Frequently Asked Questions

At the time of application submission, only a self-reported transcript is required. 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. back to top

Do you need a copy of my official GMAT scores with my application?

Please self report test scores on the application form and arrange for official reports to be sent directly to Boston College. If you have not taken the GMAT, please indicate your planned test date. On your test day, please fax the unofficial score report to the Office of Graduate Management Admissions (fax: 617-552-8078) and arrange for an official report to be sent directly to Boston College. back to top

Can I take the GRE instead of the GMAT?

No. We only accept the GMAT for application to the MSA Program. back to top

What is the minimum GMAT score and minimum GPA needed in order to be accepted into the Program?

MSA applicants are required to take the GMAT, but there is no minimum score requirement for admission. There is also no minimum GPA requirement for admission. Please feel free to visit the class profiles section on the website to review the statistics of current students. back to top

I don't have an accounting background. Can I begin the Program in June?

No. Only students who majored in accounting as undergraduates may apply for the Summer-Fall Program. All applicants, with or without an accounting background, may apply for the September enrollment period. back to top

Do I need to take the TOEFL?

All students whose first language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This requirement is waived for applicants who have completed a four-year course of study or have been enrolled for the past two years in a college or university in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia or New Zealand. It is also waived if you have been working for two or more years in the US and are currently employed in the country. The minimum required score on the TOEFL is 600 on a paper-based test, 250 on a computer-based test, or 100 on an internet-based test.

If the medium language of instruction at your school was strictly English, then the TOEFL requirement would be waived. You should indicate on your self-reported transcript that the language of instruction at your school is English. Upon acceptance, we will need a letter from your school (on their official letterhead) stating that the medium language of instruction was English. back to top

Do you offer class visits?

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

If I am unable to visit campus, is there an opportunity to speak with an Admissions representative?

We hold regularly scheduled on-line chats with current students and Admissions representatives. Please see our schedule for specific dates. 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 Assistantships/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 2009 – 2010 academic year is $1,220 per semester credit for MSA students. Other expenses include books, supplies, and fees estimated at $1,650. 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?

We do not accept the IELTS exam. Students must take the internet-based, paper-based, or computer-based TOEFL. The minimum required score on the TOEFL is 600 on a paper-based test, 250 on a computer-based test, or 100 on an internet-based test.

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.

What is LCC and am I required to attend?

All international students are required to register for and attend the Language, Culture and Careers (LCC) program, a mandatory one-credit prerequisite course designed to support professional development and career advancement. This program is required for all international students and begins in August, prior to the start of the Program.