Frequently Asked Questions
Application Requirements
Do I need to submit my official transcript with my application?
Do you need a copy of my official GMAT or GRE scores with my application?
What is the minimum GMAT score and minimum GPA needed to be accepted into the program?
I don't have an accounting background. What enrollment period may I apply to?
Events
Is an interview required for admission into the Program?
Tuition and Expenses
When will I find out about Assistantships/Scholarships?
How do I apply for Financial Aid?
What are the estimated tuition and expenses for the MSA Program?
Program Information
Do you have a catalog, view book, brochure, etc?
Can I receive course credit for courses taken as an undergraduate or in another masters program?
Does Boston College offer housing for Graduate Students?
Enrollment
When do I have to notify Boston College that I will be attending?
Can I have an extension of my reply deadline?
When/How do I register for classes?
When does the Fall semester start?
International Student Information
I am an international student...How do I get a VISA?
I am an international student.... How do I handle financial aid?
Can I take the IELTS exam instead of the TOEFL?
Do I need to submit financial documents with my application?
Do I need to submit my official transcript with my application?
At the time of application submission, only a self-reported transcript is required. Applicants may either upload an image of their scanned transcript or utilize the template provided within the application. Please view uploaded documents to be sure they are readable.
Upon admission, all official transcripts must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Management Admissions. Boston College reserves the right to withdraw any offer of admission already made if there is any discrepancy between the self-reported transcript and the official transcript.
Do you need a copy of my official GMAT or GRE scores with my application?
At the time of application submission, only self-reported test scores are required. Please input your total and section scores where indicated on the application form.
Upon admission, all official test scores must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Management Admissions. Boston College reserves the right to withdraw any offer of admission already made if there is any discrepancy between the self-reported and official score report.
What is the minimum GMAT score and minimum GPA needed in order to be accepted into the Program?
There are no minimum GMAT and GPA requirements, however we recommend that applicants benchmark themselves against the statistics of current students by visiting the class profiles section on the website. back to top
I don't have an accounting background. What enrollment period may I apply to?
There are two MSA enrollment options every year: Summer and Fall. Students without an undergraduate accounting degree must begin the program in the Summer term. Students will matriculate through one summer and two academic semesters, typically completing between 10 and 15 courses. back to top
All applicants whose first language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE). The minimum required score on the TOEFL is 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, or 100 on the internet-based test. The minimum required score on the PTE is 68.
This requirement is waived for applicants who have completed the equivalent of a US Bachelors degree or a two-year Masters degree at an English-medium university. Applicants must have completed their entire degree at the English-medium university in order to be eligible for the waiver. The language medium should be indicated on the self-reported transcript. Applicants who have two or more years of full-time work experience in the US and are currently employed in the country are also waived. back to top
Yes. We encourage you to learn more about the program by touring our facility, sitting in on a class and speaking with current students. Boston College has a beautiful campus just outside the city of Boston. Campus visits and class visits may be arranged by calling the Office of Graduate Management Admissions directly at (617) 552-3920. back to top
Is an interview required for admission into the Program?
Interviews for the MSA program are available by invitation of the Admissions Committee only. Applicants will be contacted via email should the Committee wish to learn more about their candidacy. back to top
When will I found out about Scholarships?
The MSA Scholarship Committee meets on a regular basis to conduct reviews of accepted MSA candidates. Scholarship offers are made in conjunction with acceptance decisions. back to top
How do I apply for Financial Aid?
The Office of Student Services at Boston College is able to assist you by providing the necessary forms to complete for federal graduate student financial aid. Please contact them directly at (617) 552-3300 for additional information about federal financial aid, as well as alternative loan sources. Please note that federal student aid is available for United States citizens only. International students may contact the Office of Student Services for information regarding alternative loan sources. back to top
What are the estimated tuition and expenses for the MSA Program?
Tuition for the 2011 – 2012 academic year is $1,320 per semester credit for MSA students. Other expenses include books, supplies, and fees. NOTE: Tuition rates, all fees, rules and regulations, courses and course content are subject to revision by the President and Board of Trustees or School Dean at any time. back to top
Do you have a catalog, viewbook, brochure, etc.?
Please click here to request information about Graduate Management Admissions. By completing the Request for Information form, you will be mailed a brochure for the program and begin to receive communications about our programs, our students, our faculty, and our alumni. You will also be notified of upcoming Admissions events, on campus or in your area, that will help you gain a first hand look at all that the Carroll School of Management has to offer. back to top
Can I receive course credit for courses taken as an undergraduate or in another masters program?
MSA students can receive equivalency credit for up to two courses and substitute those courses with elective courses. All students interested in receiving equivalency credit must complete a course waiver form to be evaluated by the dean and must have received a grade of B or better in the course. All students in the MSA program must take ten courses to earn a total of 30 credits in order to receive the degree.back to top
Does Boston College offer housing for Graduate students?
Boston College does provide limited graduate student housing, available by application through the Housing Office. The Housing Office typically hosts a Housing Fair for BC graduate students in June of each year. If you are visiting from out of town for this event, then short-term on-campus housing can be made available to you. Please call (617) 552-4723 for more information about this event and the resources available through the university to assist with your search. Information regarding the housing fair will be sent to accepted and enrolled MSA students. back to top
When do I have to notify Boston College that I will be attending?
Acceptance decisions are accompanied by a reply date and a form you must return to the Office of Graduate Management Admissions to confirm your decision to enroll in the Boston College MSA Program. back to top
Can I have an extension of my reply deadline?
The Director of Graduate Management Enrollment, Shelley Burt, approves all extensions. Please contact the Office Graduate Management Admissions directly at (617) 552-3920 to make this request. back to top
When/How do I register for classes?
Accepted students will receive access to an Admitted Student website which will explain the registration process and provide details regarding all other facets of enrollment at Boston College (including Orientation, Computer Access, BC Facilities, Students IDs, Parking, Athletic Tickets). back to top
When does the fall semester start?
Orientation for the MSA Program traditionally begins the Wednesday before Labor Day. Graduate Management classes typically begin the Tuesday after Labor Day. back to top
I am an international student...How do I get a Visa?
The Office of International Students and Scholars prepares and processes all necessary visa documentation. Confirmed students will receive the required Declaration and Certification of Finances form via email which will outline the necessary steps required to obtain a visa. back to top
I am an international student...How do I handle financial aid?
International students are not eligible to apply for federal student financial aid. Students can, however, explore some alternative loan sources available for international students. Information about these alternative sources is available from The Office of Student Services by calling (617) 552-3300 or by visiting http://www.bc.edu/offices/stserv/. back to top
Can I take the IELTS exam instead of the TOEFL?
No, we accept only the TOEFL or the PTE.
Do I need to submit financial documents with my application?
No. Financial documents are only required for admitted students. Once students receive the DCF form they will be required to submit original financial documents at that time.