Admission

Undergraduate Admission Policy

Admission to Merrimack College is holistic and mission-driven. We seek students who are academically prepared and aligned with Merrimack’s values of community, compassion, and lifelong learning. Our Augustinian heritage is reflected in our supportive environment, and we look for applicants who have made meaningful contributions to their schools and communities.

Merrimack welcomes both first-year freshman and transfer students who are ready to thrive in a dynamic academic environment. Transfer applicants bring valuable perspectives, and we recognize the diverse experiences and goals they bring to our campus community. In addition to academic performance, we consider each student’s journey, motivation, and fit within Merrimack’s mission. The Admission Committee evaluates each application within the context of the student’s academic background, personal achievements, and intended area of study.

Application Process

All applicants must apply through either the Common Application or the Merrimack College Application. There is no fee to apply, and test scores are not required.

First-year freshman students are required to submit an official high school transcript and a secondary school report. Transfer students must provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended and a transfer college report. Transfer students with fewer than 24 semester hours of credit must submit their high school transcript as well. 

Optional supplemental materials such as an essay, resume, and letters of recommendation are highly encouraged for all applicants. We recommend first-time freshmen submit first-quarter or trimester grades for consideration, as well. 

Admission Test Policy

Standardized test scores from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (“SAT”) of the College Board or the American College Testing Program (“ACT”) are not required and will not be considered for admission or scholarship review. 

Non-Discrimination Statement

Merrimack College welcomes students of all backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, age, or any other legally protected status in its admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered activities.

Freshman Admission Requirements

Merrimack College expects first-year freshman applicants to have completed a rigorous high school curriculum that will prepare them for college-level work. The subject areas below outline the minimum coursework required for admission consideration, with each unit representing one full academic year of study.

Program-Specific Recommendations:

• Engineering: Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete 4 units of mathematics and 3 units of science, including pre-calculus/calculus and physics. 

• Nursing: Applicants are expected to have completed 4 units of mathematics and 3 units of lab-based science. 

In addition to these course requirements, all students must demonstrate English Proficiency in cases that their native language is not English. Proficiency may be determined via review of the student’s academic record, or may need to be demonstrated by submission of an English language proficiency test. Current score requirements can be found at https://www.merrimack.edu/admission/undergraduate/international/application-process/

Freshman Requirements for B.S. in Nursing

Admission Requirements for the B.S. in Nursing:

• Official copies of all secondary school transcripts.

  • Satisfactory evidence of secondary school graduation or its equivalent will be required by all candidates.

• High School/Secondary School GPA of 3.0 or higher; C or better in all science grades.

The most competitive students will:

• Have taken Biology, Chemistry, and/or Anatomy and Physiology in high school/secondary school;

• Received a B or higher in all math and sciences courses;

• Have a compelling recommendation from a math or science instructor and school counselor/administrator; and

• Have completed community service or other activities that demonstrate commitment, compassion, and leadership.

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN) Good Moral Character for Nursing Licensure Policy:

All prospective nursing students should familiarize themselves with the statutory requirements of licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts prior to matriculation in the nursing program. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing Licensure Policy 00-01, Determination of Good Moral Character includes the following:

• It identifies specific criminal convictions, which will permanently exclude an individual from initial nurse licensure in Massachusetts, due to the horrific nature of the crime;

• Requires initial nurse licensure applicants to be conviction-free, for a minimum of five years, before the submission of an application for licensure;

• Requires the disposition of any criminal conviction to be closed, for a minimum of one year, before the submission of a nurse licensure application; and

• Requires all criminal cases to be closed at the time of application.

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing publishes an information sheet on good moral character. Copies are available on-line at: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/good-moral-character-requirements-for-nursing-licensure

Freshman Application Deadlines

First-year freshman applicants may apply for either a fall (August) or spring (January) start. Applications should be submitted on or before the following dates:

FALL SEMESTER:

SPRING SEMESTER:

Early Decision (ED)

Early Decision is a binding admission option for students who have identified Merrimack College as their top choice. Applicants who apply by the November 15 deadline will receive an admission decision in mid-December. 

