We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions our admission staff receive.

If you don't see an answer to your question below, please contact the Office of Admission for assistance.

COVID-19 Questions

Admitted & Enrolling Students

What if I haven't made my decision yet? How can I connect with Saint Anselm College community members?
We recommend taking advantage of our virtual admitted events, happening daily. Through a variety of webinars and social media engagement, we have created ways to interact with our faculty, staff, and students and answer all of your questions. For more information on our virtual events and social media, visit our admitted student website.

Can I get an extension on my deposit deadline?
Please email Michael Iorio, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment and Director of Admission, to request an extension.

I previously declined my offer of admission before COVID-19 but circumstances have changed. Can I now deposit?
Please put your request in an email to admission@anselm.edu. An admission counselor will contact you regarding the request.

If my family income is impacted by the coronavirus, will you reconsider my financial aid package? What information will you need and when?  
We understand that many families may be impacted financially by COVID-19.  However, the full financial impact of this event may be difficult to quantify at this time.  We encourage you to reach out to the Office of Financial Aid so that we can discuss your situation and determine what the appropriate next steps may be. 

With the challenges colleges are facing due to COVID-19, is there a chance my scholarship will be reduced?  
No. Your merit scholarship will be honored for your four consecutive years at Saint Anselm, if you maintain the required GPA.  This information can be found on your financial aid offer.   

Will summer orientation programs still be held on campus or will they be done online? 
Saint Anselm College has made the decision to host summer Orientation (typically held in June) online. Enrolling students will be able to access and complete the Orientation requirements through their enrollment portal, which will launch in mid-May. August move-in and Orientation is still being planned on campus, but enrolling students will be notified of any changes when final decisions are made.

Prospective Students

How will you evaluate transcripts if grade systems change because all of my classes are now online? What considerations will be given? Will it negatively impact my admission or merit scholarship?
We are aware that high schools across the country and around the world have implemented difficult changes in order to continue to deliver an educational experience to their students. We will continue to monitor these changes and evaluate students’ transcripts while taking into consideration the circumstances in which the education was completed during COVID-19.

My classes are pass/fail due to COVID-19.  How will this impact my admissibility?  
While we understand that grading systems have been altered due to the current situation, a student will still need to meet admission requirements by completing all required courses.  We will work closely with school counselors to understand and evaluate each student’s transcript based on what grading system was implemented at their high school. 

Pass/fail courses will not be used in recalculating GPA’s and determining merit scholarships.

If my SAT or ACT exams were cancelled, what should I do?  
Typically, Saint Anselm College is test-optional for incoming first-year domestic students, with the exception of those applying who were homeschooled or applying for our nursing program. In light of the impact caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic, Saint Anselm College has adopted a temporary test-optional policy for ALL Fall 2021 domestic applicants, including nursing and homeschooled applicants. We know these last few months have been difficult for many and it is our hope to make the application process for all students as simple, fair, and transparent as possible. A test-optional decision has not yet been made for students interested in Fall 2022 admission and beyond. The Office of Admission will continue to monitor the situation over the next year and update our policies as necessary.

Will AP credits transfer if the test is modified?  
We will continue to award AP credit based on our current requirements (seen below).  If students wish to have AP credit considered for possible credit, please send all AP exam results to Office of the Registrar or Office of Admission.  

Will you have visit options this spring or summer? 
We are monitoring the current situation closely and will post visits as soon as we are able. At this time, head to our Virtual Visit Options to register for a virtual information session and virtual campus tour! 

I’m applying as a transfer student but all of my documents will not arrive before April 1st. Will I still be considered for Admission?  
Yes! We continue to work with students and take applications after April 1st for transfer students. If you have any questions, please contact Tony Trodella, Associate Director of Admission & Coordinator of Transfer Admission. 

Will I receive transfer credit for pass/fail courses?
At this time, we will accept most courses with a "pass" designation.

