Application Process

Application deadlines

The MALS Application window for Winter and Spring terms is now closed.   The next application cycle will reopen on December 15, 2023.

  • February 15, 2024 for summer term 2024 or fall term 2024 enrollment 
  • September 15, 2024 for winter term 2025 and spring term 2025 enrollment 

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Click HERE to find the Liberal Studies enrollment application. 

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All applications will be reviewed after the application deadline. 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.

Required Application Materials

A complete application to the MALS at Dartmouth program includes:

  • Completed Application form
  • Transcripts of all previous post-secondary education in English
    • Official transcripts are not required unless you are admitted. If you are admitted, official transcripts are due by matriculation date, and must be sent directly (via mail or email) by the Institution's Registrar. Transcripts sent directly by applicants will not be considered as Official Transcripts.
    • Mailed transcripts can be sent to the MALS Program's physical address (see below)
    • Virtual transcripts can be sent to: MALS.Admissions@dartmouth.edu.
  • Required Essays (for more information click here
  • MALS Supplmental Form (inluding Statement of Purpose and Optional Personal Statement) 
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Three letters of recommendation (at least one academic reference required)
  • TOEFL or IELTS score, if applicable
    • Self-reported/unofficial scores may be submitted for the application process; any offer of acceptance is contingent upon the receipt of official scores. Official scores must be sent to the Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies with the ETS code/short code: 3351)  
  • Payment of the application fee
  • *For Creative Writing applicants: A Writing Sample of no more than five pages (recommended, but not required). 
    • You may email your sample to our Admissions Coordinator directly at MALS.Admissions@dartmouth.edu

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 submit additional professional references.

Application Process

1. Complete and submit the application formInclude a non-refundable fee of $50.00.

2. Submit your Guarini School Essays with the application. The information on these required essays can be found here

3. Submit your MALS Supplement form addressing both your Statement of Purpose and optional essay. 

4. Provide three letters of reference. Letters should be uploaded directly to the online application. Letters of reference should be from the following categories:

  • Academic (at least one academic reference required)
  • Professional (supervisor or administrator)

5. Have official transcripts of your undergraduate and graduate work sent by your institution either to MALS.Admissions@dartmouth.edu or to the MALS office at:

MALS Program
Suite 315 Anonymous Hall
64 College Street,
Hanover NH 03755

Or,

MALS Program
Hinman Box 6092, Anonymous Hall
Dartmouth College
Hanover NH 03755

(ALL credit-bearing coursework MUST be documented by an official transcript). Please note: official transcripts are not required unless you are admitted. If you are admitted, official transcripts are due by matriculation date. 

6. If you wish to be considered for Scholarships and Financial Aid, please visit the Financial Aid section of our website for detailed instructions.