Applicants admitted under Early Decision must withdraw all other college applications and commit to enrolling at Merrimack. Decisions may include admission, deferral to regular admission, waitlist placement, or denial.

Early Action (EA I & EA II)

Early Action is a non-binding option for students who are strongly considering Merrimack and wish to receive an early decision without making a commitment. The deadline for Early Action I is November 15, and for Early Action II it is January 15. EA I applicants receive decisions in mid-December, while EA II applicants are notified in early February.

Decisions may include admission, deferral to regular admission, waitlist placement, or denial.

Regular Decision

Regular Decision is ideal for students who want more time to complete their application. The deadline is February 15, and notifications begin in early March and continue weekly. This is a non-binding option, and students have until May 1 to confirm enrollment.

Decisions may include admission, waitlist placement, or denial.

Rolling Admission

Rolling Admission offers flexibility for students who decide to apply later in the cycle or need additional time. Applications are reviewed as they are completed, with decisions released weekly, beginning in mid-March and continuing through August 15. Rolling Admission is non-binding, and students are encouraged to apply as early as possible for full consideration.

Decisions may include admission, waitlist placement, or denial.

Transfer Admission Requirements

Merrimack welcomes transfer students who are ready to thrive in a dynamic academic environment. Transfer applicants bring valuable perspectives, and we recognize the diverse experiences and goals they contribute to our campus community. In addition to academic performance, we consider each student’s journey, motivation, and fit within Merrimack’s mission.

The College defines a transfer student as any student who has enrolled at a regionally accredited, non-profit post-secondary degree-granting college or university and has attempted 12 or more college credits after earning a high school diploma or its equivalent such as a GED. Institutions that are not regionally accredited, such as those with national or for-profit accreditation, do not meet this definition.

Application Requirements

Transfer applicants must submit the following materials:

• A completed transfer application through either the Common Application or the Merrimack Application.

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. International applicants must provide certified English translations of academic records.

• Course descriptions or catalogs may be requested by the Office of Admission to assist with transfer credit evaluation.

• A final high school transcript if fewer than 24 college-level credits have been completed.

• Proof of English language proficiency for non-native speakers, via an official score report from an approved English language exam. See the Merrimack website for accepted tests.

• Optional supplemental materials such as an essay, resume, and letters of recommendation are highly encouraged.

• If seeking transfer credit for prior academic coursework, students should submit a course-by-course credential evaluation from any NACES accredited credential evaluation company.

Eligibility

Applicants must be in good academic and disciplinary standing, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and eligibility to return to their prior institution(s).

Transfer Requirements for B.S. in Nursing

Merrimack College accepts transfer applications into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. Transfer admission into Merrimack College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing is selective and space-dependent. Admission is not guaranteed and may be limited each term based on available space.

Requirements include:

• Completed transfer application through the Common Application or the Merrimack Application.

• College transcript from each college attended.

• A minimum of 12 credits of college-level work completed.

• The applicant must be in good academic standing, with a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with a C or better in all science courses. 

• Transferring into the B.S. in Nursing Program may require additional semesters of course-work to complete Merrimack Nursing courses in sequence. Nursing coursework from previous institutions typically transfers into Merrimack as open-elective credit. Science and mathematics course grades must be no older than five years at the time of application.

• Evidence of adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization and nursing program clinical requirements.

Transfer Application Deadlines

Transfer applicants may apply for either a fall (August) or spring (January) start. Applications should be submitted on or before the following dates:

FALL SEMESTER:

SPRING SEMESTER:

Rolling Admission

Applications are reviewed as they are completed, with decisions released weekly. Rolling Admission is non-binding, and students are encouraged to apply as early as possible for full consideration. Decisions may include admission, waitlist placement, or denial.

Transfer Credit Policy

• Credit is awarded for courses completed with a grade of C- or better from regionally accredited post-secondary degree-granting institutions and must align with the curriculum and academic standards of Merrimack College.

• Students with an earned associate degree who meet admission criteria will receive transfer credit for all coursework in that degree.