Will you honor admission offers for international students without knowledge of current travel restrictions?  
Yes, we will continue to honor admission offers for international students. We are closely monitoring the updates shared by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and are updating our admitted students and current international students as changes and updates are being announced by the SEVP.   

Admission Review Process

Do you give credit for Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams?
Yes. The College awards credit for an AP score of 4, or 5 in any recognized discipline. Credit is awarded for a score of 5, 6, or 7 on a Higher Level IB Examination. AP and IB credit may be used to satisfy general requirements. Each academic department maintains its own policy regarding the use of AP or IB credit for placement in courses and progress in the major.

Do you give credit for dual enrollment courses?
Yes. Admitted students may submit college transcripts of courses they completed while in high school. Credit will be awarded based on the grade received and the program in which you are enrolling. To learn more about what courses may transfer, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

How do I receive credit for advanced placement and the international baccalaureate?
In general, the equivalent of one or two courses are issued for each acceptable exam result. Individual academic departments at Saint Anselm vary in how and if they award credit for students who have taken the IB Higher Level examinations. This information outlines the standard policies; should you desire further explanation, please consult the appropriate academic department. Each successfully completed Higher Level examination with the conditions noted must be submitted to the Office of Admission prior to a student's matriculation at the College. Students who have taken both AP and IB examinations do not receive credit/placement for both.

Where can I find admission requirements?
The application requirements for first-year students, transfer students, and international students are specialized, as the educational backgrounds of applicants can differ greatly. Please review the list of requirements carefully, and contact the Office of Admission if you have additional questions.

What do you look at when evaluating an application?
Our admission process is selective and holistic. We review your high school transcript to determine whether you have taken the most challenging courses. We also consider personal recommendations from your teachers and guidance counselor, your essay, your SAT/ACT scores (optional except for homeschool and those applying for nursing), and extracurricular involvement.

Do you have a "Need Blind" admission policy?
Need blind means that all admissions decisions are made without any knowledge of students' and parents' financial circumstances. While Saint Anselm adheres to a need-blind admission policy for most of its admission decisions, budgetary constraints sometimes result in need-sensitive admission decisions for a small segment of the applicant population (primarily international students and those on the wait list).

Does Saint Anselm College admit incoming freshmen directly into the baccalaureate program in nursing or is there a separate admission process?
Students interested in the nursing program submit the same application materials as all other applicants. We enroll about 90 first year students into the four year nursing program each fall. First year students must apply directly to the nursing program and be admitted to the nursing program. At this time, we do not accept transfer nursing applications.

Do you offer interviews?
Interviews are offered to all students prior to the release of his or her admission decision. Students can schedule an interview on our visit page. Interviews are not required and are not considered when evaluating an application.

About Saint Anselm College

How large is Saint Anselm College?
Our student body is exclusively undergraduate and totals approximately 2,000 men and women. Our students represent 33 U.S. states and 9 countries.

How large is the freshman class?
A typical freshman class includes between 525 and 540 full-time students.

What is the average class size?
The average class has 18 students. By junior year, most students will take courses that have 15 students or fewer. Our student/faculty ratio is 11 to 1. Saint Anselm does not have teaching assistants or graduate assistants.

What are your most popular majors?
In keeping with national trends, the most popular majors are English, business, psychology, biology, and politics. Our nationally recognized nursing program, and long-standing criminal justice programs are also very popular with our students. Please visit our academics page to learn more about our majors.

How do you pronounce "Anselm"?
Anselm is pronounced as An-Selm. Think Elm tree!

Who is Saint Anselm?
Saint Anselm was a Benedictine monk and scholar, who is recognized for his application of reason in exploring the mysteries of the faith and for his definition of theology as "faith seeking understanding." Read more.

What is your mascot? 
We are the Hawks. Go Hawks!

About the Campus

Is on-campus housing guaranteed for four years?
Yes, housing is guaranteed to all students who are resident students during their freshman year. Currently, 92% of the student body lives on campus in over 30 residence halls.

