Undergraduate Catalogue

Transfer Admission

Students who, after graduating from high/secondary school, have matriculated and are completing one semester of college coursework at another college or university, are considered transfer students. The secondary school transcript is a factor in the admission decision although the college academic transcript is often weighed more heavily in the selection and review of candidates.

The Office of Undergraduate Admission evaluates transfer candidates on a rolling basis. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that official transcripts from all previously attended secondary and post-secondary institutions are sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admission by April 15 for September entrance and November 1 for January entrance. Only those courses appearing on an official transcript may be accepted for transfer credit.

Transfer applicants who are accepted receive an official evaluation that reflects the academic credits accepted for transfer.

Transfer students must have all previous post-secondary work submitted for evaluation of credit no later than one month after the start of their first full semester at Bentley.

Transfer candidates must submit the following materials:

  • A completed Common Application, Bentley Supplemental Form and non-refundable application fee. For students studying in the U.S. the fee is $50 and for those pursuing their studies outside of the U.S. the fee is $75 (check or money order made payable to Bentley University)
  • All official college transcripts. Transcripts should be current and indicate courses taken and credits and grades received
  • College Official’s Report
  • A mid-term college/university progress report if currently taking courses at time of application
  • Official secondary school transcript or official GED diploma and score report
  • Official results of all college entrance tests (SAT or ACT) – required of all applicants who have completed fewer than 10 transferable courses at other post-secondary institutions. Bentley University’s CEEB number for receipt of SAT test scores is 3096; our ACT number is 1783
  • Non-native speakers of English must also submit official results of the International Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination or the International English Language Testing System Examination (IELTS). This requirement is waived if two transferrable university-level courses in English have been completed (literature, writing or similar) and grades of B- or better have been earned
  • Official scores for Advanced Placement tests (AP), International Baccalaureate exams (IB) and any other advanced standing credit if applicable
  • Course descriptions from the college catalogue or course syllabi in English from every post-secondary school attended outside the United States. This enables the Office of Undergraduate Admission to expedite the evaluation of courses taken for transfer credit
  • Two letters of recommendation, preferably from professors

All transfer credit is subject to the approval of the Office of Undergraduate Admission. A maximum of 60 semester-hour credits can be transferred (e.g., 20 three-credit courses); only courses carrying three or more credits are transferable. In addition, a maximum of six credits can be transferred to fulfill courses within the major requirements. Some courses may require validation before credit is awarded. Validation information is available from the Registrar’s Office.

Bentley encourages students to submit electronic applications. Materials are available at www.bentley.edu and www.commonapp.org.

Application materials should be mailed directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admission, Bentley University, 175 Forest Street, Waltham, MA 02452-4705.