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Admission Options for Adult Undergraduate Students–Dorothea Lynde Dix Scholars

Simmons offers students 24 years of age and older, and second Bachelor’s candidates of any age, a supportive environment in which to pursue an undergraduate education that combines a degree in the liberal arts or sciences with professional preparation. The Dorothea Lynde Dix Scholars admission option for adult students has garnered national attention as one of New England’s oldest, most successful programs of its kind. Dix Scholars enter Simmons for many reasons: to complete an undergraduate degree, to expand their knowledge and competence as professionals, or to gain enrichment. The Office of Undergraduate Admission provides a highly individualized admission process designed to help students transition from work or family life into college. Students are able to complete or supplement their educations on a flexible basis, either full- or part-time. Readiness and ability to handle course- work at Simmons are important factors in the admission process. Applications are accepted year-round, and the process may be initiated at any time for fall, spring, or summer semester. During an initial interview, a counselor in the Office of Undergraduate Admission will guide applicants through the application process.

Degree Candidacy

Students who wish to earn their undergraduate degree may apply for any of Simmons’s degree programs by filling out the Dix Scholars application. Degree candidates are eligible to receive financial aid and may attend either part- or full-time. Dix Scholars may transfer up to 96 semester hours toward a Simmons Bachelor’s degree through prior coursework, the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), and Simmons’s Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) process. A minimum of 48 credits must be completed at Simmons in order to earn a degree.

The Credit for Prior Learning CPL

The Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program offers Dix Scholars an opportunity to receive college credit for knowledge gained through life experience. Dix Scholars, once enrolled as degree candidates, can apply for credit for learning attained through employment, volunteer work, hobbies, travel, or other activity. The CPL program includes a required 2-credit seminar, IDS 227, facilitated by the faculty CPL advisor, Terry Müller. Please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission for more information. Dix Scholars must complete all undergraduate requirements, with the exception of the language requirement and the Leadership Course. Dix Scholars transferring credits can often apply those credits to complete graduation requirements. The Registrar provides an audit of the applicant’s previous coursework that matches all academic experience to the Simmons curriculum.

Non-Degree (Special) Candidacy:

Students who wish to take classes but do not necessarily want to earn a degree may apply as non-degree candidates. Non-degree candidates are allowed to take classes but are not eligible for graduation status unless they become degree candidates after applying. Non-degree candidates are not eligible to receive financial aid.

Application Procedure for Dix Scholars

Please note that all admission materials and supporting documentation become the property of Simmons and may not be returned to the applicant at any time.

  1. Application Form: The Simmons application or the Common Application should be submitted on- line to the Office of Undergraduate Admission by the appropriate deadline.
  2. High School Transcript: An official transcript from the secondary school from which the student graduated or GED/HiSET scores must be sent directly to Simmons. Students who have already completed an associate’s or bachelor’s degree will have this requirement waived upon receipt of their college transcript(s).
  3. College/University Records: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended should be sent directly to Simmons. If the student is currently enrolled in college, they will need to file a supplementary transcript with final grades before enrolling at Simmons. College or university transcripts from institutions outside the U.S. must be officially evaluated by the Center for Educational Documentation, P .O. Box 170116, Boston, MA 02117. Phone: 617-338-7171; Fax: 617- 338-7101; Email: info@cedevaluations.com
  4. Recommendation: Students must submit one recommendation letter. Academic recommendations are strongly preferred for applicants who have recent coursework.
  5. Standardized Test Scores: Simmons will not require students applying for the fall 2021-2027 to submit standardized test scores.. The policy will be re-reviewed to determine if it will continue beyond that time period. For those choosing to submit test scores, directly by the College Board/SAT Score Report, the Simmons code is 3761. Simmons does not require SAT Subject Tests. If English is not the native language, TOEFL, IELTS, or a comparable test is required. Applicants with significant college coursework taught in English should contact their admission counselor to determine if the English proficiency test requirement can be waived.
  6. Résumé: Recommended for all applicants.
  7. Statement of Purpose: Dix Scholars must prepare an essay that is a reflection upon their personal and professional experiences, and how these experiences have influenced them to attend college as an adult student. Statements should be double-spaced and between two to four pages in length.
  8. Nursing License: Registered nurses applying for the RN-BSN degree completion program are required to submit a copy of their registered nurse license.

Tuition and Financial Aid for Dix Scholars

Because Dix Scholars often have life commitments involving family and work that preclude many from attending college full-time, Simmons offers these students tuition based on credits taken rather than flat tuition. This policy enables the adult student to have greater flexibility in completing their desired program. See page 43 for current tuition rates. Dix Scholars are welcome to apply for financial aid. See below for further information about financial aid.

Dix Scholarships

The Dix Scholarship is awarded to all adult students who are admitted as degree candidates and who have not been previously enrolled in a Simmons degree-seeking program. A separate application is not required. The scholarship is a one-time scholarship up to $5,000.Students coming from Massachusetts Community Colleges may also be eligible for the SUCCESS Scholarship, up to $20,000.