• Students who have attended international universities and are seeking transfer credit for prior academic coursework should submit a course-by-course credential evaluation from any NACES accredited credential evaluation company.

• Credit for coursework completed more than 10 years prior to admission is subject to review.

• Courses such as internships, cooperative education, remedial or developmental courses, and those graded pass/fail do not transfer.

• AP and CLEP exam credit is granted based on official score reports sent to Merrimack (school code: 3525).

• Grades earned at previous institutions are not included in Merrimack’s GPA calculation.

• All coursework intended for transfer must be disclosed at the time of application. Credit for previously undisclosed courses may be denied.

• Offers of admission are contingent upon successful completion of current coursework. Final and official transcripts must be submitted before matriculation.

Transfer Credit Evaluation

A preliminary evaluation of transferable coursework is provided at the time of admission. Final determinations are made by the Office of the Registrar, in collaboration with relevant academic departments. Students may be asked to submit detailed syllabi or course descriptions for final evaluation.

Residency Requirement

Transfer students must complete at least 25% of the total undergraduate credits required for their degree at Merrimack College. For further information, refer to the sections on “Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree” and “Residency Requirements”.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

Merrimack College is committed to facilitating a seamless transfer process for students from community colleges. To support this commitment, the College participates in the Massachusetts Independent College Transfer Guarantee (MA Guarantee) and has established specific articulation agreements with select institutions.

Massachusetts Independent College Transfer Guarantee (MA Guarantee)

The MA Guarantee is a statewide partnership between Massachusetts community colleges and participating four-year institutions, including Merrimack College. This program guarantees admission for eligible community college graduates, streamlining the transfer process.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Completion of an associate degree at a Massachusetts community college.

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

• Good academic and disciplinary standing.

Program Notes:

• All four-year academic programs at Merrimack College are eligible under this guarantee, with the exception of Construction Management, Information Technology, and Nursing.

• Completion of the General Education Foundation as part of an eligible associate degree program satisfies Merrimack College’s Liberal Studies core curriculum requirements, except for the Religious and Theological Studies requirement.

Northern Essex Community College Partnership

Merrimack College has an articulation agreement with Northern Essex Community College (NECC). Under this agreement:

• NECC graduates will be admitted to MC with the cumulative GPA required for graduation from NECC, with the following exceptions or additional requirements: 

• Social Work Dual Degree (B.A. and M.S.W.)
• Athletic Training Dual Degree (B.S. and M.S.)
• Nursing
• School Counseling Dual Degree (B.A. and M.S.W.)

• MC agrees to waive the application fee for a student who is admitted and matriculated to MC and otherwise meets the conditions of this Agreement. 

• MC shall prioritize NECC students who enter MC through this Agreement in awarding merit scholarships. 

Bachelor Degree Completion Credit for Prior Learning

For students in the Bachelor’s Degree Completion (“BDC”) program, college credits earned at other institutions may be accepted at Merrimack College. Most credit-bearing courses taken at any time, regardless of date, and taken at any accredited post-secondary institution, will be accepted and may be applied towards one of the six bachelor’s degrees in the BDC program.  Please see “Optional Academic Programs and Activities” in the Undergraduate College Catalog which addresses policies for transfer credit, off-campus studies, accelerated academic progress including exams (e.g. AP, IB, CLEP); military, government, and corporate training; and departmental exams. A maximum of 16 credits may be earned for life and work experience.

Prior learning experiences that may be counted as course credit in the BDC program at Merrimack College include: 

• Professional licensure or certification where there is a body of knowledge and an official transcript made available (such as Police, Fire, and EMT Training Programs); 

• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and/or Professional Development Points (PDPs). Programs that issue CEUs or PDPs are programs that students participate in without offering college level credit yet nonetheless indicate that learning has taken place; 

• State Licensure and/or Government Certification Programs; 

• ​Work and industry experience that specifically aligns with BDC program outcomes. 

In all cases, the Academic Director of the BDC will make final assessments and, when appropriate, grant approvals of prior learning for credit. When necessary, approvals may be made in consultation with the appropriate faculty member on the BDC Learning Council. 

