Direct Admission: Salem State
EPS and Salem State Reach
Direct Admissions Agreement
Direct Admissions Agreement
Salem State University and the Everett Public Schools (EPS) formally announced a Direct Admissions Program to expand access to higher education and simplify the college admissions process for Everett High School seniors during a signing ceremony on Thursday, October 15, 2026
.Under the agreement, Everett High School (EHS) seniors who meet eligibility criteria, including a weighted cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, will be granted direct admission to Salem State. Eligible students will not have to pay the application fee or submit SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and college essays. The agreement takes effect this school year, so EHS seniors are eligible.
The EPS now has Direct Admission agreements with two state universities, Salem State and Worcester State. “I want our students to have as many quality options as possible,” said Superintendent William D. Hart. “We are very fortunate to partner with Salem State, an awesome state university that offers 33 majors, more than 100 concentrations and minors, and has a proven track record with employers and industries throughout the Commonwealth.”
President John D. Keenan and Vice President of Student Success Bonnie Galinski represented Salem State University (SSU) at the signing event in the EHS Library. “What we want this direct admissions agreement to really lead to is the belief that you can come to Salem State and succeed,” said President Keenan, who encouraged students to visit the campus, which is just 10 miles from Everett.
Superintendent Hart was the Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Community Colleges Executive Office when he attended President Keenan’s inauguration ceremony in August 2017. The Superintendent called Thursday’s signing a “full-circle” moment for the two veteran education leaders.
Everett Teachers Association President and Salem State alum Kim Auger, several EPS and EHS administrators, teachers and guidance counselors, and members of the Class of 2027 attended the signing. Vice President Galinski answered questions, and she and President Keenan interacted with students and faculty after the signing.
EHS senior Christopher Kelly addressed the gathering, speaking eloquently about his hope to study graphic design at Salem State.
“Students like Chris are why universities like Salem State want to partner with us,” said Superintendent Hart, “and why I will continue to develop relationships with state and private colleges and universities, giving our students the widest possible range of higher-education options.”