Admissions

Have your questions answered in person and have the opportunity to tour our program spaces at Open House on December 4 & 5! Learn more here.

If making useful things by hand is one of your career goals, then NBSS may be a good fit for you.

We seek individuals who are ready, willing, and able to train for careers in craft and trade industries. The programs are rigorous and space is limited, so we are selective in our admissions process. We strive to break down barriers with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We also have grown our financial aid offerings, which helps make our School more accessible.

Below, you’ll find information on how to apply to one of our career training programs. The admissions process is easy, and helps us get a full picture of you as a candidate. Please contact admissions@nbss.edu with any questions. We look forward to working with you!

Applying to NBSS

Here’s what you need to apply to one of our career-training programs. View more details on each item below.

1. Complete the NBSS Application Form. This will bring you to a new window.
2. Provide One Official Transcript
3. Request Two Letters of Recommendation
4. Complete Your Statement of Purpose
5. Share Your Work Experience / Resume
6. Schedule Your Interview and Visit, including Information Sessions
7. Review Technical Standards
8. If needed, complete Program-Specific or International Student Requirements.

Application Process Details

We do not require an application fee, supporting our commitment to universal access. Please note that admission is selective due to the rigor of our programs. Our Admissions Team will partner with you to counsel and understand your qualifications. The following steps outline the application process.

Step 1: Complete the Application Form

When you are ready, click the link to start the process and fill out the initial application. This will open up a separate window that takes you outside of the NBSS website. We do not charge a fee to apply. A hard copy application is available by request.

Once you complete that initial application you will receive an email from admissions@nbss.edu with log-on details for your Admissions Portal account. Here is where you can track your application status, upload additional documents, and find other helpful information for the admissions process.

Step 2: Provide One Official Transcript

To demonstrate that you have completed your studies and graduated, one of the following is required:

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

What is “Official”? An official transcript must come directly from the institution or its service provider, or be delivered in a sealed, stamped envelope if it is a hard copy.

What is “Terminal”? Terminal means you graduated. Do not send partial or incomplete transcripts. You can use your resume (Step 5) to share your broad academic experiences.

How to Submit Transcripts:

• Have them emailed to admissions@nbss.edu.
• Mail a hard copy to:
  North Bennet Street School Admissions 150 North Street Boston, MA 02109

Check the status of those materials by visiting the Admissions Portal. Go to the supplemental materials checklist by clicking “Track Application Progress” at the top of your homepage.

Step 3: Request Two Letters of Recommendation

You must submit two letters of recommendation, preferably from an instructor, mentor, employer, or client. We are primarily looking for insight into your work ethic and your commitment to your chosen career path.

Recommendation Guidelines:

• Recommendations must include the sender’s contact information and detail your abilities and potential for success in your program/industry.
• We do not accept recommendations from family members or significant others.

How to Submit Recommendations:

• Email the letter to admissions@nbss.edu
• Mail a hard copy to our Admissions Department:
  North Bennet Street School Admissions 150 North Street Boston, MA 02109

Check the status of those materials by visiting the Admissions Portal. Go to the supplemental materials checklist by clicking “Track Application Progress” at the top of your homepage.

Step 4: Complete Your Statement of Purpose

Write a one-page, double-spaced essay detailing:

• Your experience.
• Reasons for applying.
• Professional goals.
• What you can contribute to your chosen program/industry.

You will upload this document onto your Admissions Portal. Go to the supplemental materials checklist by clicking “Track Application Progress” at the top of your homepage. Then select the + next to “Statement of Purpose,” listed at the bottom of the required documents list and upload the document.

Step 5: Share Your Work Experience/Resume

Provide a resume that details your work and experience history, including any related courses, internships, or other skill-building activities. We look for direct and transferable skills. You will upload this document onto your Admissions Portal. Go to the supplemental materials checklist by clicking “Track Application Progress” at the top of your homepage. Then select the + next to “Resume,” listed near the bottom of the required documents list and upload the document.

Step 6: Interview and Visit to NBSS

All applicants are required to meet with Admissions.

• A visit is the best way to experience NBSS. You will have the opportunity to meet the Admissions team, see the workspaces, and, when available, meet students and instructors. Since the School is not open to the public we ask that you schedule in advance by emailing admissions@nbss.edu. 
• If you are unable to visit in person we offer virtual Info Sessions for all programs.
• Applicants from outside of the state/country may be eligible to schedule an initial phone interview.

Step 7: Complete Program-Specific Requirements

Information for Veterans

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.

Information for International Students

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.

Financial Aid

Nearly 70% of current students receive some form of financial aid. In addition to federal aid, we have our own scholarships and grants for Boston residents, veterans, and degree holders. What’s more, we are now awarding over $1,000,000 in NBSS scholarships annually to qualified students, making an education at NBSS more affordable than ever.

Learn all about financial aid and how to apply.

Accreditation

North Bennet Street School is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Non-Discrimination Policy

Per Title IX requirements, North Bennet Street School admits students without regard for religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race, color, disability, sexual preference, national and ethnic origin, military or veteran status to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of religion, sex, sexual orientation, sexual preference, gender identity and expression, race, color, disability, national or ethnic origin, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, and other School-administered programs.

Learn more about other details of Title IX, including overview, contact information for our Title IX Coordinator and Deputy, and materials used to train these Title IX personnel at the School.