admissions Overview

You've made an important step towards a promising future in craftsmanship. Here's what you need to apply to one of our Full-Time programs:

1. Application form
2. Transcript(s)*
3. Letters of Recommendation (2)
4. Statement of Purpose
5. Work & Experience History
6. Visit NBSS for an Info Session*
7. Program-Specific Requirements, as applicable.* See tab below.
8. International Student Requirements, if applicable. See tab below.

Don't worry if you're unable to have all of these ready before beginning the application form! We'll keep you informed of missing items and next steps. Remember to put your name on every page/document that you submit.

Download a handy admissions checklist here.

Note: You can include the above items as part of the online application. Or send us your materials by email admissions@nbss.edu, fax 617-227-9292, or postal mail to NBSS Admissions, 150 North Street, Boston MA 02109.

*COVID-19 Update: Some admissions requirements and processes have changed in response to the current situation. See more information about transcripts, School visits, and program-specific requirements in the tabs below.

Some program start dates have been adjusted, for this year only, in light of our temporary building closure from this past spring. View the 2020-21 academic calendar here and note start dates by program.

Getting started is easy. Just complete our simple, free online application. Once you're done, you’ll get an email that includes additional items needed and next steps.

If you have additional documents to add to your application after you first submit, please use this form.

Note: a hard copy application is available by request.

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

• Official high school transcript or GED/HSE.
• Official post-secondary transcript(s) for Associate, Bachelor, or other advanced degree.
• International students, please see the “International Students” section below.

Please have your transcripts or evaluations sent directly to our Admissions Department.

COVID-19 Update: With the current challenge of obtaining official transcripts, we will accept written and signed attestation from you, the applicant, that you have completed at least a high school level education. Details can be found here.

Two letters of recommendation are required, preferably from an instructor, mentor, employer, or client. Recommendations must include contact information, information about your abilities, and information about your potential to succeed in your program and industry of interest.

The person recommending you can use our Letter of Recommendation form here. The can also email their Letter to admissions@nbss.edu, fax it to (617) 227-9292, or mail a hard copy to our Admissions Department.

Write a one-page, typed, and double-spaced essay detailing your experience, reasons for applying, professional goals, and what you can contribute to the program and the industry.

If you didn't include it in your original application, upload additional documents here.

Please include work and experience history including a list of related courses, internships, and other skill-building experiences.

If you didn't include it in your original application, upload additional documents here.

NBSS is unique, and is best experienced in person if you are considering training here. All applicants are required to visit the School for a tour and an interview. The visit provides an opportunity for applicants to meet with our Admissions team, see the workshops and studios, and to meet students and instructors when available.

We offer monthly Info Sessions for all of our Full-Time programs. Please RSVP for your visit in advance, if possible. While our building is currently closed to visitors including prospective students, we're offering online Info Sessions. Click here to sign up. Out-of-state/country applicants may schedule an initial phone interview.

COVID-19 Update: Please request to schedule an interview by phone or video chat by writing to admissions@nbss.edu with “Interview Request” in the subject line. Admissions will also coordinate a phone call or video chat with you and Faculty.

Bookbinding

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

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.*

Jewelry Making & Repair

• A skill test administered at the school that includes mechanical aptitude, tool use, and following directions.**
• 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 scheduled meeting with faculty once you submit your application.***

• CORI Report to ensure employability after graduation.

Locksmithing & Security Technology

• A skill test administered at the school that includes mechanical aptitude, tool use, and following directions.*
• CORI Report to ensure employability after graduation.

Piano Technology (advanced only)

• 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.*

COVID-19 Update

*Skill Tests for Carpentry, Preservation Carpentry, and Locksmithing & Security Technology: We welcome evidence of your hand skills, attention to detail, and quality through pictures, video, and/or written testimonial from an employer, client, or colleague. Please send pictures, a link to video, or written documents to admissions@nbss.edu or through the upload link sent when you apply.

** Jewelry Making & Repair Skill Test: A portfolio will suffice at this time. A bench test will be administered before or at the start of the program to maintain consistency and to help benchmark your progress.

*** Jewelry Making & Repair faculty meeting: Admissions will coordinate a phone call or video chat with you and faculty. Please schedule an interview by phone or video chat by writing to admissions@nbss.edu, with “Interview Request” in the subject line.