For professional licensure or certification, the College will require an official transcript; a certificate of completion; or a letter written on the training sponsor’s letterhead outlining the content and connection to a body of knowledge. 

For those seeking credit for CEUs (Continuing Education Units) and/or PDPs (Professional Development Points), the College will require copies of certificates of completion; a program outline with syllabus including assignments and deliverables; and any other documentation that demonstrates a knowledge base and skill set equivalent to that of a college course. 

For those seeking credit for State Licensure and/or Government Certifications, the College will require copies of the license or certificate along with a detailed description of how the knowledge base and skill merits college credit. 

For those seeking credit for prior work experience, the College will require the student to prepare a portfolio that outlines specific job competencies that are connected to program outcomes to demonstrate learning through on the job experiences.

Students may petition for credit for prior learning for work experience by submitting a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Portfolio. Students may submit a portfolio that details college level learning that took place outside of a college or university. This portfolio will be reviewed and college credits may be awarded. Students should first meet with their Education Specialist or Academic Advisor to discuss the process for submitting a portfolio.

1.  The portfolio must include:

1.  PLA Portfolio Application.

2.  An autobiographical account that describes in detail the student’s training, work, and life experiences; this must include what the student has learned from these experiences using college-level terminology.

3.  A statement of how the prior learning relates to the specific course for which the student is requesting credit.

4.  Evidence of understanding of the subject for which the student is requesting credit.

5.  The student should demonstrate an appropriate balance between theory and application.

6.  Any examples of relevant direct verification of learning (e.g., licenses, certificates, authored reports).

7.  An in-depth description of how the student has applied, or plans to apply, the knowledge and skills acquired in other settings.

2.  All portfolio material will be submitted electronically.

3.  Review Process:

1.  Portfolios will first be reviewed by a member of the faculty or subject matter expert to ensure portfolios are complete.

2.  They will then be sent to the Academic Director of the BDC program who will assign the portfolio to the appropriate faculty member on the BDC’s Academic Learning Council who will review it.

3.  BDC Learning Council members must be trained in Portfolio PLA before they may review a portfolio. The Office of Professional Studies will develop a portfolio PLA training process. In reviewing a portfolio, the learning being evaluated must:

1.  Be measurable.

2.  Be at a level of achievement defined by the faculty as college-equivalent or consistent with the learning of other students engaged in college studies.

3.  Be applicable outside the specific job or context in which it was learned.

4.  Demonstrate a knowledge base.

5.  Be reasonably current.

6.  Imply a conceptual or theoretical as well as a practical understanding.

7.  Not repeat learning for which credit has already been awarded.

4.  The learning must be related to a specific Merrimack College course.

International Admission

Merrimack College welcomes applications from international students. An F-1 international student is a student who is not a citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen of the United States of America. Such students, according to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, “the applicant has successfully completed a course of study equivalent to that normally required of a U.S. student seeking enrollment at the same level.”

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by submitting a test of English proficiency. For a list of approved English language tests please see the Merrimack website at: https://www.merrimack.edu/admission/undergraduate/international/application-process/. 

Appropriate official transcripts, or certified copies of academic records and their English translations validated by an official public translator, must be forwarded to the Office of Admission. If the international student has completed college/university level coursework, official transcripts (translated into English) for all such coursework is required. If seeking transfer credit for prior academic coursework, students should submit a course-by-course credential evaluation from any NACES accredited credential evaluation company. 

As part of the application process, the Declaration of Finance Form and a notarized bank letter  must be submitted which certifies that sufficient funds are available to cover the cost of one year of academic study, which includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, and health insurance. A Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) will be issued to the student after the student has been admitted, paid their enrollment deposit, and has submitted required passport and financial documentation.

The completed admission application should be received by the priority deadlines for freshmen and transfer students. International applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Students in need of a new F-1 visa should aim to apply early to allow time for the visa process. Students with a valid F-1 visa already studying at an SEVP certified institution in the US have a more flexible timeline.

Confirmation of Enrollment

To confirm enrollment at Merrimack College, admitted students-both first-year and transfer-must submit an enrollment deposit. The deposit is $700 for resident students and $500 for commuter students. Please note that enrollment deposits are required and not eligible for reduction or waiver.

