First-Year Students

Students may apply to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Art and Design, or both.  We offer two admissions programs. The Early Action program serves students who wish to receive an early, non-binding admissions decision; the application deadline is December 1st.  The Regular Admission program has a preferred deadline of February 15; however, applications will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis after that date. Applicants can apply to Lesley through the Common Application (first year applicants only) or through the Lesley application (all applicants). Lesley does not have a preference regarding which application an applicant submits. All first-year students must submit a completed application along with the following:

• an official copy of the high school transcript, HiSet, or GED. The high school transcript may be sent electronically through the Common Application or emailed to ugdocs@lesley.edu.
• one teacher recommendation
• optional counselor recommendation

Standardized Testing

• Lesley University is “test blind." 

Portfolios

• Students applying to BFA programs in the College of Art and Design must submit a digital portfolio of 12-20 pieces.

Coursework, Transcripts and Earned Credits

Successful candidates will be on track to graduate from high school or a program of home-schooled study with a total of at least 20 college-prep units including: 4 units of English; at least 3 units of math (must include Algebra II); at least 3 units of history/social science (must include U.S. History); and at least 3 units of science with a minimum of 2 lab courses. We strongly recommend that students take a fourth year of math, science, social science, and at least two years of a foreign language.

If you are dually enrolled in college coursework or simply taking some college level classes, you may submit official college transcripts either electronically or by mailing to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions Lesley University 29 Everett Street Cambridge, MA 02138. In order for transcripts to be considered official, they must be sent to us directly from the sending institution.

Interviews or Portfolio Reviews

Although not required, an interview or portfolio review is strongly encouraged. Academic performance, rigor of curriculum, strength of portfolio, demonstrated motivation, along with commitment to community engagement form the basis of all admissions decisions. We reserve the right to deny admission to any candidate determined by the Admissions Committee to be inadequately prepared to succeed in Lesley's program of study.

Admissions decisions are "need blind," made without consideration as to whether a student is applying for financial assistance. Merit-based scholarships are available for both first-year and transfer students at the point of admission.