Application Process

The MALS Application window for Summer and Fall 2024 terms is now CLOSED.

Our cycle opens September 15th for the 2025-2026 Academic year including: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026, and Spring 2026 start terms. The deadline for that application is JANUARY 15^th, 2025. 

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Click HERE to find the Liberal Studies enrollment application. 

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All completed applications submitted by or on the deadline will be reviewed by the committee after the application is closed. MALS at Dartmouth does not offer rolling admissions.

Students may matriculate into the program at the beginning of any of Dartmouth's four terms: summer, fall, winter, or spring. All terms are ten weeks long.

It is strongly recommended that international students matriculate during the fall term in order to take full advantage of all opportunities available through the Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies Orientation.

Students must enroll within the academic year of their admission, and all degree requirements must be satisfied within six academic years of entry into the program.

A complete application to the MALS at Dartmouth program includes:

• Completed Application form
• Unofficial Transcripts of all previous post-secondary education in English
  • Official transcripts are required if you are admitted, anything submitted with your application will be considered unofficial. ALL credit-bearing coursework MUST be documented by an official transcript.Official transcript submision instructions will be provided with or just after your letter of admission. 
• Required Essays (for more information click here) 
• MALS Supplmental Form (inluding Statement of Purpose, Transcript Explanation, and Creative Writing Sample) 
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three letters of recommendation from the following categories: 
  • Academic (at least one academic reference required)
  • Professional (supervisor or administrator)
• TOEFL or IELTS score, if applicable
  • Self-reported/unofficial scores may be submitted for the application process; official scores must be submitted upon matriculation, just like official transcripts. Official scores must be submitted using the same instructions as official transcripts (submission information will be sent after acceptance) with the ETS code/short code: 3351)  
• Payment of the application fee: $50 (Our office does not offer fee waivers) 
• *For Creative Writing applicants: A Writing Sample of no more than five pages (recommended, but not required). 
  • There is a spot on the application to upload materials including a writing sample. 

For candidates who have been out of college for many years, or who feel that their undergraduate performance does not accurately reflect their ability, please consider providing additional academic references.

ONLY COMPLETED APPLICATIONS WILL BE SENT TO THE COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW. IF YOUR APPLICATION IS NOT COMPLETE BY OR ON THE DEADLINE YOU WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR ADMISSION. 

1. Complete and submit the online application. This includes the submission of the required materials as well as the non-refundable fee of $50. Our office does NOT offer waivers of this fee. 

a. application 

b. transcripts 

c. MALS supplemental form 

d. English Proficiency tests scores 

e. recommendations letters, uploaded directly to the application

f. CV 

g. Application fee $50 

2. If you are interested in financial aid please indicate "yes" on the appropriate section of the application. Then go to the financial aid section of our website and complete the necessary forms to be considered. 

3. Direct any questions you may have about the process to MALS.Admissions@dartmouth.edu 

Any applicant questions can be directed to our Admissions Coordinator at MALS.Admissions@dartmouth.edu or Amanda.m.watson@dartmouth.edu. 

Applicants who wish may request an information session (Q&A) with the Program Director to get to know the program. To do so, please contact the MALS office by emailing MALS.Admissions@Dartmouth.edu or by calling 603.646.3592. This is a completely OPTIONAL opportunity, but please reach out as soon as you have questions.