Can I have a car on campus for 4 years?
Yes. Students are allowed to have a car on campus throughout their 4 years. Students are required to purchase a parking permit through the Office of Campus Safety and Security.

Athletics

What division are your intercollegiate sports?
Saint Anselm competes in the NCAA Division II in the Northeast-10 Conference and Eastern College Athletic Conference. 

What athletic facilities are available on campus?
Our athletic facilities are rated among the finest in the Northeast-10 Conference, boasting the 2,500 seat Grappone Stadium and turf field, the Thomas F. Sullivan Arena for our ice hockey teams, and Kavanaugh Field at Sullivan Park for our baseball team. The Carr Center and Spagnuolo Fitness Center is open to the general Saint Anselm population, providing state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment, weight machines, and free weights. A weight room and study space are also available in the Carr Center for varsity athletes.

How do I contact a coach?
If you are interested in playing at the intercollegiate level, you are strongly encouraged to make verbal contact with the proper head coach, as well as provide any materials requested by the head coach to support your athletic ability. Contact information for each coach can be found on our athletics page. 

Financial Aid

How much does it cost to attend Saint Anselm College?
Please visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page.

Do you offer merit scholarships?
Yes. Merit awards are granted based on evaluation of each application. Applicants who display exemplary academic credentials and involvement may receive merit aid. Students do not need to apply for merit aid separately. 

Do you offer work-study jobs on campus? 
Yes. Federal Work-Study (FWS) is money awarded to you as part of your financial aid package funded by the Federal government and the college. It provides funds that are earned through part-time employment at the college. Federal Work Study makes you eligible to earn a specified amount of money for working on campus. Through work-study you earn a paycheck every two weeks. Although work-study students are eligible to earn a specified amount of money, this eligibility does not guarantee employment or earnings. The college tries to employ as many students as possible.

Can I work on campus if I don't have work-study? 
Yes. Any Saint Anselm student can work on campus as part of the college's Student Payroll Program (STU). Student payroll positions are jobs in offices on campus paid for by the college.

International Admission

Can Proof of English Proficiency be waived?
If you feel that you have demonstrated English proficiency in a way not specified by our admission requirements, please contact Mercy Lara-Bautista to discuss meeting our requirements.

Can I talk to a current Saint Anselm College student before making my decision?
Yes. Our students are happy to connect with you over Skype to help you make an informed decision and to better understand the student perspective. Please contact Mercy Lara-Bautista to schedule a Skype call with a current student.

Will it cost more if I study two majors?
No. Students have the opportunity to study two majors (double major) while at Saint Anselm College. Students will be required to maintain full-time status by taking at least 12 credit hours per semester. Each student will work with an academic advisor to ensure that they are taking the required courses for both majors.

As an international students, what are my options for employment?
International students who are enrolled full-time at Saint Anselm College are able to work on campus. Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week when school is in session. Additionally, international students may be able to work more than 20 hours per week during vacation and holiday periods. International students are not allowed to work off-campus.

When must I arrive to campus?
All international students who have submitted their enrollment deposit are required to attend the Transitions Pre-Orientation program in August. International students are invited to attend Orientation Part I in June. If students are not able to attend the orientation in June, they will be provided information on how to register for classes online. Airport pickup is provided to those who arrive on the date specified in post-enrollment communication. More information is provided on the enrollment portal which is available to all students who have submitted their enrollment deposit.

Testing

What scores should I submit with my application?
SAT and ACT test dates prior to November 15th will release results in time for scores to be considered with early action or early decision applications. Test dates through December 15th will provide results in time for scores to be considered with regular decision applications.

Do you accept self-reported test scores?
Applicants may submit self-reported test scores for use during the admission process. Self-reported scores can come directly from the Common Application or a student can send us a scanned PDF copy of their student score report. We will not accept self-reported scores in an email from the student unless the email includes the students’ score report as indicated above.

