The acceptance rate at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) is about 88%, meaning that a large percentage of people who apply are accepted. But what exactly goes into making this percentage so high? And how does the school determine who gets in and who is asked to apply again the following year?

Let’s look at why the MCPHS acceptance rate is so high and how students are accepted.

Why is MCPHS’ acceptance rate so high?

MCPHS prides itself on its high acceptance rate, allowing potential students to study at one of the top health science schools in Boston. It’s important to note that while a high acceptance rate may indicate that our university — and other universities that have high acceptance rates — are more accessible to prospective students, it doesn’t reflect the quality of education or the competitiveness of the programs. Applicants should always carefully consider their own academic and career goals when evaluating the colleges and programs they’re thinking about attending, regardless of acceptance rates.

The acceptance rate can be influenced by several factors, including:

Specialized focus

MCPHS specializes in health sciences education, offering programs in areas such as pharmacy, healthcare administration, nursing, and optometry. While these fields are in high demand, students who aren’t entering a niche field may be more likely to apply to more general programs offered by other universities, which could contribute to a higher acceptance rate.

Admissions criteria

Our university maintains high academic standards, and we desire as many people as possible to study the areas of the medical field they’re most interested in. That said, our admissions criteria are more accessible compared to other highly competitive colleges that don’t allow as many students to attend. This can result in a higher acceptance rate, particularly for students who meet the requirements.

Program offerings

MCPHS offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in the health science field, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals in specialized fields. The variety of programs available attracts a large, diverse pool of applicants, contributing to a higher acceptance rate.

Application pool

The number of applications received by MCPHS relative to the number of spots available in each program can also influence our acceptance rate. If we receive a lower number of applications compared to our capacity, that can make the acceptance rate higher.

Marketing and recruitment efforts

Our marketing and recruitment efforts play a role in attracting prospective students. Effective outreach strategies can help us raise awareness of the university and its programs, potentially increasing the number of applications received.

Transfer and international student population

MCPHS has a large transfer and international student population, which can impact the overall acceptance rate. Transfer students and international students may have different application requirements or admission pathways compared to first-year applicants. However, we make it easier for prospective international students to gain admission compared to some other United States colleges.

Why study at MCPHS?

Because our acceptance rate enables more students to attend, those who do will benefit from the following advantages:

Specialized programs

MCPHS offers a wide range of programs in health sciences, including pharmacy, nursing, physician assistant studies, and dental hygiene. Students interested in pursuing a healthcare career can find programs tailored to their specific, niche interests and career goals.

Strong reputation

We have a strong reputation in the medical industry, providing students with hands-on training from experienced staff and professors. MCPHS is known for its rigorous academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to preparing students for successful healthcare careers.

Clinical experience

Many programs at MCPHS incorporate clinical experiences, internships, and experiential learning opportunities. This practical training allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world healthcare settings and gain valuable skills and experiences.

Location

The university has multiple campuses located in popular urban areas such as Boston, Worcester, and Manchester. These locations offer access to world-renowned healthcare facilities, research facilities, and cultural attractions, providing students with unique learning opportunities and networking connections.

Start the admissions process today

At MCPHS, students aren’t just looked at as a number — we truly get to know each person. With a 13:1 staff-to-student ratio, you’ll always have someone to go to for questions, concerns or to share exciting news. We strive to make student life at MCPHS exciting, fun, and safe for everyone — from undergraduate students to staff members.