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First-Year Students

Simmons students come from most of the 50 states and more than 40 countries. They represent varied geographic, religious, racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds and have a variety of interests—in their studies as well as their extracurricular activities.

Retaining this diversity and maintaining a high standard of academic achievement is the responsibility of the Admission Committee. The Admission Committee reviews each applicant’s credentials and discuss applications individually, selecting for admission those students who appear to be best qualified for Simmons. The most important credential for each applicant is the high school record. A careful study of the number and level of academic courses that a student has taken, their grades, and their recommendations gives the committee an indication of the kind of work the student will do in college. In addition to evidence of academic ability, the Committee looks for students who have shown the motivation to succeed and an interest in serving their communities, as well as those with special talents and leadership qualities. What the student says about themselves, particularly in the application essay and during the interview, provides the committee with a sense of what kinds of interests and activities the student has devoted their time and energy to. If submitted, the additional requirement of the standardized test scores help to complete the picture.

Application Procedure for First-Year Students

Simmons offers two admission plans for first-year student applicants:

1. Early Action: Students who are interested in learning about their admission decision early in the cycle may apply early action, which is a nonbinding plan. There are two Early Action deadline options:

• Early Action I: complete an application by November 1 to receive a decision in mid-December
• Early Action II: complete an application by December 1 to receive a decision in mid-January

2. Regular Decision: The application deadline for regular decision is February 1. Typically, students are notified of a decision on a rolling basis after February 1.

3. Simmons subscribes to the national candidate’s reply date of May 1.

Required Credentials

Please note that all admission materials and supporting documentation become the property of Simmons and may not be returned to the applicant at any time.

  1. Application Form: The Simmons application or The Common Application should be submitted online to the Office of Undergraduate Admission for regular-decision candidates by February 1. Early-action candidates should apply by November 1 or December 1. Students applying for the spring semester, which begins in January, should submit an application by November 1.
  2. Application for Financial Aid: Refer to application details.
  3. Tests: Simmons will not require students applying for the fall 2021-2027 to submit standardized test scores. The policy will be re-reviewed to determine if it will continue beyond that time period. . For those choosing to submit test scores, the admission committee will consider either the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Testing Assessment (ACT). Applicants whose native language is not English should see the test requirements for international students (p. 256). All tests should be taken no later than the December testing date of the applicant’s senior year. Scores should be reported to Simmons by the testing agency or the student’s high school. (The CEEB code for Simmons is 3761; the ACT code for Simmons is 1892.) For information concerning these tests, visit the College Board website at www.collegeboard.org or the American College Testing Assessment website at www.act.org.
  4. Secondary School Record: An official transcript from the secondary school(s) or homeschool is required, along with a detailed curriculum for homeschooled students.
  5. Recommendations: The applicant must submit two official recommendations: one from a college counselor and one from a teacher. A student may submit additional recommendations if they so choose.
  6. Personal Interview: Each applicant should visit Simmons, if possible. An interview is strongly recommended. The admission office is open for interviews year-round, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and during the academic year on most Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Appointments are required. Students may also request a phone or virtual interview if they are unable to visit campus or meet with a Simmons admission counselor when we are traveling for college fairs and high school visits.
  7. Deferred Admission: Students who are not able to attend Simmons the semester for which they were accepted may request to have their acceptance deferred to the next semester or the next academic year. The student must submit a tuition deposit and the request must be submitted in writing to the Office of Undergraduate Admission prior to the expected enrollment date. A student may only defer acceptance for one year. After one year, deferred students must reapply.

Academic Credits and Advanced Placement

Academic credit and/or advanced placement in courses taught at Simmons may be granted to students who have completed Advanced Placement (AP) exams, International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, or A-Level exams in secondary school. Please see AP/IB Credit evaluation list to see how AP/IB exams might transfer for credit and course placement. These credits may not be used to replace the required first- year course sequence.

First Year Merit Scholarship Programs

Simmons offers several academic scholarships for incoming first year undergraduate students. These awards are determined by the Office of Undergraduate Admission and are awarded upon review of the admission application. Merit scholarships are renewable for four years (eight semesters) of full-time undergraduate coursework pending successful academic progress.

Simmons Alumnae Scholarships

Simmons Alumnae scholarships are renewable scholarships provided for relatives (typically children, grandchildren, or siblings) of Simmons graduates. The relative must have already graduated from Simmons. A separate application is not required; however, applicants should identify alumnae/us in their admission application.

The Gilbert and Marcia Kotzen Scholars Program

The Kotzen Scholarship, a full tuition scholarship is the most prestigious merit scholarship that Simmons offers, and is awarded to approximately 10-15 students who have an exceptional record of academic excellence and leadership. Kotzen Scholars are eligible to receive an additional award of $3,000 to be used toward study abroad, short-term courses, summer internship tuition, or research support. A separate application is required. Application instructions may be found at www.simmons.edu/kotzen or through the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

The Boston Scholarship

Select graduates of Boston public high schools are chosen annually as Boston Scholars and receive full tuition scholarships. The scholarship is renewable as long as the student is enrolled full-time (12 credits per semester) and maintains a 3 .0 cumulative GPA. A separate application is required.

Honors Program

The Honors Program is an interdisciplinary curriculum designed for highly motivated students with strong analytical and writing skills, high levels of creativity, and an eagerness for intellectual challenge. For more information on this selective program, please see page 26. Students may apply for the program on the Common Application or on the Simmons website. For more information, please write to honors@simmons.edu.