Admissions, Traditional Undergraduate
Overview
Bay Path University admits students of diverse backgrounds, interests and talents whose academic and personal qualities predict growth and success. Students are identified on the basis of academic record, aptitude and motivation to successfully complete a selected program of study. A student’s record of achievement in school is the most reliable indicator of University success. Bay Path also places strong emphasis on personal qualities, leadership skills, and school/community services and activities.
Bay Path University offers a variety of admission options which are tailored to meet the individual needs of traditional and continuing education students. The undergraduate academic programs lead to the following degrees: Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Science. Various certificate programs and non-credit options are also available.
The University understands that choosing the right institution may require more time for some students than others, therefore, Bay Path offers “rolling admissions” which allows students to apply when they are ready, as long as space is available. When planning to apply for financial aid and scholarships, students should plan to submit a completed application as early as possible. Students are generally notified of an admission decision within one week of receipt of required application materials.
To achieve its mission of educating students to become leaders in their careers and communities, the University depends on an educational and work environment of tolerance and respect. It is committed to providing an environment that is free of discrimination and illegal harassment, including sexual harassment, for all students, staff, and faculty working for the University; this commitment is outlined in the Policy on Sexual Misconduct and Civil Rights and Anti-Harassment/Anti-Discrimination Policies. Bay Path University policies expressly prohibit discrimination and harassment based on sex, age, race, color, national origin or ancestry, disability, religion, sexual orientation, military status or veteran’s status, gender identity, or genetic testing.
In addition to a campus visit and the University literature, information is available electronically at www.baypath.edu/admissions. The Residential College Admissions Office can be contacted at: Telephone: (413) 565-1700; Fax: (413) 565-1105; E-mail: admiss@baypath.edu.
Points of Entry
First-Year
Successful candidates for admission to the baccalaureate degree programs usually have completed a minimum of four academic courses each year in a college preparatory high school curriculum. Courses include four years of English, three years of mathematics (algebra I and II and geometry, or equivalent), two or more years of laboratory science, and three or more years of social studies, including U.S. History. Although not required, it is recommended that students complete two years of a foreign language, computer classes, and speech or public speaking classes.
Candidates graduating from public high schools in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must pass the MCAS exam. Candidates must receive their high school diplomas from accredited high schools or obtain their a high school equivalency certificate (G.E.D., HiSET, or TASC). Candidates seeking admission from non-accredited high schools may apply; however, additional documentation may be required to make a determination regarding the academic strength and validity of the institution and/or curriculum. If students are home-schooled, the academic plan and performance history approved by that students’ local Board of Education or school committee may be substituted for an official transcript. Admission in either of these circumstances can be granted only upon review of the admissions committee.
Transfer
Bay Path University welcomes applicants with over 12 college credits as transfer students, including graduates of two-year colleges. Admission decisions are made and conveyed after all materials have been reviewed. Transfer applicants are admitted on the basis of academic and personal achievement and motivation.
Articulation Agreements
Bay Path University has entered into articulation agreements with numerous colleges and universities. For further information regarding articulation agreements, students should contact their admissions counselor or academic advisor.
Massachusetts Transfer Guarantee Program
Bay Path University participates in the Massachusetts Transfer Guarantee program, under which prospective students who have earned an Associate’s Degree at any of Massachusetts’ public community colleges with a 2.0 GPA or higher are guaranteed to be able to transfer 60 credits into certain Bachelor’s degree programs and attain junior status. For more information about the guarantee and the list of programs that offer the Massachusetts Transfer Guarantee, please visit https://www.baypath.edu/admissions-aid/transfer-students/.
Additionally, the undergraduate core curriculum is aligned with the Mass Transfer general education foundational block to optimize transferability of credits even for degree programs that do not offer the Massachusetts Transfer Guarantee. The list of these programs can be found at https://www.baypath.edu/admissions-aid/transfer-students/.
