Admissions

If making useful things by hand is one of your career goals, then NBSS may be a good fit for you.

We seek individuals who are ready, willing, and able to train for careers in craft and trade industries. The programs are rigorous and space is limited, so we are selective in our admissions process. We strive to break down barriers with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We also have grown our financial aid offerings, which helps make our School more accessible.

Below, you’ll find information on how to apply to one of our career training programs. The admissions process is easy, and helps us get a full picture of you as a candidate. Please contact admissions@nbss.edu with any questions. We look forward to working with you!

Note: The Department of Education recently announced that schools will not receive data needed to make financial aid awards until mid-March. We are focused on making this process as smooth as possible and will keep you informed of any updates.

Applying to NBSS

Here’s what you need to apply to one of our career-training programs. More details on each item are provided in the sections below.

  1. Complete the NBSS Application Form
  2. Provide Your Transcripts
  3. Request Two Letters of Recommendation
  4. Complete a Statement of Purpose
  5. Share Your Work Experience / Resume
  6. Schedule a Visit or Attend an Information Session
  7. Review Technical Standards
  8. If needed, complete Program-Specific or International Student Requirements.

Application Process Details

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When you are ready, complete our online application.* We do not charge a fee to apply in order to create access for all and to support our mission.

Once you complete the online form, you’ll get an email that lists additional items needed to complete your application. You can submit these items using this additional document upload form, send your materials via email to admissions@nbss.edu, or send them via mail to NBSS Admissions, 150 North Street, Boston, MA 02109.

*A hard copy application is available by request.

One of the following is required to show that you completed your studies and graduated:

  • Official terminal high school transcript, homeschool transcript, or GED/HSE.
  • Official terminal post-secondary transcript(s) for Associate, Bachelor, or other advanced degree.
  • Non-US students, please see the International Students page for more info.

Official means that it comes directly from the institution or their service provider, or if it is a sealed and stamped envelope of a hard copy transcript.

Terminal means that you graduated. Please do not send partial or incomplete transcripts. The resume requirement is the best place to share the broad range of your academic experiences.

Please have your transcripts or evaluations emailed to admissions@nbss.edu, or mail a hard copy to our Admissions Department:

North Bennet Street School
Admissions
150 North Street
Boston, MA 02109

Two letters of recommendation are required, preferably from an instructor, mentor, employer, or client. The two main themes that we look for are work ethic and choice of career path.

Recommendations must include contact information and information about your abilities and your potential to succeed in your program/industry.

We do not accept recommendations from family members or significant others.

You are welcome to send the link by text or email to the person recommending you to our Letter of Recommendation form. They can also email their letter to admissions@nbss.edu or mail a hard copy to our Admissions Department.

North Bennet Street School
Admissions
150 North Street
Boston, MA 02109

Type a one-page, double-spaced essay detailing your experience, reasons for applying, professional goals, and what you can contribute to your chosen program/industry. If you didn’t include this in your original application, upload additional documents here.

Please detail your work and experience history including a list of related courses, internships, or other skill-building experiences. If you didn’t include this in your original application, upload the document here.

NBSS is unique, and is best experienced in-person if you are considering training here. The visit provides an opportunity for applicants to meet with our Admissions team, see the workspaces, and to meet students and instructors when available. All applicants are required to attend an Information Session and an interview.

We offer virtual Info Sessions for all of our Career Training programs, and can schedule individual in-person tours with small groups. Please RSVP for an individual visit in advance by contacting admissions@nbss.edu. Out-of-state/country applicants may schedule an initial phone interview.

Bookbinding

  • A portfolio of your work including 6–8 photos, either digital or printed, and labeled with your name and brief descriptions.
  • A scheduled meeting with faculty once you complete your other requirements.

Cabinet & Furniture Making

  • A portfolio of your work including 6–8 photos, either digital or printed, and labeled with your name and brief descriptions.

Carpentry

  • A skill test administered at the school that includes mechanical aptitude, tool use, and following directions, scheduled once you complete your other requirements.

Jewelry Making & Repair

  • CORI Report to ensure employability after graduation.
  • A portfolio of your work including 6–8 photos, either digital or printed, and labeled with your name and brief descriptions. The portfolio may be waived by successful completion of the skill test.
  • A skill test administered at the school that includes mechanical aptitude, tool use, and following directions.
  • And a scheduled meeting with faculty once you complete your other requirements.

Locksmithing & Security Technology

  • CORI Report to ensure employability after graduation.
  • A skill test administered at the school that includes mechanical aptitude, tool use, and following directions, to be scheduled once you complete your other requirements.

Piano Technology (Basic)

  • A scheduled meeting with faculty once you complete your other requirements.

Piano Technology (Advanced)

  • A skill test administered at the school which may include tuning, regulation, and repair for applicants who have not graduated from Basic Piano Technology.

Preservation Carpentry

  • A skill test administered at the school that includes mechanical aptitude, tool use, and following directions, to be scheduled once you complete your other requirements.

Violin Making & Repair

  • A scheduled meeting with faculty, once you complete your other requirements.

NBSS has a long history of working with veterans to educate them for careers in traditional trades and fine craftsmanship. Depending on your service, you may be eligible for Veterans Benefits to attend one of our career training programs. View our Veterans page for more information.

International students represent a growing portion of our student body, and help contribute to a rich educational experience at the School. The admissions process for international students is different from U.S. students, please view our International Student page for more information.

Financial Aid

Nearly 70% of current students receive some form of financial aid. In addition to federal aid, we have our own scholarships and grants for Boston residents, veterans, and degree holders. What’s more, we have frozen tuition at current levels, and are on track to award over $1,100,000 in NBSS scholarships annually to qualified students, making an education at NBSS more affordable than ever.

Learn all about financial aid and how to apply.

Accreditation

North Bennet Street School is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Non-Discrimination Policy

Per Title IX requirements, North Bennet Street School admits students without regard for religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race, color, disability, sexual preference, national and ethnic origin, military or veteran status to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of religion, sex, sexual orientation, sexual preference, gender identity and expression, race, color, disability, national or ethnic origin, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, and other School-administered programs.

Learn more about other details of Title IX, including overview, contact information for our Title IX Coordinator and Deputy, and materials used to train these Title IX personnel at the School.