College Snapshots: Merrimack College

College Snap Shots

In an effort to provide Burlington High School students and their families with relevant and up-to-date college information, the Guidance Staff will be visiting various colleges and universities and providing you with information. The colleges visited do not represent a preference on the part of the BHS Guidance Department towards any particular school.

In the college search process, many things are taken into consideration. Things that are considered, but not limited to are: campus size, location, number of students on campus, majors, tuition, distance from home, athletic programs, clubs and other activities. When considering a college, students must also make realistic decisions based on personal interest, grades, test scores, etc.

The department feels that the college visit is an integral part of the process, and we strongly encourage students to visit any and all schools that interest them, especially if these schools are fairly close by. The information we provide is only a small snapshot into each respective college. We hope to add information about other schools in the future, and as always we appreciate any feedback that you have that would help us provide our students and their families useful information in the sometimes overwhelming college search process.

Furthermore we ask that students also research colleges by using their Naviance accounts and scheduling meetings with their counselor on a consistent basis. Please feel free to contact your son or daughter's individual counselor if you have any further questions.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Merrimack College

Visited by Ms. Minty on 12/4/14
Website: www.merrimack.edu
Location: North Andover, MA
Population of School: 2800 undergraduates
Campus type: Residential campus located on Rt. 114 in North Andover, MA.

Most Popular Majors
“Undeclared” is most common for incoming freshmen and the college provides special career advising to help these student identify majors by the end of their sophomore year. Declared majors are pretty equally spread out between their four schools: School of Liberal Arts, School of Science & Engineering, School of Education, and the Girard School of Business and International Commerce. 4+ 1 master’s programs are available in Accounting, Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Management, and Public Affairs. A brand new health science wing and Writer’s House have been recently built. The average class is 20 students or less and discussion-based.

On Campus Housing Information
75% live on-campus. A sample room was not part of the tour, but the website includes a short video about housing and many styles are offered.

Snapshot
Small/medium, private, Catholic, coeducational Master’s level college with career-oriented programs that are based in the liberal arts.

The feel of the campus is very athletic (mostly Division II), with a particular focus on the men’s Division I ice hockey team, though the performing arts also have a strong presence. The Catholic identity of the college was visible in statues and decorations such as a large cross, nativity scene, lighted trees, and numerous wreaths and Christmas trees, however, the tour guides described religious life as something that was available if students were interested, but not required. Merrimack is one of only two Augustinian colleges in the US and their sister school is Villanova. Community service is a big part of this legacy and very popular among students.

The average accepted student has a B/B+ GPA and SAT/ACT scores are optional. Community involvement and demonstrated interest in Merrimack are important factors. Students are automatically considered for the Honors Program when they apply and can also apply later on. If invited to join this program, students take at least one honors class per semester and participate in activities to earn their quota of points. They are given additional scholarships and access to honors housing.

College Snapshots