International
The Residential College accepts international students (i.e. an individual who needs a student visa issued by the U.S. Government to enter the United States). International students will be defined as first-year or transfer based on the number of previously completed college credits. International students are required to submit additional documentation to be admitted to the Residential College. Please reference the Admission Requirements section for additional information.
Test Optional Policy
The Residential College approaches admissions in a holistic manner and does not require first-year applicants to submit SAT/ACT scores for admission purposes. In that regard, the University is test-optional; however, because of the variety of grading standards among high schools, standardized assessments such as the SAT or ACT, together with other qualitative measures of a student’s demonstrated strengths and talents, remain tools to understand a student’s academic profile. Combining all of this information with a personal interview assists the University to place and advise students appropriately.
Application Process
The Residential College requires candidates to submit all required documentation to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions before they will be considered for admission. The Residential College will make an admission decision based on the documentation provided and students will be notified via standard mail within two weeks of completion of all admission requirements.
Admission Requirements
All applicants must submit the following requirements:
- A completed electronic application
- Students who have earned fewer than 12 credits at an accredited college or university must provide one of the following:
- Official high school transcript from an accredited high school, or;
- High school equivalency certificate (G.E.D., HiSET, or TASC)
- Official college transcript from all previously attended institutions where coursework was attempted
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Please note that some programs may require a higher minimum GPA.
- Optional materials to help support your application: a writing sample or essay and/or recommendations from teachers or high school counselors.
Please note that the Admissions Department reserves the right to request additional documentation.
Additional information may be required prior to enrollment for select majors. All Honors, WiBH, WiSH students wishing to enroll in these programs must supply SAT or ACT scores as part of the application process.
Note: If multiple SAT scores are submitted by the applicant, Bay Path University will consider only the highest Critical Reading, Math and Writing scores. Bay Path will not consider for admissions purposes only part of the SAT/ACT score, for example, just the verbal or math or a subject test. Home schooled applicants are required to submit SAT Critical Reading, Math and Writing scores.
Additional Requirements for Science Majors
For acceptance into any science major at Bay Path University, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.70.
For acceptance into the Science Exploratory major, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.50. Science Exploratory majors must successfully meet the following criteria and declare a major by the time they have earned 45 credits of coursework at Bay Path University:
- A grade of 'C' or better in BIO 110 Biology I for Science Majors, BIO 110L Biology I for Science Majors Lab, CHE 120 Chemistry I, and CHE 120L Chemistry I Lab
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70
If these criteria are not met by the completion of the third semester, students must declare a major outside of the science department.
Additional Requirements for International Applicants
In addition to the admission requirements listed above, international students are required to provide the following:
- Translated, evaluated, and official copies of all international transcripts by WES, CED, or similar organization
- Official TOEFL internet-based test, IELTS, or Duolingo score report showing proof of English proficiency (for non-native English speakers)
- Minimum score of 71 for the TOEFL iBT
- Minimum score of 5.5 for IETLS
- Minimum score of 44 for Duolingo
- Two letters of recommendation (academic)
- Essay or graded paper (1-2 pages, typed, in English)
Please note that the following items must be received before a I-20 can be issued:
- Photocopy of valid passport
- Original, certified bank statement showing sufficient funds for one full year of study in U.S. dollars
Upon acceptance, a deposit of $1,000 U.S. dollars is required for international applicants to the traditional undergraduate program.
Accelerated Degree Options
An accelerated degree pathway can provide undergraduate students with an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree more quickly for various reasons such as wanting to enter the workforce as soon as possible or start graduate school sooner than later. Students may be eligible to pursue this option by bringing in transfer credit and/or adjusting their schedules to take additional coursework in accelerated terms. Pursuance of an accelerated degree pathway does not prevent a student from being able to take graduate coursework and/or pursuing an accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s degree.
To learn more about their eligibility for an accelerated degree option, it is suggested that students work closely with their academic advisor, Program Director, and/or Department Chair.
