admissions Overview

Do Your Research

As you consider if a a career in a trade is right for you, take time to do research—both about NBSS and our alumni, and the field you hope to enter. Here are some ideas:

• Take a class: If you're newer to hands-on work in one of our disciplines like woodworking, bookbinding, or jewelry making, take a short class (either through our Continuing Education department or another school). Life as a craftsperson means doing hands-on work every day, and trying it out can help if you're unsure this is your path.
• Interview a craft- or tradesperson: Find an NBSS graduate or seek out someone who works in the field you're interested in. Treat them to a cup of tea or coffee, pick their brain, and see what their lifestyle is like. What is their day-to-day environment? What are the physical and mental demands of their work? What do they love most about their job, and what's most challenging?
• Learn more about NBSS: Read the details closely of the NBSS program you're interested in. What are the class hours? Meaning, what time would you have to wake up everyday to get here? Will you need child care? Our programs are time-intensive, and can be physically and mentally rigorous, so we want you to be fully aware of the commitment and visualize how you'll need to adjust your life to attend.
• Visit us: There's nothing quite like being here to understand if we're the school for you. Join us for one of our monthly Information Sessions, where you'll get insight into the admissions process, tour our impressive facilities, and talk with students and faculty. If you can't travel to Boston for a visit, we also offer virtual Info Sessions. You can always contact our Admissions team to set up an individual meeting or call.

Technical Requirements

In order to successfully complete our programs, our faculty have determined that students must have and demonstrate a set of physical and cognitive skills and abilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which we call Technical Requirements.

The standards outlined are meant as a guideline so that you understand the commitment to training at NBSS, as well as industry standards. Read the list of Technical Requirements here.

Skills & Qualities of Successful Applicants

There is no "one right" kind of NBSS student, and our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experience levels. What our students do have in common is a willingness to learn, and qualities and skills including these:

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. Review the list of Technical Requirements for admission
8. Program-Specific Requirements, as applicable.* See tab below.
9. International Student Requirements, if applicable. See tab below.

Begin the process here. Send additional materials later to complete your file if you need to. The admissions requirements are your project to manage, and the NBSS Admissions team is here to help. Please put your name, date, and program on every document that you submit. Completed files will be reviewed for admission.

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, 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.

When you are ready, complete our no-fee 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 and submit the form, 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, home 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. You can do this by emailing admissions@nbss.edu with the school's name, place, and date of graduation. 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 two main themes that we look for are work ethic and choice of career path.

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. * SKILL TESTS ARE ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO THE PANDEMIC

Jewelry Making & Repair

• A skill test administered at the school that includes mechanical aptitude, tool use, and following directions. ** SKILL TESTS ARE ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO THE PANDEMIC

• 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. * SKILL TESTS ARE ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO THE PANDEMIC

• 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.