Do you require students who enroll to submit test scores?
Yes. Official test scores (if available) will be required for each student upon enrollment. Test scores may be used for academic advisement purposes.

Transfer Admission

How are transfer credits evaluated?
Students must earn a grade of a C or better in each course to receive credit. Credit is awarded for courses relevant to our academic core and the program in which the student is enrolling. Courses will transfer in based on the number of credits received at the previous institution(s). To learn more about the official credit evaluation process, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

How many college courses can students transfer to Saint Anselm College?
Students can transfer up to 64 credits to Saint Anselm College. They must take at least 64 credits and the majority of their major courses at Saint Anselm.

How is class standing determined?
At Saint Anselm College, to be considered a freshman, transfer students will have completed up to 32 acceptable credits. To be considered a sophomore students will have completed more than 32 but no more than 64 acceptable credits. Students who have completed more than 64 acceptable credits may be considered a junior. 

Is housing available for transfer students?
Housing for transfer students is not guaranteed. Priority is given to students who submit their application by the priority transfer deadlines. To learn about specific deadlines, please visit our Dates & Deadlines page.

Are scholarships available for transfer students?
All transfer students are evaluated for merit scholarships. Merit awards range between $15,000 and $19,000. Additional need-based scholarships are available for those who complete the FAFSA and CSS profile.

Is there a transfer orientation?
Yes. Transfer students are given the opportunity to participate in New Student Orientation. Information about orientation will be provided to each enrolled student via email.

Miscellaneous

Do you offer Internships?
All departments offer internship experiences, which combine the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom with practical application in a supervised work place. The Career Development Office offers an in-depth listing of internship opportunities.

What opportunities do you have for extracurricular activities?
Opportunities to dive into what you care about make for great days here on the Hilltop. From our nationally award-winning debate team to club sports, cultural and service clubs, over 50 campus clubs and organizations give you abundant ways to pursue your passions, take charge, have a voice, and make a difference. New clubs form each year to match new student interests.

Are there community service opportunities?
Saint Anselm students have done more than 52,000 community service hours on an annual basis. Much of our community service and service learning efforts are coordinated through our Meelia Center for Community Engagement, whose mission it is “to cultivate and maintain a relationship of engagement between Saint Anselm College and the larger community.” The college has ties to more than 60 state, national, and international service organizations.

What type of academic support services do you offer?
The Academic Resource Center (ARC) offers students assistance in developing or refining the academic skills that lead to college success. The Center's professional and student staff provide services such as learning skills instruction, writing support, and peer tutoring. Workshops, as well as individual instruction help, prepare our students to achieve high academic success. The ARC offers an 8-week program to help first-year students develop skills and strategies essential for academic success.

The ARC also arranges for academic accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are welcome to contact Kenneth J Walker, Director, or call (603) 641-7193 for more information about college policies relating to disabilities and the procedure for applying for academic accommodations. Saint Anselm College complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with the American Disabilities Act (ADA).

Do I have to be Catholic to come to Saint Anselm College?
Saint Anselm College is a Benedictine Catholic institution that welcomes students, faculty, and staff of all faiths and religions. Our institution abides by the principles of religious freedom, encouraging individuals and groups to practice their own faith as they choose. Numerous programs and services are offered for students, faculty, and staff to encourage their spiritual growth and religious faith.

Does Saint Anselm offer a Study Abroad Program?
Yes, we do have a Study Abroad Program. Students have gone to a variety of places including France, Spain, Ireland, Australia, Italy, India, Peru, Thailand, China, Egypt, and Vietnam. Saint Anselm College also offers an abroad experience at our satellite campus in Orvieto, Italy during either the fall or spring semester.

What is there to do in Manchester?
Manchester has a plethora of activities to take advantage of. There are theaters, restaurants, athletic arenas, museums and plenty more to keep you busy as you explore this great city.