Application Process

Freshman International Application Process

A freshman international applicant is one entering college directly after secondary school (high school). If you are applying as a freshman, follow the steps listed below. A freshman has not completed any college/university level courses.

Completing Your Application

1. Complete your Application (including the 650 word essay)

Please submit only one version of the application, not both.

Once you submit your application, you will receive an email with further instructions to check your application status.

2. Submit a secondary school transcript with an official English translation.

  • Transcripts must include every year attended

3. Submit proof of English proficiency.

  • All international applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency if English is not their native language
  • Test scores must be sent directly from the testing authority/institution
  • Test must be completed within the past two years
  • If you meet all the requirements except for English Proficiency, Merrimack College has Conditional Admission options

English proficiency to satisfy Merrimack College’s requirement can be demonstrated by the following:

  • Minimum Duolingo English Test (DET) score of 110
  • Minimum TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based) with no subset score lower than 18
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (with no band below 6.0)
  • Minimum SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 510
  • Minimum PTE Academic score of 53
  • Minimum ACT composite score of 23
  • Minimum Grade of “C” in IGCSE O-level English
  • Minimum Grade of “C” in a college-level course that has been evaluated by Merrimack College and deemed a transfer equivalent to ENG1050-Intro to College Writing (formerly FYW1050)
  • For prospective students applying for the 2022-23 academic year, Merrimack will also consider results from the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator
  • If you feel that you have demonstrated English proficiency in a way not mentioned above, please contact us at [email protected], to discuss meeting our requirements.

4. Submit one letter of recommendation from teacher or school counselor.

  • Must be sent directly from author
  • Recommendation letters from English language school teachers will be accepted as a supplement to your application, but you will still be required to submit a recommendation letter from a high school teacher or counselor.

5. Submit a declaration of finances form and notarized bank letter.

  • Download the undergraduate Declaration of Finances form here. In addition to Merrimack’s Declaration of Finances form, we require a letter from your bank certifying available funds. If we have all these materials at time of decision, including a valid copy of your passport, we will be able to supply your I-20 with your offer of admission.

For additional information please refer to the Merrimack College application guide.

After you apply 

You applied! Nice work! Once you submit your application, you will receive an email with further instructions to log in to your application portal. Through this application portal, you’ll be able to see if we are missing any items, update your information, view your documents, and check your application status. This is also where you will be informed of your admission decision.

International Freshman Deadlines

Admission Plan Application Deadline Admission Decision Deposit Deadline
Early Decision November 1 November 15 January 15
Early Action 1 November 15 December 1 May 1
Early Action 2 January 15 February 1 May 1
Rolling
(begins Jan 16)
August 1 Within a week of
application completion
Rolling (based on
time of admission)
Spring Semester January 6 Within a week of
application completion
Rolling (based on
time of admission)

Did you miss an application deadline? Please email the International Admission Office for assistance at [email protected]

Mailing Information

Transcripts, recommendations, Declaration and Certification of Finances forms (DCF), and any other admission materials that are not submitted online should be mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admission
Merrimack College
315 Turnpike Street
North Andover, MA 01845