Applying and Admission

What are the most important criteria in the admission review process?

The admission committee takes multiple aspects into consideration during the application review process, including your academic preparation and performance, extracurricular and leadership accomplishments, recommendations, essay, standardized tests scores, and interest in Bentley.

Still, the most important aspect in our review is the rigor and performance of your high school program. We look for students who have challenged themselves to take the most demanding course load available. Selecting upper-level courses, such as honors or AP classes, shows us that you are pushing yourself academically and intellectually, and not simply looking for the "easy A”. 

What courses should I take senior year to be best prepared?

We encourage you to challenge yourself as much as you can without overdoing it. During the admission process, we focus on the five major subject areas: English, history/social sciences, math, lab science, and foreign language. Therefore, going above and beyond the basic requirements in these areas is beneficial. It is recommended to take pre-calculus or its equivalent; if you take this class before senior year, we encourage you to follow it up with calculus or AP calculus.

During my senior year I could take calculus, but there are some great business electives available. Should I take the business courses instead?

This is a common question. Often, if you’ve accelerated your academic program, by your senior year there are a number of electives available to you. While the business courses may seem most interesting, we prefer to see a senior year schedule filled with the core academic areas — English, history/social sciences, math, lab science, and foreign language. So, if you're choosing between business electives and advanced course work in calculus or physics, we'd advise you to choose the latter. While we welcome students to select business electives, we encourage you to first fill your schedule with course work in the major academic areas. 

Does it matter if I complete my application online or on paper?

The admission committee values online and paper versions of the common application exactly the same, so you are encouraged to complete whichever form is easiest for you.

Is there a required SAT or ACT minimum score?

There are no minimum score requirements that need to be met to apply to Bentley.

Do I need to submit SAT subject tests?

Bentley does not require its applicants to submit SAT subject test results, but if you’ve already taken any SAT subject tests, we encourage you to forward your scores to the Office of Admission.

What if I can't afford the application fee?

If the admission application fee poses a financial hardship on your family, the university will waive the cost. We will accept the College Board Fee Waiver form (available from and completed by your high school counselor) or a letter written on your behalf on official stationery from someone at your high school who can attest to your inability to pay this fee.

Will Bentley accept AP or IB credit?

Many students can accelerate their college program by earning advanced standing through AP and IB credit in high school. Bentley may award college credit for AP exam scores of 4 or 5. Credit may be awarded to students who receive a score of 5 or higher on IB subject tests taken at the higher level. IB exams taken at the standard level are not eligible for credit. All official test results should be submitted directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

I've taken some courses at a local college. Can I transfer those credits to Bentley?

College courses that you have taken during your high school years may be considered for, and if appropriate, awarded transfer credit to Bentley. The courses must be taken at an accredited college or university, and students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in the course. Bentley will review the course level and material to determine if it is viable for transfer.

Does Bentley offer any merit-based scholarships?

Bentley awards merit scholarships to its most academically competitive applicants ranging from one-third tuition to full-tuition awards. When you apply for admission to Bentley, you are automatically considered for merit scholarship; there is no additional application.