Admissions

When you are ready, complete our online application.* We do not charge a fee to apply in order to create access for all and to support our mission.

Once you complete the online form, you’ll get an email that lists additional items needed to complete your application. You can submit these items using this additional document upload form, send your materials via email to admissions@nbss.edu, or send them via mail to NBSS Admissions, 150 North Street, Boston, MA 02109.

*A hard copy application is available by request.

One of the following is required to show that you completed your studies and graduated:

• Official terminal high school transcript, homeschool transcript, or GED/HSE.
• Official terminal post-secondary transcript(s) for Associate, Bachelor, or other advanced degree.
• Non-US students, please see the International Students page for more info.

Official means that it comes directly from the institution or their service provider, or if it is a sealed and stamped envelope of a hard copy transcript.

Terminal means that you graduated. Please do not send partial or incomplete transcripts. The resume requirement is the best place to share the broad range of your academic experiences.

Please have your transcripts or evaluations emailed to admissions@nbss.edu, or mail a hard copy to our Admissions Department:

North Bennet Street School
Admissions
150 North Street
Boston, MA 02109

Two letters of recommendation are required, preferably from an instructor, mentor, employer, or client. The two main themes that we look for are work ethic and choice of career path.

Recommendations must include contact information and information about your abilities and your potential to succeed in your program/industry.

We do not accept recommendations from family members or significant others.

You are welcome to send the link by text or email to the person recommending you to our Letter of Recommendation form. They can also email their letter to admissions@nbss.edu or mail a hard copy to our Admissions Department.

North Bennet Street School
Admissions
150 North Street
Boston, MA 02109

Type a one-page, double-spaced essay detailing your experience, reasons for applying, professional goals, and what you can contribute to your chosen program/industry. If you didn’t include this in your original application, upload additional documents here.

Please detail your work and experience history including a list of related courses, internships, or other skill-building experiences. If you didn’t include this in your original application, upload the document here.

NBSS is unique, and is best experienced in-person if you are considering training here. The visit provides an opportunity for applicants to meet with our Admissions team, see the workspaces, and to meet students and instructors when available. All applicants are required to attend an Information Session and an interview.

We offer virtual Info Sessions for all of our Career Training programs, and can schedule individual in-person tours with small groups. Please RSVP for an individual visit in advance by contacting admissions@nbss.edu. Out-of-state/country applicants may schedule an initial phone interview.

Bookbinding

• A portfolio of your work including 6–8 photos, either digital or printed, and labeled with your name and brief descriptions.
• A scheduled meeting with faculty once you complete your other requirements.

Cabinet & Furniture Making

• A portfolio of your work including 6–8 photos, either digital or printed, and labeled with your name and brief descriptions.
• A scheduled meeting with faculty once you complete your other requirements.

Carpentry

• A skill test administered at the school that includes mechanical aptitude, tool use, and following directions, scheduled once you complete your other requirements.

Jewelry Making & Repair

• CORI Report to ensure employability after graduation.
• A portfolio of your work including 6–8 photos, either digital or printed, and labeled with your name and brief descriptions. The portfolio may be waived by successful completion of the skill test.
• A skill test administered at the school that includes mechanical aptitude, tool use, and following directions.
• A scheduled meeting with faculty once you complete your other requirements.

Locksmithing & Security Technology

• CORI Report to ensure employability after graduation.
• A skill test administered at the school that includes mechanical aptitude, tool use, and following directions, to be scheduled once you complete your other requirements.

Piano Technology (Basic)

• A scheduled meeting with faculty once you complete your other requirements.

Piano Technology (Advanced)

• A skill test administered at the school which may include tuning, regulation, and repair for applicants who have not graduated from Basic Piano Technology.

Preservation Carpentry

• A skill test administered at the school that includes mechanical aptitude, tool use, and following directions, to be scheduled once you complete your other requirements.

Violin Making & Repair

• A scheduled meeting with faculty, once you complete your other requirements.

NBSS has a long history of working with veterans to educate them for careers in traditional trades and fine craftsmanship. Depending on your service, you may be eligible for Veterans Benefits to attend one of our career training programs. View our Veterans page for more information.

International students represent a growing portion of our student body, and help contribute to a rich educational experience at the School. The admissions process for international students is different from U.S. students, please view our International Student page for more information.