimack’s Regular Decision deadline is February 15th.

Regular Decision is nice because it gives you more time to work on your application, improve your grades or take on new extracurriculars. It also helps to have later options in case you are not happy with your Early Action choices.

• Pros: more time to perfect your app and put your best foot forward.
• Cons: latest decision notification; potentially miss out on some events.

Rolling Decision for Freshman Applicants

Applications completed between February 16 and August 1 will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Decisions will be sent out typically within two weeks of application completion and deposits are rolling based on time of admission. This rolling admission plan is a flexible option for students, offering a longer window of time to apply and make a decision.

• Pros: flexibility; no deadlines to worry about.
• Cons: timelines vary; can feel a little unpredictable.

Financial Aid Timelines

To apply for need-based aid—grants, loans and work programs—you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), using the Merrimack College federal school code of 002120. We’ll keep in touch as to when the FAFSA will open. The recommended deadline should correspond with your application deadline.

Early Acceptance

Students may be considered for admission after completing their junior year if they have achieved a consistent and superior academic record. All early acceptance candidates must be recommended by their high school principal or director of guidance. General application procedures and deadlines are the same as for seniors. Students must meet the normal admission requirements (except for the number of academic courses).