Application Steps

First Year Student Admission Process

You are considered a first year applicant if you plan on attending straight from high school.(i.e. currently a high school senior).  If you are not entering the Academy directly out of high school, you must apply and meet our transfer requirements ( i.e gap year, military veteran, currently and/or prior enrolled at another college/university) .

 

Massachusetts Maritime Academy accepts two different types of applications for first-year admission --  the Common Application, and our own institutional application --  but an applicant should submit only one of these. The Academy does not have a preference for one application over the others; both of these application types will receive equal consideration in our admission process. 

If you apply using the Common App, shortly after you submit you will receive an email containing information on how to activate your Maritime application account. This portal will display the status for all required supporting documentation for your application, as well as, your admissions decision.

 

our Application 

 the Common Application

 

If applying using our institutional application, complete the application by filling out all the required fields and submit the $50 application fee. 

If applying using the Common App, add Massachusetts Maritime Academy to your college list. Be sure to invite recommenders and counselors, complete the required questions for Mass Maritime and add your counselor. Review your application and submit the $50 application fee.

  • Upload your essay

    • If applying through the Common App you do not need to submit an additional essay

    • If applying through our website, once you submit your application, you can upload your essay as a PDF.  We will accept an essay on any subject of your choice with a 300 word minimum. Still unsure? Discuss the most important reasons for selecting the Academy as a possible college for you!

  • Request official high school transcripts from your school or guidance counselor

  • Send one letter of recommendation - Recommendations can come from any source who is not a relative (i.e. coaches, employers, teachers, guidance counselors, etc.). 

  • Optional for Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 Applicants: Send official standardized test scores (SAT, ACT)

Sending Supplemental Documents

Documents can be emailed to admissions@maritime.edu (preferred) or mailed to the following address:

Massachusetts Maritime Academy 
Office of Admissions
101 Academy Drive
Buzzards Bay, MA 02532

 
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Freshman students who wish to receive an early, non-binding admissions decision should consider applying Early Action. All supplemental documents (transcripts, essay, etc.) must be received by application deadline. 
 
Advantages: 
- Early, non-binding decision by the holiday break
- Priority consideration for merit scholarships and financial aid

 

Not ready to apply yet?
 

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Frequently Asked Questions



Do I have to join the military? 

No, our cadets do not have a service obligation. However, commissioning options are available for those that are interested.


Do I have to wear a uniform?

Yes, all students participate in the Regiment which requires them to wear a uniform every day. There are some exceptions specifically among our transfer students.


What Majors are available?

We offer 7 undergraduate majors, 9 minors and 3 concentrations. 


Do I have to go on the training ship?

Students within our Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation programs participate in sea term all 4 years they are here. Facilities Engineering students complete one sea term during their first year. Additionally, all first year students will spend a short time on the ship as a part of orientation.


Is study abroad available?

There are several exchange programs available within certain majors. Other opportunities may be coordinated on an individual basis. Sea term and experiential learning trips are often abroad.


Is career counseling available to help find a job after graduation?

Yes, we have a Career Services department on campus that assists current students with finding internships and full time jobs. We host a highly attended career fair each semester where students have the opportunity to meet and interview with potential employers.


What do students do after they graduate?

Similar to many colleges, our students pursue a variety of post graduate careers. Many students work in the maritime industry on land, or at sea, while others pursue non-maritime related careers. Students may continue their education in a graduate program at the Academy, or elsewhere. About 10% of our graduates each year pursue military service.


Is it true that all of your programs are hands-on?

Yes, all of our academic programs follow a “Learn, Do, Learn” philosophy. This means that hands-on/experiential learning is a required part of all of our programs. Students can still expect to spend time in the classroom, but will also have the opportunity to apply knowledge through hands-on work on/off campus.


What is your drugs and alcohol policy?

Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a drug, alcohol and tobacco free campus. Cadets are subject to random drug testing throughout their 4 years on campus.


Are open houses offered in the fall/spring?

Yes, we offer a variety of open houses throughout the year. Upcoming dates and more information can be found by clicking on the "Register for an event" button on our visitor's page.

Definitions

 

Early Action

Students submit their application and all supporting documents by November 1st to be considered for EA.  A student will be notified prior to the holiday break in December of appointment to the Academy or that their application is being considered in our rolling admissions pool.  EA is a non-binding agreement.  First year applicants with serious interest in the Academy are strongly encouraged to apply EA. 
 

Rolling Admission 

Students not applying/considered for Early Action will be reviewed in our rolling admissions pool.  Rolling admissions means that we will be accepting applications as long as spaces are available and will close once the class has been filled. 
 

MAPS (Maritime Academy Preparatory Seminar)

Students accepted into the MAPS program must successfully complete the seminar in order to gain full appointment to the Academy.  MAPS runs for two weeks in the beginning of August (prior to orientation) and will help prepare students in the areas of college math and college writing.  There is an additional out-of-pocket cost for the MAPS program.
 

Conditional Acceptance

Students who are offered a conditional acceptance will be considered appointed to the Academy but must satisfy specific conditions to gain full appointment.  Please be sure to read carefully any conditions placed on your admission to understand how to gain full appointment.  All students are subject to conditional admission for the successful completion of any course work currently in progress.
 

Transfer

Students that are denied as entering First Year, or that have already attended another accredited college or university, may explore our transfer option.  A student with completion of 12 transferable credits, or if not entering the Academy directly out of high school, must meet the aforementioned criteria.  Student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher and must have the following coursework within their transfer credit records to be considered for admission: 

  • College-level English, College-level Math, and Chemistry I with a lab.
     
Denial

A student is denied admission to Massachusetts Maritime Academy and may be considered as a transfer for a future term.  Students can also request a meeting with a counselor to outline a path to better prepare them for future acceptance.
 

Enrollment Fee

Any student who wishes to enroll at Massachusetts Maritime Academy upon receipt of an acceptance is required to submit a non-refundable $400 enrollment fee. This will confirm their place in the incoming class. Payments must be received no later than May 1st to guarantee a student’s enrollment. Students who do not reply by May 1st will forfeit their appointment to the Academy and it will be offered to a student on the wait-list on a space availability basis.