FAQs - Admission

A: Our admission requirements are the same as those for the Boston Campus. If you want to earn an undergraduate degree from Suffolk University, you can apply as an incoming freshman or as a transfer student. See the application form for the complete list of documentation required for your application to be considered.

A: We consider freshman applicants for admission based on the level and range of high school courses taken, grades achieved, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT/TOEFL), recommendations, and the essay. In high school, you should have completed:

• four units of English
• three units of mathematics (algebra I and II and geometry)
• two units of science (at least one with a lab)
• two units of language
• one unit of American history
• four units distributed among other college preparatory electives

We may also consider other factors in the review process, including class rank, honors courses, and AP courses. We don’t use specific minimums for scores or grades; we weigh all factors together—including your extracurricular involvement, community service, and special interests—for a complete view of you and your potential for success as a Suffolk Madrid student.

Placement exams are required if you pre-register for an English, math, or Spanish course. We'll send you a link and instructions on how to access these exams once you're ready to pre-register for classes.

A: Yes, all non-native English speakers must take the placement exam

A: Please submit an official transcript from your current university, and we’ll evaluate the classes you’ve taken to consider them for transfer credit. In some instances, you may have to contact an outside evaluation company. If everything transfers in, your time in Madrid will be reduced by the corresponding amount of time you studied at your previous university. Roughly speaking, for example, a year of coursework transferred in will leave you approximately a year’s worth of coursework at Suffolk Madrid. After your time in Madrid, you’ll transition to Suffolk Boston. Although the final credit evaluation is the determining factor, general education requirements (English, humanities, math) usually transfer in.

A: We’re proud of our international faculty: They boast academic training from and teaching experience in universities around the world. All have a strong commitment to teaching and a sincere interest in their students. You can be sure your professor will know you by name.

A: You should choose a major that’s personally fulfilling and interesting to you. Suffolk offers more than 60 degree programs in the College of Arts & Sciences and Sawyer Business School.

A: Of course! Please email admissions@suffolk.es so we can arrange for a student to contact you and share more about the Suffolk Madrid experience.

A: You can major in French and Spanish at Suffolk Madrid. Obviously, Spain is the perfect place to learn and improve your Spanish, but you can practice another language on your own with members of Madrid’s large international community.

A: Yes! Because you’ll need to complete degree requirements in two different academic departments, though, you might need an extra semester or two of coursework. The timing will depend on how many required courses your majors have in common.

A: No. At this time, all our courses are designed for on-campus students only.

A: We’ll let you know when we receive documents for your application file. Once your file’s complete, it will be evaluated by the admission review committee. Early-action admission decisions are sent by December 20; regular admission decisions are sent in late March.

A: Suffolk University’s Boston-based Office of Undergraduate Admission makes all admission decisions. The same criteria are used for both campuses.

A: It’s usually possible, but we need to consider some factors first. Please contact Suffolk’s Office of Undergraduate Admission; they’ll tell you how to make this change.

A: We offer an intensive Spanish language immersion course for high school students.