Frequently Asked Questions
Transferring to a different college comes with a lot of questions, but we strive to make the process as seamless as possible. Get your questions answered below, or reach out to us at [email protected]!
Applying to Merrimack
If I applied to Merrimack previously, can I reactivate my application?
If you’ve applied within the past 12 months, you can reactivate your prior application to be re-reviewed. We will also carry over any previously received admission materials, so your portal checklist will only list any new, updated or additional materials that we may need. Reach out to your admission counselor or [email protected] to see if you’re eligible to reactivate your application!
If I applied to Merrimack previously, will I get the same scholarship?
We can’t guarantee you’ll get the same scholarship—but we did recently increase our scholarship amounts so it’s possible you could be awarded even more! Either way, we will re-review your application materials and any coursework you’ve done since applying, and provide you with a new merit scholarship offer.
My previous school shut down. How can I request official transcripts?
In the unfortunate case that an institution has closed, official records are transferred to another institution. This is generally either a local government (educational) office or partnering school that has absorbed the curriculum of the closed institution.
Do you accept unofficial transcripts?
Yes! We can use unofficial transcript(s) to offer you an initial admission and merit scholarship decision. If admitted, we will need the official final transcript(s) sent directly from your institution before enrolling at Merrimack.
What is the Transfer Guarantee?
Is Merrimack a part of MassTransfer?
No, MassTransfer is an exclusive agreement between Public State institutions and Massachusetts Community Colleges. However Merrimack is part of the Massachusetts Independent College Transfer Guarantee which offers the benefits as MassTransfer, the difference is that it’s for private colleges!
Transfer Student Life
Can transfer students study abroad?
Yes, transfer students are eligible for all 25+ of our study abroad opportunities!
Can transfer students live on campus?
Yes, you can choose whether you’d like to live on campus or commute.
Can transfer students participate in varsity athletics?
Yes! Typically, transfer students are recruited by the coaching staff of our DI athletic teams. Explore the athletics website to learn more!
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Are transfer students eligible for merit-based scholarships?
Yes, transfer applicants are automatically reviewed for merit-based scholarships ranging between $16,000 – $36,000 renewable annually.
Are there any transfer-specific scholarships?
If you are a member of Phi Theta Kappa, you are eligible for an additional $2,000 scholarship renewable annually. Visit Phi Theta Kappa’s website to learn more about membership benefits and requirements!
Do transfer students receive less financial aid and scholarship awards compared
to traditional freshman applicants?
Absolutely not; as a transfer applicant, you will be reviewed for the same merit awards as incoming freshman.
Transferring Credits
How many credits can I transfer in?
Merrimack accepts up to 93 transfer credits; only 25% of your total credits must be completed at Merrimack!
Can I start over if I have already received college credits?
Unfortunately not. We will need an official college transcript no matter what. If you have completed fewer than 24 college credits we will also need your final high school transcript.
Do you offer credits for AP classes?
Yes. AP Exam scores of 3 and higher will be reviewed for credit. Review our general policies for transfer credit and find additional resources here.
Does Merrimack award credit for work, life or other experience?
Yes! Merrimack awards academic credit for workforce training based on the American Council on Education National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training recommendations. An official ACE transcript must be submitted for consideration. Workforce training credits will be accepted as open elective credits. If a student wants workforce training credit to be approved for a major or minor requirement, then the course must be approved by the academic department of that major or minor.
Transferring into the Nursing Program
What are the requirements for transferring into the Nursing program?
In order to be considered for our Nursing Program, transfer students must:
- have a grade of C or better in high school and college-level science classes
- have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all college-level coursework
- plan to spend at least 3.5 years in the program and complete all relevant nursing coursework at Merrimack
- submit official or unofficial final high school, GED or high school equivalency transcripts
Are there any prerequisites?
It is a requirement for Merrimack Nursing majors to take Introduction to Professional Nursing (NUR 1550) at Merrimack. If you’ve taken a course similar to NUR 1550 already, that course will likely transfer into Merrimack for open elective credit.
Who should take Intro to Professional Nursing (NUR 1550) this summer?
This 4-credit Merrimack summer course is intended for transfer students who have committed to Merrimack, have earned 30+ college credits and successfully completed Anatomy & Physiology 1 and Anatomy & Physiology 2. If you have taken A&P 1 but not A&P 2, you can still take NUR 1550, however you need to also take A&P 2. Both of these courses are offered through Merrimack during Summer 2.
Taking NUR 1550 at Merrimack during the summer will set up transfer Nursing students to complete their Merrimack BSN in 3 years instead of 3 ½ years. It is also a unique opportunity to meet other students and get acclimated to campus prior to the start of the school year.
Where will my clinicals take place?
Merrimack has over 60+ clinical partnerships with local and regional healthcare organizations, hospitals, medical centers, schools, rehab and nursing centers. Students will need their own vehicle to commute to these clinicals, especially if taking the NUR 1550 Summer Course
When is the class offered? Is NUR 1550 in-person or hybrid?
NUR 1550 is an in-person class at Merrimack, offered during the Summer 2 session (July 7 – August 28). Class will meet Monday-Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for a lecture, and Thursdays 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. for lab and clinical.
Will my financial aid award cover NUR 1550 in the summer? What is the cost?
Financial aid and scholarships go toward Fall and Spring semesters, not summer terms. Students need to pay for this course in full. However, taking this course should be an overall financial saving, since transfer students can then finish Merrimack in 3 years or 6 semesters instead of 7 semesters.
NUR 1550 during Summer 2 Tuition and Fees: $2,320
Students will also need to purchase uniforms for lab/clinical as well as a stethoscope.
What are my options for Merrimack housing during the summer?
You can commute or live on campus. If you choose to live on campus, housing is available through Merrimack in the Royal Crest apartments for $300/week. Royal Crest apartments furnished with double rooms, bathrooms and a full kitchen. Laundry is included. There are no summer meal plans, but grocery stores and restaurants are both near campus. Students usually transition to their fall assignments in late July/early August, and early-arrival resident meal plans become available at that time.
How do I sign up for NUR1550 in the summer?
First, commit to Merrimack with your enrollment deposit.
Second, submit the NUR 1550 interest form by May 28.
Then, new students will be able to register for NUR 1550 in MyMack. We’ll provide registration instructions.
Next Steps
When is move-in and the first day of classes?
Merrimack’s academic calendar is available here. New student move-in is Friday, August 23 and classes begin Monday, August 26. Find the most up-to-date information here along with earlier move in dates for athletes and students in LLCs (like Austin Scholars and the Honors Program). Contact Residence Life at [email protected] or 978-837-5507 with any additional questions!
Something Else on Your Mind?
Please reach out to your admission counselor! They are your go-to person and can help with any questions you may have. If you’re not sure who your counselor is, you can find yours in the applicant portal. We also have Mack, our chatbot, available to answer your questions 24/7. Keep an eye out for Mack in the bottom corner of this page.
