First-Year Admission at MCLA
MCLA is test-free for Fall 2026 applicants. SAT and ACT scores are not required and are not considered in admission decisions. Instead, we look at your high school academic performance, the strength of your curriculum, your personal essay and letters of recommendation.
Our test-free approach allows us to focus on the academic work and experiences that provide a fuller picture of your preparation and potential.
At MCLA, you'll join a close-knit public liberal arts college in North Adams, Massachusetts, with 90+ programs of study and an 8:1 student-faculty ratio. MCLA enrolls nearly 1,000/1,300 students and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores?
No. MCLA is test-free for Fall 2026 applicants, which means SAT and ACT scores are not used in admission decisions. You can apply without submitting standardized test scores.
Instead, we review your high school record, the strength of your curriculum, your personal essay and your letters of recommendation. Our test-free approach allows us to focus on the academic work and experiences that provide a fuller picture of your preparation and potential.
How do I apply?
What you send us
Apply through the Common Application and submit your high school transcript, personal essay and at least one letter of recommendation. Your personal statement should be 250 to 650 words.
When to apply
Apply by December 1 for Early Action.
If you already have college credit
Review the transfer admission requirements to determine the right application path for you.
What is MCLA like?
MCLA enrolls 1,000/1,300 students as of Fall 2025. The student-faculty ratio is 8:1. The College offers 90+ programs of study, made up of 19 majors, 35 minors and a range of concentrations and certificates, and is NECHE-accredited. It was founded in 1894 and has an alumni network of 20,000+ alumni. The acceptance rate for Fall 2025 was 91.3%.
What will it cost me?
Every student who applies for admission is automatically considered for institutional merit scholarships. There is no separate scholarship application. In-state tuition and fees are $13,068 for 2026-27. Full cost details, including out-of-state rates and total cost of attendance, are on the Cost of Attendance page.
FAQs
A: MCLA is test-free, which is a stronger policy than test-optional. SAT and ACT scores
aren't required and aren't considered in admission decisions for Fall 2026 applicants.
Under a test-optional policy, scores may still influence a decision if submitted;
at MCLA they play no part at all. Applications are evaluated on high school academic
performance, the strength of the curriculum completed, a personal essay, and letters
of recommendation.
A: The MCLA Office of Admission requires only a high school transcript, letter(s) of recommendation, and a personal statement for first-year admission review. Students are welcome to submit additional materials, such as portfolios or supplemental essays, but they are not required.
Our holistic review process focuses on learning about each applicant beyond test scores and identifying students who are prepared to succeed and engage fully in the MCLA experience. The Admission Committee evaluates applicants using, but not limited to, the following criteria:
- Academic rigor
- Progression of performance (upward trend of grades)
- Writing capabilities and demonstration of growth, development, and leadership
- Extracurricular activities, work experience, and community involvement & service
- Recognition of special achievements
Student Voices
Student Voices
"I loved the idea of being able to go to professors to ask for help and having more one-on-one time. I was a kid in high school that always went for extra help, so to still have that ability in college, that was a big plus for me."