• Early Decision students must submit their deposit by January 15.

• All other admitted students must deposit by the date specified in their offer of admission or as otherwise communicated by the Office of Admission.

In addition to the deposit, students must submit all final, official transcripts required for enrollment. For first-year freshman students, this includes documentation of high school graduation or the equivalent (such as GED results). Transfer students must submit final college transcripts from each institution attended. All students are also required to submit health forms prior to matriculation.

Deferral of Admission

Merrimack College offers the option for students who wish to defer the offer for admission for up to one full year. The request for deferral must be submitted in writing to the Office of Admission. The letter must state the reason for the request and the specific term the student plans to enroll. The full enrollment deposit is required of all students who wish to defer enrollment. The student must complete the “Return from Deferral” form to re-activate their application for the new term of enrollment. If a student completes post secondary academic work at another institution during their deferment, without prior authorization, the Office of Admission requires additional documents, including an official transcript, before re-activation to evaluate transfer credits and confirm good standing. Additionally, the student will be charged a $100 per credit fee for credits that are transferred into Merrimack College without authorization prior to the deferred semester(s). If a student matriculates or completes 12 or more college credits at another institution during their deferral, their application may be subject to re-evaluation as a Transfer applicant. 

Students who defer their admission will keep the merit scholarship offered during the admission process. However, the FAFSA form must be filed and a new financial aid package will be awarded for the new term of enrollment.

Refund of Deposit

Enrollment deposits are non-refundable after the enrollment deadline for the student has passed. This policy applies to all entering students, including both first-year and transfer students, regardless of the semester in which they enroll.

Admission Requirements for GED Candidates

Individuals without a high school diploma who wish to pursue post-secondary education may be admitted to Merrimack College. Candidates for admission must successfully complete the GED tests and submit the Official Report of Test Results with their completed application. Candidates who submit their GED test scores are required to follow the same admission procedures as those required of graduating seniors and high school graduates.

Home School Candidates

Merrimack College welcomes applications from students who have chosen homeschooling. In addition to completing the standard admission application, we require that students forward to the Office of Admission the following materials:

• State certificate of completion, or a high school diploma, or the GED

• List of coursework or transcript

• Admission Interview (highly recommended)

• Essay (highly recommended)

• One letter of recommendation (highly recommended)

Each candidate will be assessed on an individual basis for college readiness and academic strength.

Change of Status on Admission Applications

Any change of application status must be forwarded to the Office of Admission by the student in writing. Change of major, housing status or other changes will be made only upon written receipt of the request unless otherwise authorized and documented by a member of the admission staff. Internal requests for status change will be made only after the student has forwarded the appropriate documentation to the Office of Admission. Final approval of the request will be determined by the Admission Committee.

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (“ROTC”)

Air Force ROTC is a leadership development program that ultimately produces Second Lieutenants for the United States Air Force. Air Force ROTC is designed to run concurrently with a student’s degree curriculum. Students do not go on to active duty until after they graduate from college, with a four-year degree. Although the environment is somewhat fraternal, promoting military structure and culture, it is not a club or activity, but rather, a bona fide academic program, through which scholarships are available.

Merrimack College students may enroll in Air Force ROTC courses at UMass Lowell, through a cross-town agreement between the two schools. The Air Force ROTC program qualifies men and women for a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Two-year, three-year and four-year programs, as well as scholarships, are available. Details, including information on how to enroll in Air Force ROTC credited class and lab, can be obtained by calling Air Force ROTC Detachment 345, UMass Lowell, at 978-934-2252 or via email afrotc345@uml.edu. Detachment 345’s local website is www.uml.edu/Dept/AFROTC. Air Force ROTC national website is www.afrotc.com. Registration for ROTC courses is done via NECCUM cross-registration. Please visit the Warrior One Stop for a NECCUM cross-registration form. Forms are available Northeast Consortium of Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (NECCUM) website.

International Baccalaureate (“IB”)

College credits for IB exams are subject to review. An official IB examination report is required for consideration. Standard & Higher Level (SL/HL) exams with scores of 4 and higher will be reviewed for credit.

