FAQ: International Admissions to MCPHS

Thinking about attending Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences as a Canadian student? Here's what you need to know.

Thinking about attending Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences as a Canadian student? Here's what you need to know.

MCPHS is fully committed to coaching international students looking for rewarding healthcare careers within a close-knit, welcoming community. Our mentors and staff have experience working with international students and understand their needs. MCPHS brings them into the world of American healthcare through a supportive, tried and true method. International students now make up 15 percent of the student body, creating a dynamic and enriching community of nearly 1,000 people.

Types of admission to MCPHS

MCPHS offers international students multiple types of admission to the University.

• Direct admission: Available to students who are currently in their final year of high school and meet the language proficiency requirement.
• Conditional admission: Available to students who have not yet taken one of the required exams for language proficiency or who need additional language instruction before beginning their studies at the university level. If you are conditionally admitted, you can gain full admission by showing language proficiency through an acceptable score report or achieving certain levels at one of our English schools in Boston and around the United States.
• Bridge admission: Available to students who need some additional language instruction. This program is a unique pathway that allows you to begin your academic program while taking intensive English classes that complement and contribute to success in your degree program. Find more information about our unique bridge program.

Admission requirements for international students

All first-year applicants must submit the following credentials along with their completed application:

• Official high school transcript.
• One letter of recommendation.

Please plan sufficient time for language test preparation (if your first language isn't English), score delivery, and transcript evaluation.

Your application planning guide

Step 1: Take the required exams

First-year applicants must submit proof of language proficiency through one of the following exams: TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, SAT, or ACT, if your first language isn't English.

Step 2: Submit your application

The Admission Office accepts applications from international students on a rolling basis with priority filing dates of November 1 (Early Action I), December 1 (Early Action II), and February 1 (Regular Decision). A decision about a particular student will not be made until their file is complete. So be sure to submit your application and all other required materials. We will email you once your application has been processed to notify you of any missing materials.

Step 3: Wait for your decision

MCPHS will provide an application status update within three weeks of receiving all of your required materials. If accepted, you will be notified via email.

Step 4: Confirm/accept the offer of admission

If you are offered admission to the university and plan to attend you must confirm your enrollment through our online deposit gateway system by May 1. If accepted after May 1, you must confirm your enrollment within two weeks. A link to the deposit gateway will be provided with your acceptance package.

Step 5: Apply for an I-20

You will be contacted by email regarding the I-20 application, visa process, and required documents needed.

Step 6: Prepare for your arrival

After you receive your I-20 form for your student visa application, make a visa interview appointment with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. After you obtain the visa, you should begin to make housing, travel, and health insurance arrangements.

Step 7: Attend orientation

Once you arrive in the United States, you will attend orientation and International Student Advising Day where you will learn more about the university, your class schedule, and more.

Your admission counselor: Krista LaVack

Our admission counselors are here to answer your questions and to guide you through your decision-making process. Your counselor will work with you to make sure MCPHS and the program you choose are a great fit for you. Here's a little bit about the counselor for Canada, Krista LaVack:

Hello, my name is Krista. I am a Canadian citizen with U.S. permanent residency, and I reside in northern New York along the U.S.-Canada border. I earned a Bachelor's degree in Canada and studied abroad in Thailand as part of my undergraduate program. I also have an M.S.Ed. in Information & Communication Technology with a concentration in Organizational Leadership.

Prior to coming to MCPHS, I worked in all areas of international education at a university in New York for more than 20 years. Now, I am pleased to continue my career journey with MCPHS University. I am drawn to the MCPHS commitment of delivering immersive educational experiences and its focus on the career outcomes of their graduates in the healthcare industry. I look forward to working with you to confirm your higher education journey as well as your professional goals!

How to apply to MCPHS

Most applicants from Canada will use the Common Application: Intended for students in the final year of secondary school or who have recently graduated but not yet completed any university courses. Use this application if you have already created an account with the Common App or you are planning to apply to multiple colleges or universities in the United States.