Thank you for your interest in Fitchburg State College. We have created this page to provide you with all the necessary information you may need while assisting your students with their college selection process.
If you do not find what you are looking for, please contact us at (800) 705-9692. You may also contact the admission counselor who covers your area.
Deadlines
Fitchburg State College has rolling admissions; however, we recommend that all applicants meet our priority deadline of March 1st. In addition, applicants to the Communications Media and Nursing Programs are advised to complete their applications by January 1st. For those students seeking on-campus housing, we have a deposit deadline of May 1st.
Admission Standards
Fitchburg State College evaluates each applicant based on standards established by the Commonwealth’s Department of Higher Education and the College. We actively seek students who will benefit from Fitchburg State’s high quality liberal arts and professional programs and contribute to our vibrant academic and social communities.
Academic Course Requirement:
Students are required to take the following college preparatory coursework as set forth by the Department of Higher Education:
- 4 units of English
- 3 units of Math (including Algebra I, II and Geometry)
- 3 units of Science (including 2 Labs)
- 2 units of History (including US History I & II)
- 2 units of a Foreign Language (both in the same language)
- 2 units of Electives (from the above subjects or from the Arts & Humanities or Computer Sciences)
**A unit represents a full academic year of study or its equivalent.
Minimum Required Grade Point Average (GPA):
A GPA is recalculated by Fitchburg State College based on all college preparatory courses completed at the time of application and is weighted for accelerated (Honors and Advance Placement) courses. The required minimum weighted GPA is 3.0, however, students who do not meet this minimum GPA may still meet standards, based upon standardized test scores. (Please see the sliding scale below)
SAT I or ACT Test Requirement
Applicants who meet the 3.0 GPA requirement do not have to use the sliding scale for admission, but still must submit competitive SAT/ACT scores if they are applying to Fitchburg State within three years of high school graduation. Applicants who graduated from high school more than three years prior to applying to Fitchburg State are not required to submit SAT/ACT test scores. Meeting the minimum GPA requirement does not guarantee admission to the College.
If an applicant’s GPA falls between 2.0 – 2.99, a sliding scale will apply. (See below.) Important: Meeting the sliding scale standards does not guarantee admission to the College.
GPA |
SAT I |
ACT |
2.51-2.99 |
920 |
19 |
2.41-2.50 |
960 |
20 |
2.31-2.40 |
1000 |
21 |
2.21-2.30 |
1040 |
22 |
2.11-2.20 |
1080 |
23 |
2.00-2.10 |
1120 |
24 |
Exception Allowances:
Exceptions to the foreign language requirement may be granted for students enrolled in Vocational - Technical High Schools, enrolled in an ESL curriculum or having been diagnosed with a documented learning disability. Students with documented learning disabilities are also exempt from submitting standardized test scores (SAT and ACT). Applicants seeking an exception due to a documented learning disability must submit an IEP and the results of a psycho-educational evaluation completed within the past three years.
Special Circumstances
Summary of DHE Admission Standards for Freshmen (PDF)
Overview of Transfer Standards (PDF)
Department of DHE Website
Visiting a college campus is a great way for Guidance Counselors to learn more about what the college has to offer. If you would like to bring a group of students or colleagues to campus, please contact us. If you have any further questions, please contact our Admissions Counselors.
The Leadership Academy Honors Program
Our Honors program offers talented and highly qualified students a rewarding and innovative integrated program of study. The Leadership Academy is a complete honors curriculum that allows students to pursue any major and also encourages them to develop their leadership skills. Challenging interdisciplinary courses emphasize proficiency in writing and research, analytical skills, teamwork and delivering presentations. Seminars provide students with direct experience in service learning and in the arts. Students receive an annual $2,000 scholarship and graduate as a Massachusetts Commonwealth Scholar.
The Summer Bridge Program
The Summer Bridge Program is designed for applicants who do not meet the college’s standards for admission but have demonstrated the potential to be successful at a four-year college. The program is a non-residential five week summer program during which participants enroll in FSC courses and acquire the skills necessary to successfully transition to college life in September. Upon successful completion of the program, participants matriculate with the incoming fall class.
Students may request consideration for the Summer Bridge program or a guidance counselor may recommend a student through a letter of recommendation. In general, students are identified for consideration by an admissions counselor.
Mount Wachusett Institute Program
The Institute is a collaborative program sponsored by Mount Wachusett Community College and Fitchburg State College to serve the needs of a select group of students who demonstrate the potential to succeed at a four-year residential college but who currently do not meet the admissions standards. The Institute provides the opportunity for students to begin their college course work at Mount Wachusett Community College while living on the Fitchburg State College campus. At the conclusion of each semester, Fitchburg State College and Mount Wachusett Community College evaluates Institute students’ transcripts; if students meet the transfer requirements they are eligible to matriculate at Fitchburg State College the following semester.
Mount Wachusett Institute Brochure (PDF)
Dual Enrollment Program
Dual Enrollment is a program for Massachusetts secondary school students. The program allows students to earn academic credit at both the secondary school and at Fitchburg State College simultaneously. Fitchburg State College is pleased to participate in the Dual Enrollment program established through the Massachusetts Department of Education. Dual Enrollment students enjoy the connection to their high school as well as the challenging and independent setting of the college. Please refer to the Dual Enrollment Application (PDF) if you have students interested in this program.
Dual Enrollment Brochure (PDF)
Financial Aid
Fitchburg State College is proud of its commitment to affordability and access. All incoming students are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by our priority deadline of March 1st.
Financial Aid for New Students
Academics
Helpful Information
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