College Level Examination Program (“CLEP”)

Course credit may be granted through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), which allows students to earn credit by demonstrating proficiency in an academic subject through standardized testing. These exams, offered by the College Entrance Examination Board, are typically used to replace introductory-level courses in most academic disciplines.

CLEP exams should be taken prior to the start of a student’s junior year, and no later than the start of the senior year. Exam scores of 50 or higher will be reviewed for credit consideration.

Students interested in pursuing CLEP credit should consult with the department chair of the appropriate discipline and/or the Office of the Registrar. Transfer applicants who have completed CLEP exams must have official score reports sent directly to Merrimack College (code #3525) for evaluation.

Foreign Language Achievement Testing Service (“FLATS”)

Brigham Young University FLATS are available to matriculated Merrimack College students who have acquired skills in foreign languages that are not offered for credit at the College. Students may earn up to 12 credits, to be determined by the Registrar and the Department of Languages and Cultural Studies based on test scores. Further information about the program may be obtained from the International Student Support team.

Military Training

Merrimack College awards academic credit for military training based on American Council on Education (“ACE”) recommendations.

Merrimack College awards academic credit for workforce training (both government and corporate) based on the ACE recommendations in the ACE National Guide.   

Advanced Placement (“AP”)

As a participant in the AP Program of the College Board, Merrimack College will grant credit to students who present examination scores of at least 3 on AP tests offered by the Educational Testing Service (“ETS”). Students who have taken the test should have their official scores sent directly from the ETS to the Office of Admission at Merrimack College (Merrimack College code number: 3525) prior to matriculation. It should be noted that chairs of each academic department establish the number of Merrimack College credits and the advanced placement level for successful students under the AP Program.

College Level Courses/Dual Enrollment

Students who elect to take college level courses during high school may have those courses evaluated for transfer of college credit. The student is required to order an official copy of the transcript to be sent to the Merrimack College Office of Admission. The transcript must be sent directly from the previous institution. It cannot be submitted by the student unless delivered in an envelope that was sealed by the institution. It is also necessary for evaluation of such courses, that the student assures Merrimack College access to a course catalog and/or course syllabi offering course descriptions. With a grade of “C-” or better, three credit and four credit courses that are similar in content and scope to courses offered at Merrimack College will be evaluated by a department chairperson for transfer of college credit. “D” grades are not accepted in transfer.

Early College Program

An example of the College’s efforts to achieve its mission by linking academics, academic support, student transformation, and increasing student accessibility, can be found in Merrimack’s Early College Program. Merrimack’s Early College Program was launched during the 2017-18 academic year and draws students from Lawrence Public Schools (“LPS”), including the Abbot Lawrence Academy (“ALA”), and enrolls some 150 high school students per term during their junior and senior years. Classes are taught on Merrimack’s campus by Merrimack faculty selected by their department chair. These college courses run during normal k-12 school day hours and faculty are paired with teachers at the high school to provide full academic support.

Merrimack Senior Citizen Program

The Merrimack College Senior Citizen Program allows any student 62 years of age or older having a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma to audit undergraduate credit courses or to take them for credit, on a space-available basis, at no charge. A total of five courses may be taken for credit and an unlimited number of undergraduate courses may be audited under this policy. Courses taken for credit may serve to meet the requirements for the College’s associate’s and bachelor’s degrees if and when the student matriculates. The Senior Citizen program is not applicable to graduate courses.

Senior citizens will be responsible for paying any fees associated with specific courses, such as laboratory and computer fees. Certain courses may be closed to tuition-free registration because of heavy enrollment, and courses may be canceled if registration is insufficient. Courses having prerequisites cannot be taken without first completing the required prerequisite for credit.

Senior citizens will register with the Office of the Registrar at the scheduled time for this registration, but determination of space will only be confirmed after all Merrimack students have had the opportunity to register.

Professional Studies Admission

Students who are interested in bachelor’s degree programs within Professional Studies should refer to Professional Studies webpage for information on application deadlines and application requirements.