Admissions

Threshold: The First Two Years

Threshold generally accepts up to twenty-four new students each year from a large number of applicants. Students apply by April 1st to be considered for September admission; there is no mid-year admission. Families are advised that the gathering of application materials is often a lengthy process; we suggest that students begin the application process as early as the fall prior to potential admission.

Student admission begins in December; thus it is best to apply well before the deadline. After the candidate's application file is complete, a personal interview is arranged for all qualified applicants and at least one parent or guardian. This required interview offers the applicant the opportunity to express her or his interests and concerns and provides the family representative(s) with a forum to discuss relevant background information about the applicant.

To view an excerpt from Threshold's informational DVD, click one of the links below; it will open a media player. If you would like to receive a free copy of the Threshold's informational DVD, send an email to threshld@mail.lesley.edu and include your name and mailing address.

http://www.lesley.edu/video/thresholdw.wmv

http://www.lesley.edu/video/thresholdq.mpg

Application Procedures

Please Note: In order to be sure we are the best match for our applicants, we require the following information for each admissions file. The particular tests mentioned, both educational evaluations and psychological tests, are necessary for the Threshold admissions procedure. Please note that where test names are specified, we ask that you do not substitute other tests for those requested.

In order to avoid confusion, we suggest that you give a copy of the downloadable Application Procedures form, to all test administrators.

Our admissions deadline is April 1st for the following September. New students are admitted only in September.

Requirements for a complete admission file are:

• A completed application,to be filled out by apparent/guardian, and a $50.00 application fee.
• An official high school transcript, or a Certificate of Completion.
• Test administrators please see paragraph one, above.
• An educational evaluation conducted within the past year, including grade level equivalents obtained on: Peabody Individual Achievement Test (PIAT); or Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement (KTEA); or Woodcock Johnson, achievement section.
• Psychological tests administered within the past year, including: The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale(WAIS). A full protocol (all sub-test scores and verbal,performance and full scale scores) is required, along with a written report; and
• A personality assessment including a psychosocial history and a combination of projective tests (such as the Rorschach, Sentence Completion, Kinetic Family Drawing, etc.) and questionnaires (such as the MMPI-II if appropriate for the student’s cognitive ability).  Questionnaires alone are not sufficient.  The assessment must be in narrative form and must include recommendations for any treatment  (psychotherapy or medication) the psychologist finds necessary for the student to function independently in a campus setting.  The goal here is to address emotional, behavioral, and social issues that might influence the fit between the student's needs and the program's ability to meet those needs.
  
• The choice of instruments (the tests listed above) depends upon the psychologist's knowing the student’s cognitive abilities and using techniques appropriate for that student.
• Three recommendations from people who have known the applicant for six months or longer (Threshold recommendation forms must be used). At least one reference writer should be an educator (teacher, principal, guidance counselor, etc.); another, if possible, an employer/work supervisor. Other possible reference writers might be a psychotherapist, or social worker.
• A personal interview is required, for all qualified applicants, and arranged by the Threshold Admissions Office when all admission material has been received. We will contact you when the file is complete.
• If you would like to download Informational materials and application forms you can do so by clicking the links listed below. These forms are in .pdf format and you will need the free software, Adobe Acrobat Reader, to download, read and print them out. You may download Adobe Acrobat Reader, HERE for both PC's and Mac's (scroll down Adobe's page for Mac version)
• Please note that Threshold will not accept forms that are submitted electronically, i.e., via email. All applications must be submitted in hard copy and either mailed or delivered.
  • Threshold Information Meetings (.pdf)
  • Applications Procedures (.pdf)
  • Application (.pdf)
  • Recommendation (.pdf)
  • Questionnaire (.pdf)

Financial Aid

There are a variety of sources of financial aid for Threshold students. We advise applicants interested in seeking financial assistance to pursue all potential sources of funding by contacting the student's local Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, a home-town bank for student loan information, and any local guidance counselor or other professional who may be able to act as an advisor. Limited financial aid is available from the college. For further information on college financial aid, and to receive the resource brochure Financing Your Education, please contact the Lesley University Financial Aid Office at (617) 349-8710.

Tuition & Fees

CLICK here for current Threshold tuition and fees 

Contact Information

E-mail us:
threshld@mail.lesley.edu
Call us at:
(617) 349-8181 or
(800) 999-1959, extension 8181.
Write to us:
Office of Admissions
Threshold Program
Lesley University
29 Everett Street
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138-2790

Lesley University Office of Financial Aid: (617) 349-8710