Admissions Appeals
Applicants wishing to appeal an admission decision should submit the appeal in writing, via email, to the Vice President of Enrollment Management at admissions@baypath.edu. Included with the written appeal should be documentation to support the reasons for the appeal. Final decisions regarding admissions appeals will be made by the Vice President of Enrollment Management in consultation with the Dean and Program Director responsible for the academic program.
Appeal letters must include documentation to support the reasons for the appeal. The Vice President of Enrollment Management is the last resort for the admissions appeal process.
Conditional Acceptance
Conditional acceptances may be available to students who do not meet the minimum standard admissions requirements, but who have demonstrated the potential for success at Bay Path University as determined by the Admissions Committee. Students who have been admitted conditionally may be required to take a reduced course load.
If a student achieves the specified conditions for full acceptance in their first enrolled semester, the student will then receive a full acceptance letter and will be considered fully accepted for their next enrolled semester. Students that do not meet the terms of conditional acceptance in their first enrolled semester will be placed on Academic Warning and will remain conditionally accepted, and will be subject to the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
Enrollment
New students in the Residential College are required to submit their deposit and Intent to Enroll Form, along with all required documentation, no later than six days prior to the start of classes.
Because this policy is in place to protect the student and allow for proper orientation to the University, there are no exceptions or extensions provided.
After May 1 (fall semester) and November 1 (spring semester), tuition and housing deposits are nonrefundable. The deposit amount is $200 for commuters and $300 for resident students and is deducted from the total bill for the semester. Additional financial policies are available in the Financial Information section of this academic catalog.
Health Insurance
Please reference the Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Program subsection within the Undergraduate Tuition & Fees section for additional information.
Health Records
All full-time undergraduate applicants who accept the University’s offer of admission must submit a complete medical history, including a certificate of examination by their physician, as well as a Bay Path University Immunization Record required by Commonwealth of Massachusetts law. Part-time applicants in the Occupational Therapy and Education programs must also submit this medical history. Entrance Health Record Forms are mailed to enrolling students and must be uploaded into the student’s electronic health record in Medicat by August 1 for the fall term and by December 15 for the spring term. Students failing to submit these records will not be permitted to register or attend classes. Students with questions regarding required health documents can be assisted by calling Health Services at 413-565-1544.
Non-Matriculated Enrollment
A non-matriculated status permits students who are not seeking a Bay Path degree at the time of entry to take courses to explore degree options, for personal enrichment and/or professional development, or to help fulfill degree requirements for another institution.
Non-matriculated enrollment in undergraduate courses is only permitted to individuals that are able to validate they have earned or are near completion of a high school diploma or equivalent.
Non-matriculated students do not follow the admission requirements of matriculated students and are not eligible to receive financial aid. Individuals requesting non-matriculated enrollment should contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@baypath.edu for further information.
Note: International students are not eligible to take on-ground or hybrid courses under a non-matriculated status due to visa requirements. There also may be specific programs that do not permit non-matriculated enrollment in their courses.
Placement Testing
Undergraduate students may be assessed for competencies in mathematics upon enrollment at Bay Path University. The assessments are designed to help determine which class placements are most appropriate for a student, based on aptitude in University-level mathematics.
Transfer Credits
Students may be eligible to transfer in credits from a regionally accredited college or university or via standardized exams (such as AP, CLEP, or IB). In order to be considered for acceptance, students must provide official transcripts for all coursework or exams previously taken. During the Admissions process, students will receive a preliminary review of the credits likely to be accepted as transfer credits.
Additional information about transfer credit is available in the Transfer Credit Policy in the Academic Policies & Procedures section of this academic catalog.
Changing Divisions
Students looking to transfer between The American Women’s College and Residential College do not need to apply through the Admissions Office. Instead, they must submit a Division Change Form and obtain approvals and signatures as indicated on the form. A division change will only be processed between semesters or when a student is no longer actively pursuing credits in their current division’s semester. Students must be aware that time to degree completion and financial aid may be impacted by a division change.
Technology Requirements
Bay Path University recommends that incoming students have a computer available to them that meets a certain level of specification. An updated list of the minimum required technology standards can be found at the link below: