Admission

Middlesex is a public college with an open admission policy. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores are not required. Applicants are required to have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (GED). Students graduating from Massachusetts public high schools as of 2003 or later must certify that they have earned a high school diploma and met MCAS requirements.

In some cases, knowledge based on life experience, maturity and demonstrated ability to benefit from further education may be an adequate basis for acceptance. For prospective students who have not earned a high school diploma or GED credential, MCC offers an approved Ability to Benefit testing program. Students who achieve the minimum required scores may be considered for admission. Please contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-818-3434 for more information.

Some major programs of study have additional admission prerequisites that must be satisfied in order to be considered for admission, and admission to these major programs of study may be competitive due to the limited number of openings. Non-Massachusetts residents are admitted on a space-available basis.

To create a supportive learning environment, students are admitted to Middlesex Community College with the understanding that they possess sufficient academic skills to meet the requirements of their courses and programs, and the personal capacity to adhere to the standards for student conduct published in the Student Handbook and available on the college website at www.middlesex.mass.edu.

Students may meet with an academic counselor to explore options, discuss transfer credit, inquire about admission, or to learn more about Middlesex Community College. To speak with an academic counselor or to schedule an appointment in Bedford or in Lowell, log on to www.middlesex.mass.edu or call 1-800-818-3434.

A monthly schedule of campus tours is available on the MCC website: www.middlesex.mass.edu. Tours are available during the day, in the evening and on weekends. Please call 1-800-818-3434 for further information.

How to Apply for Admission

1. Review the admission requirements for your major program. (See Programs of Study.)
    
2. Complete and submit your Application for Admission online at www.middlesex.mass.edu, or call 1-800-818-3434 for an application.

If mailing your application, send it to: Middlesex Community College, Enrollment Communications & Support, 33 Kearney Square, Lowell, MA 01852-1987.

• If you have not yet earned your high school diploma at the time you submit your application, you must certify that you have earned your high school diploma or GED credential prior to the start of classes.
• To request transfer credit for course credits from other colleges, forward official transcript(s) with your application or have them sent later.
• If you have been home schooled, you must send a copy of your certificate of completion of a home-study program that has been recognized by your school district, and fulfill all MCC admission requirements.

      3. After you’ve been admitted to Middlesex, you will receive a(n): 

• Immunization Form
• Disability Support Services Form
• Placement Testing Exemption Request Form
• Financial Aid Worksheet

If you do not plan to enroll in a specific major program of study, you can register for evening and weekend courses by mail, phone, fax, in person or via the Web. For a Semester Schedule with course descriptions, class meeting times and places, visit our online enrollment link at www.middlesex.mass.edu or call 1-800-818-3434.

First, Take the College Placement Test

After you have been admitted to the college, you must take the college placement test. Schedule your test by going to www.middlesex.mass.edu or by calling 1-800-818-3434. If you have successfully completed a college-level English or math course from another college or have taken MCC placement testing at an earlier date, you may qualify for an exemption from all or part of the test. In order to be eligible to participate in a  specific academic program and/or enroll in credit classes, students must achieve a minimum score of 33 out of 120 on the reading portion of the test.

Day Students: Meet with an Academic Counselor

Admitted students enrolling in day classes should make an appointment to attend a Getting Started Advising and Registration Session by going to www.middlesex.mass.edu or by calling 1-800-818-3434.

Evening, Weekend & Online Students: Now You’re Ready to Register for Classes

There are five easy ways to register for evening/weekend/online classes:

1. Web - Log on to www.middlesex.mass.edu and click on MiddleNet, our online enrollment link.
2. Phone-in - Call 1-800-818-3434 from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. (From out of state call 978-656-3370.)
3. Fax-in - 24 hours, seven days a week. Send your completed registration form to us by dialing 978-656-3443.
4. Mail-in - Mail your completed registration form to: MCC Enrollment Communications & Support, 33 Kearney Square, Lowell, MA 01852-1987.
5. Walk-in -

Bedford: Enrollment Center (Building 9), Student Information Center, Room 118.
Lowell: City Building, Student Information Center, ground floor.

To pay your tuition and fees:

• Complete your Financial Aid application.
• Sign up for the Middlesex Community College payment plan. For more information contact the college Student Accounts Office in Bedford (781-280-3645) or Lowell (978-656-3291.)
• Pay by check, or pay online using Discover, MasterCard or Visa at www.middlesex.mass.edu - click on the MiddleNet icon.

To take care of your health insurance:

• If you register for nine or more credits, you will be charged for health insurance. This fee may be waived if you are covered under another health insurance plan.
  
  Note: Insurance requirements may vary for students admitted to Health programs.
   
• If you are planning to be covered under your parents’ health insurance, be sure to check their student enrollment requirements.

Let us know if you:

• Need to withdraw from a class.
• Change your major program of study.
• Change your address or phone number.

Most successful MCC students:

• Attend every class meeting.
• Buy their books during the first week of classes.

Changes to your schedule:

• Occasionally a course is cancelled due to low enrollment. To register for another class, log on to www.middlesex.mass.edu or call us at 1-800-818-3434.
• To make changes to your schedule, complete the Add/Drop process at www.middlesex.mass.edu, call 1-800-818-3434, or visit a Student Information Center before the end of the first week of classes.

Applicants to the following major programs of study must meet additional admission requirements, which are detailed in Programs of Study.

• Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling
• Biotechnology Technician Programs
• Computer Forensics Certificate
• Energy Utility Technology
• Health Programs:
  • Dental Assisting
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Dental Laboratory Technology
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography
  • Medical Assisting
  • Medical Receptionist
  • Medical Secretary
  • Nursing
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Phlebotomy
  • Radiologic Technology
• Paralegal Studies Certificate

Application materials and forms for these major programs of study are available at the Student Information Center in Bedford and Lowell. They are also available at www.middlesex.mass.edu or call 1-800-818-3434 to request them by mail.

Applicants who are not United States citizens or not permanent residents of the U.S. and are interested in obtaining a student visa (F-1) must complete an International Student Application, available from MCC’s International and Multicultural Office, or the Student Recruitment Office. Further required information includes: statements of financial support, scores on Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of 500 (written) or 173 (computerized) or 61 (Web-based), and a physician’s certificate of health, including immunizations which comply with Massachusetts state law. For more information, please call MCC’s Student Recruitment Office at 978-656-3207, or visit the college website and select the Admission link at www.middlesex.mass.edu/internationaladmissions.

Before enrolling for classes, entering students must take computerized placement tests (CPT) in reading and mathematics, and write a short essay. The test results provide a baseline for assessing your skill levels in the areas of knowledge necessary for college coursework and enable an academic counselor to advise you in selecting appropriate courses. The Accuplacer Computerized Test is used by all of the colleges in the Massachusetts state higher-education system. In order to be eligible to participate in a specific academic program and/or enroll in credit classes, students must achieve a minimum score of 33 out of 120 on the reading portion of the test. There is no time limit for taking the mathematics and reading tests, and students have up to one hour to write a short essay; most students need to plan on two to three hours to complete all the sections. To see how you can prepare for your placement test and view sample questions, select https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/Admissions/cptprep.htm. Please visit www.middlesex.mass.edu or call 1-800-818-3434 to schedule your testing appointment as soon as you are admitted to Middlesex. Students are required to have photo identification.

Massachusetts law requires that full-time students (those enrolled in 12 or more credits hours), and all students in the Health Careers Division (part-time and full-time, regardless of age) provide proof that they have been immunized against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Tetanus/diphtheria (within last ten years) and one lifetime dose of Tdap, Hepatitis B, and Varicella in order to attend classes at any public or private college or university in Massachusetts. Students born in the United States before January 1, 1957 will be considered immune to Measles, Mumps and Rubella and exempt from the MMR vaccine requirement. Students born in the United States before January 1, 1980 will be considered immune to Varicella (chicken pox) and exempt from the Varicella requirement.

Students who do not complete these requirements will not receive end of semester grades, or be allowed to register for the following semester, or have transcripts sent to other colleges until these records are submitted. Contact the Health Service office for additional information about any of these requirements.

Chapter 23 of the General Laws of Massachusetts requires that all students enrolled in nine or more credit hours participate in the College Student Medical and Accident Insurance Plan. The requirement may be waived for students who already have comparable health insurance by completing a waiver form and submitting proof of the existing coverage to the Middlesex Community College Student Accounts Office.

Students who are enrolled in fewer than nine credits are not eligible to participate in the Student Medical and Accident Insurance Plan. However, students who are enrolled part time (fewer than nine credits) can go to www.mahealthconnector.org or call 1-877-623-6765 for additional information about Commonwealth Choice or Commonwealth Care insurance plans, which are offered through the state of Massachusetts.

For further information, contact the Students Accounts Office in Bedford (781-280-3645) or Lowell (978-656-3291) or the MCC Health Service Office in Bedford (781-280-3765) or Lowell (978-656-3235).

Students who wish to be readmitted to Middlesex and were not enrolled within the last five years, must submit a new application. Please visit the Student Information Center, the college website (www.middlesex.mass.edu) or call 1-800-818-3434 to reactivate an admission application. Readmitted students will be treated as new students and sent new-student admission information.

Please note: Middlesex retains educational records for a maximum of five years after a student was last enrolled at the college.

• Currently enrolled students considering applying to degree or certificate major programs of study with additional admission requirements should thoroughly review prerequisites and other conditions before applying for admission.
• Admission to some major programs of study may be competitive, due to the limited number of openings for new students.
• Currently enrolled students must meet the stated eligibility standards for acceptance into major programs of study with specified admission prerequisites and conditions.
• The following major programs of study have additional admission prerequisites. Most begin only in the fall semester. For full details, see Programs of Study.
  • Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling
  • Biotechnology Technician Programs
  • Computer Forensics Certificate
  • Energy Utility Technology
  • Health Programs:
    • Dental Assisting
    • Dental Hygiene
    • Dental Laboratory Technology
    • Diagnostic Medical Sonography
    • Medical Assisting
    • Medical Receptionist
    • Medical Secretary
    • Nursing
    • Nursing Assistant
    • Phlebotomy
    • Radiologic Technology
  • Paralegal Studies Certificate

Application materials and forms for these programs of study are available in the Student Information Centers at the Bedford and Lowell campuses. The application is also available at www.middlesex.mass.edu, or to request a copy call 1-800-818-3434.

Related Topic: For information about transferring to a program without additional admission requirements, see Change of Major Program of Study.

Matriculated students (those who have applied and been admitted to the college) who attend day classes are assigned an academic advisor. Academic advising is a valuable service, since all students are responsible for fulfilling the precise requirements of their academic major program of study.

Each semester, students must meet with their academic advisor to plan their course selections for the following semester. Before registering for classes, students are responsible for making and keeping appointments with academic advisors to ensure they select courses with appropriate content and credit.

Many students who only attend classes in the evening or weekends are not assigned advisors. However, unassigned students are strongly urged to consult academic counselors for advising at their campus Academic, Career & Transfer Center.

Located on the Bedford and Lowell campuses, MCC’s Academic Career & Transfer Centers are designed to help students identify their goals, and develop and modify an educational plan to reflect their academic, career and life goals. Whether it is your plan to take a few classes, transfer to another institution, or earn a degree from Middlesex, our advisors will work with you to help achieve your goals. The advising process includes providing timely, accurate information about academic and career opportunities, program requirements, college policies and procedures, and seamless transfer pathways. Advisors also connect and refer students to support services and resources.

Academic Advising Services - Academic advising at Middlesex is a shared practice throughout the institution that supports teaching and learning. Individualized, collaborative relationships between students and advisors lead to a better understanding of current skill levels, aptitudes, interests and strengths. This fosters an appreciation of the role of higher-education planning in developing and achieving student objectives.

Through frequent interaction, advisors engage students in assuming an active, self-sufficient role in their academic planning. Academic advisors promote student retention and progress by encouraging students to identify and pursue their appropriate educational and professional goals.

Career Services - MCC promotes career development as a lifelong learning process. An important step in the career decision-making process involves the active exploration of academic/career options and opportunities. Through self-assessment, thoughtful career exploration, and the implementation of a career action plan, our programs and activities seek to assist and support students in learning about appropriate and satisfying careers, enabling them to participate more fully in a global society.

We conduct a range of special programs designed to help students proactively explore occupational choices, gain first-hand experience in a variety of work environments, and meet working professionals. Students who are engaged in a job-search process can meet with our career specialists to develop effective resumes and cover letters, learn how to utilize the Internet in their job search, and effectively prepare for interviews.

Transfer Services - Middlesex recognizes that students may utilize a variety of educational programs to complete their educational goals. We encourage students to explore transfer options early in the development of their educational/career plan.

There are many ways for students to bring previously earned credit to MCC. Students may also take credits earned at Middlesex to other colleges and universities. Our transfer counselors can assist students with this process by providing incoming-transfer credit evaluation, as well as transfer counseling to baccalaureate programs, including MassTransfer.

The Bedford campus Academic, Career & Transfer (AC&T) Center is located in the Enrollment Center (Building 9), Room 115. In Lowell, the AC&T Center is located in the City Building (ground floor) Room G02.

Call 1-800-818-3434 for more information or to make an appointment with one of our advisors.

If you need to register for classes, change your schedule, verify your enrollment, request a transcript, or just need general assistance, visit the staff in the Student Information Centers. In Bedford, the Student Information Center is located in the Enrollment Center (Building 9), Room 118; call 781-280-3605. In Lowell, the Student Information Center is located in  the City Building, ground floor; 978-656-3213.

 Clients of agencies, such as Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission or the state’s Commission for the Blind, are assisted by MCC’s Office of Disability Support Services. Please call 781-280-3630 for more information.

Middlesex Community College major programs of study are approved for the receipt of veterans’ educational benefits. You may obtain an application form for educational benefits at the Student Information Centers.

Massachusetts veterans may also qualify for the waiver of their tuition costs and should contact the Student Accounts Office for additional information on program requirements.

Related Topic: To learn more about resources for veterans and current service members, see the Veterans Resource Center.

In order for a student to be eligible to participate in an academic, community or clinical program that involves potential unsupervised contact with children, the disabled, the elderly and other vulnerable populations, the student may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. Students found to have certain criminal convictions or pending criminal actions will be presumed ineligible to participate in such activities.

The College is authorized by the Commonwealth’s Criminal History Systems Board, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 6, Sections 167-178B, to access CORI records. The College shall refer to regulations issued by the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services, 101 Code of Massachusetts Regulations 15.00-15.16, as guidance when assessing student CORI records. Sex Offender checks shall be performed pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 6, Sections 178C-178P.

If a student is allowed to enroll or participate in such a program despite having certain criminal convictions or pending criminal actions, this is no guarantee that a future employer would also disregard such criminal record. For more information regarding the College’s CORI/SORI check process, please contact Human Resources at 781-280-3527.

Dual Enrollment - The Middlesex Dual Enrollment Academy allows qualified high school and home-schooled students to begin earning college credit while satisfying their high school graduation requirements. Students may select courses that are offered through MCC online or on campus during the school day, at night, or on the weekend. To qualify, students must have a high school grade average of at least a “C.” The student must also have written approval from a guidance counselor, as well as from a parent or guardian. Home-schooled students must have evidence of school-district program approval. To maintain eligibility for the Dual Enrollment Academy, students must earn a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average in their MCC courses. For further information, contact the Dual Enrollment Academy Hotline at 978-656-3207. 

Technical Preparation - Students attending participating technical, vocational and comprehensive high schools have opportunities to enhance their high school, college and workplace experiences through on- and off-campus activities. Articulation agreements provide a smooth transition from high school to college. Additional information is available at https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/admissions/hsarticulation.htm.

MCC’s summer Sprint Program provides the needed preparation in college reading, basic writing, basic math, algebra and study skills while building competence and confidence. First-year college students are invited to register in this summer  program if their placement tests show they would need and benefit from developmental courses at the college. Students who successfully finish their summer Sprint courses can register for the next level of college courses in their major program of study, starting with the fall semester. This advances Sprint students beyond students entering college in September. Sprint students have consistently achieved high rates of staying in college and performing well. For further information, call 1-800-818-3434.

University of Massachusetts Lowell and Middlesex Community College have collaborated in designing a program for students who apply to UMass Lowell but do not meet admission requirements. The Lowell Connections program enables students to gain the required academic standing through customized advising, academic planning and selected coursework at Middlesex. Students who successfully complete their Lowell Connections course of study are guaranteed admission to UMass Lowell and are prepared to enter specialized baccalaureate programs, such as engineering, computer science, music or management. Limited housing at UML is available for Lowell Connections’ students on a first-come first-serve basis. For further information, call 978-656-3264.

Full-time day students at any of the NECCUM member schools may cross-register in courses not offered at the college or university where they are enrolled, under the conditions stated in the NECCUM brochure, available at the Middlesex Student Information Centers. NECCUM member institutions: Endicott College, Gordon College, Marian Court College, Merrimack College, Middlesex Community College, Montserrat College of Art, North Shore Community College, Northern Essex Community College, Salem State University and the University of Massachusetts Lowell. For further information, inquire at MCC’s Student Information Center.

MCC students may enroll in Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs at UMass Lowell through the Northeast Consortium of Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (NECCUM). ROTC programs qualify men and women enrolled as degree candidates for commissions as second lieutenants in the United States Air Force or the United States Army.

UMass Lowell offers both Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) and Army ROTC (AROTC) programs. Students may major in any undergraduate discipline, and both ROTC programs offers several types of scholarships. Details regarding ROTC programs and scholarships are available from MCC’s Academic, Career & Transfer Centers in Bedford or Lowell, or by contacting the ROTC programs directly:

• Air Force ROTC (Detachment 345) - UMass Lowell, 328 Southwick Hall, 1 University Ave., Lowell, MA 01854;  978-934-2252, e-mail: afrotc345@uml.edu; website: www.uml.edu/Dept/AFROTC.
   
• Army ROTC (The Bay State Battalion) - UMass Lowell, 403 Engineering Building, 1 University Ave., Lowell, MA 01854; 978-934-4169; website: www.uml.edu/army_rotc

Additional information is also available at the ROTC national websites:  Air Force ROTC: www.afrotc.com, or Army ROTC: www.goarmy.com/rotc.