The basics

Information you'll need during your application process.

 

Special circumstances

 

Additional information

 

Admissions criteria

Our admissions process considers each applicant as an individual. UMass Dartmouth is interested in attracting students whose achievements, aptitude, interests, character, and motivation indicate promise of success in the academic subjects they plan to study. We believe an applicant's performance in previous schooling is the best predictor of success at the university. In addition to the academic records, we consider the SAT (or ACT) results. We also consider your personal statements, and we place value on experiences that have allowed you to develop qualities of leadership and community service. We also like to know about your work experiences and other significant interests.

Students are accepted into specific majors and programs of study by using both general standards to evaluate an applicant's ability to do university work and specific standards for potential in major departments or programs.

Strong emphasis is placed on the college prep courses you take, the level of those courses, and the grades you receive.

• Requirements for freshman applicants
• Requirements for transfer applicants
• Requirements for international applicants
• Additional information for these majors: visual and performing arts, nursing

We also use admissions standards established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. These standards take into account the program of study, the level of course work taken, and standardized test results for each applicant.

Test results

We recommend that you have the official results of your SAT I (math and critical reasoning) sent to us by the Educational Testing Services. Our college board code is 3786.

We can accept scores from your school as long as they are recorded on an official transcript. It is important to have your scores sent as early as possible in your senior year to ensure a complete evaluation of your application. You may substitute the results of the ACT.

Although we do not require the College Board SAT II results, applicants who have attended high school within the last three years may submit them. These tests, especially in the sciences, can be a very valuable source of information. We suggest that you seek advice from your guidance counselor about these tests.

Applicants who have been out of high school for more than three years, or who have earned at least 30 transferable college credits, are exempted from the SAT requirement. You may also claim an exemption from the SAT/ACT requirement if you have a learning disability.

If you have taken Advanced Placement (AP) courses, you should ask for your examination results to be sent to UMass Dartmouth.

International applicants, specifically those whose first language is not English, are required to submit the official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), unless the student has attended a school for at least one year in which the language of instruction is English. Official results are required from the Educational Testing Service; scores of 520 and higher are expected. For the computer-based TOEFL, the minimum score is 190; and for the Internet-based score, 68. More information for international students is on this site and on the International Students web site.

If you completed high school through the GED program, you must submit a copy of the GED certificate from the state, along with a copy of your GED test record.

Rolling admissions

UMass Dartmouth practices rolling admissions, which means that we make our admissions decisions as soon as possible once we receive and review your completed application and supporting materials.

Application for mid-year admission (the semester beginning in January) should be made by January 1.

Early action

Our early action plan allows you to apply before November 15 and receive a non-binding admissions decision by December 15.

All admissions-related credentials should be on file by November 15.

Defining freshman and transfer applicants

Applicants who will have secondary school or equivalency diplomas, and who have never attended degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions, are considered for freshman admission. Students who have enrolled in a college or university but who have attempted 15 or fewer credits are also considered freshman applicants.

Applicants who have attended degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions (including UMass Dartmouth as a special student or through the Division of Professional and Continuing Education) and attempted more than 15 credits are considered for transfer admission. See the page for transfer applicants for more information.

Admissions decisions

Admission decisions are generally made within a few weeks after applications are received, and a letter will be sent with our decision as soon as the Admissions Committee completes its review of your credentials. We will notify you in writing if your file lacks any information. Admission decisions cannot be made until all required information is on file.

Application fee waivers

If the application fee presents a financial hardship, you may:

• make a written fee waiver request, supported by a letter from a social worker, financial aid officer, or member of the clergy
• use the College Board application fee waiver form which must be signed by a high school counselor

Please use the printed application if you are requesting a fee waiver; we cannot accept a fee waiver for the UMass Dartmouth online application.

Deposits for enrollment and housing

Once you're accepted, you'll need to inform the Admissions Office of your intent to enroll by paying a non-refundable enrollment deposit of $200. The deposit should be sent as soon as possible before May 1.

If you wish to live on campus, you'll also submit an additional non-refundable housing deposit of $200. Campus housing may be limited, so we recommend that, following acceptance, you submit your housing deposit as soon as possible before May 1.

The enrollment and housing deposits are applied to your first semester account.

There are no refunds for enrollment or housing deposits.

Computer requirement

Some majors in the College of Visual and Performing Arts and students in the Charlton College of Business have specific computer requirements.

Dual enrollment applicants

Students taking college courses through dual enrollment should apply as freshman applicants. On the application, please indicate the courses you have completed or that are in progress.

Early admission

Frequently, superior secondary school students exhaust the courses offered in their high schools by the end of the junior year. They may seek admission to UMass Dartmouth without a secondary school diploma. Such candidates may be admitted on the basis of superior high school records and test scores. The application must also be supported with a written agreement that the high school approves the plan, and that a diploma will be granted upon satisfactory completion of one or two semesters of college work. Signatures of the school principal or headmaster, guidance counselor, and parents are required.

Deferred admission

Students who have been accepted but find that they are unable to enroll in the semester originally intended may defer their admission for one or two semesters. The non-refundable $200 enrollment deposit must be paid, and a letter requesting deferment must be addressed to the Office of Admissions.

Accepted in the past but did not enroll

Students who have been accepted at UMass Dartmouth, decide to attend another institution, but subsequently want to enroll here, must re-apply for admission, pay an application fee, and submit transcripts of records from the other school.

Not accepted in the past but want to re-apply

We encourage applications from students who have been denied admission but who have improved their academic records at other institutions. A new application must be submitted with the appropriate fee and all supporting credentials. We keep applications on file for one year.

UMass Dartmouth students seeking re-admission

Students previously admitted to UMass Dartmouth/Southeastern Massachusetts University (day division) as degree candidates, and who registered for one or more semesters, may request re-admission by contacting the Registrar's Office (508.999.8615).

Nursing applicants

Registered nurses are evaluated for a program track differently than those without the RN, one usually taking less time to complete. RNs must have the RN license or expect to have it by the start of classes. Please submit documentation of your RN license or your registration to sit for the license examination with your application. RN applicants are considered for transfer admission and should have an associate degree in nursing or a hospital diploma.

Enrollment in the College of Nursing is on a first-come, first-served basis. When all spaces are filled, the college will not accept any more enrollment deposits. A waiting list may be created to accommodate any spaces that may open because of unforeseen circumstances.

Visual arts applicants

Space in the art programs is limited. The deadline for submitting your application and portfolio is February 15.

Submission of a portfolio is required, so that faculty members may evaluate your ability and preparation. We recognize that a portfolio is not a precise measure of potential, and that our applicants come to us with varying amounts of previous art instruction. Please indicate on your application that you will be submitting a portfolio, so that we can anticipate receiving it within three weeks of your application.

Your portfolio should include 5 or 6 drawings from your own observation (still-life, object drawing, figure drawing); complete your submission with other works in any media.

Several portfolio review sessions are available throughout the fall and winter months. Please contact the Admissions Office for details.

Alternately, you may submit your digital portfolio via mail. The portfolio should be submitted on Mac-formatted CDs or DVDs. Formats:

• still images: JPEG or TIFF
• animation:Quicktime or SWF
• web design work: HTML

Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope so that we may return your portfolio. Be sure to put your name on your CDs and DVDs.

Music applicants

Applicants for music must audition in person in their principal applied area (instrument or voice). For the audition, candidates will perform at least two pieces from the standard literature. A placement test will also be given to determine each candidate's readiness for the theory, music skills, and piano class programs. Auditions are held monthly between January and May. It is your responsibility to arrange your audition with the Music Department. Please call the department at 508.999.8568 to schedule an appointment.