Before you apply to UMass Dartmouth

On this page, you'll find important information for candidates who wish to enter one of the five colleges within the university as freshmen or transfer students, and who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree. Also refer to the pages under "Additional information" as needed.

Admission to UMass Dartmouth: criteria

Our admissions process considers each applicant as an individual. The university 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 recommendation letters and personal statements (these are optional), and we place value on those experiences that develop the qualities of leadership and community service. We also like to know about work experiences and other significant interests.

Admission to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is competitive. We weigh a candidate’s academic program and performance in school most heavily, but we also take note of special talents or skills. We can make the most informed decisions when we have as much information as possible, so we invite you to submit samples of your writing, letters from persons who know you well, and references from teachers, counselors, or employers. 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.

Since UMass Dartmouth is selective in its admissions process, 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, medical laboratory science

We also employ admissions standards established by the Massachusetts Board 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. A copy of the Guide for High School Guidance Counselors and College Admissions Officers is available in all secondary schools in Massachusetts. For those living in other states, the guide is available on the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education web site.

Our admissions counselors can advise applicants who are uncertain about selecting a major, or who have special concerns. Information about the university’s previous decisions is routinely made available to secondary school and community college counselors. Applicants are encouraged to consult officials at their institutions for advice about their prospects for admission to the university.

Three ways to apply

• Apply online
• Request a printed application and viewbook
• Print an application from a PDF file

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.

Dual enrollment applicants

You should apply as a freshman currently in high school; you will indicate on the application the courses you have completed or that are in progress.

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

With the exception of the Early Decision plan, UMass Dartmouth practices rolling admissions. Applications are considered until a program or major is filled.

While there is no firm deadline, some programs are particularly competitive (e.g., see Nursing, below), so applications are encouraged by March 1. Application for mid-year admission (the semester beginning in January) should be made by January 1.

Early decision

We are very interested in students who know with some certainty they want to study at UMass Dartmouth. Our Early Decision Plan is designed to attract well-qualified candidates who rank UMass Dartmouth as their first choice early in the senior year of high school.

Application is to be made before November 15; your application and all related credentials should be on file by that date. We review applications in early December and notify candidates of our decisions by December 15.

Generally speaking, Early Decision admission is reserved for students who rank in the top 20 percent of their high school classes and have combined SAT (math and critical reading) scores of 1100 or better. Students accepted for Early Decision secure a place in the entering class by paying a non-refundable $200 enrollment deposit. They also agree to withdraw all other applications to other colleges or universities, since this is a binding agreement.

Early Decision candidates may apply for financial aid. We recommend that students who will be applying for aid contact the Financial Aid Office (508.999.8643) for appropriate forms. Eligibility is determined and tentative awards are made to those students who qualify. The awards are confirmed by the Financial Aid Services Office following receipt of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and any other documentation which may be required.

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.

Deposits for enrollment

Following acceptance, students are asked to inform the Admissions Office of their intention to enroll by paying a non-refundable enrollment deposit of $200. Students who wish to live on campus indicate their plans by submitting an additional housing deposit of $200. The enrollment and housing deposits are applied to the first semester account.

This deposit should be sent as soon as possible before May 1. Campus housing may also be limited, so we highly recommend that, following acceptance, you submit your deposit by May 1.

There are NO REFUNDS for deposits, either housing or enrollment. All deposits are strictly non-refundable.

Computer requirement

It is anticipated that members of the class of 2012 will be required to have access to a personal computer and networking in their place of residence. Detailed information will be made available to students before registration.

Some majors in the College of Visual and Performing Arts will have a computer requirement beginning in the sophomore year. More information

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 also 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).

Application fee waivers

Applicants for whom the application fee presents a significant financial hardship may support a written fee waiver request with a letter from a social worker, financial aid officer, or member of the clergy; or may use the College Board application fee waiver form which must be signed by a high school counselor. Please use a printed application if you are requesting a fee waiver; we cannot accept a fee waiver for the online application.

Nursing applicants

Nursing is a program that closes early. Applicants (freshman and transfer) should apply before February 1. 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 into 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 wait list may be created to accommodate any spaces that may be open because of unforeseen circumstances.

Visual Arts applicants

Submission of a portfolio is required. Space in the art programs is limited, so it is strongly recommended that you submit your application and your portfolio before March 15.

In order to evaluate an applicant's ability and preparation, faculty members will review a portfolio. 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.

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

Portfolios may be submitted in one of two formats: photographic slides or digital data.

• Slide portfolios should consist of 15, 35mm slides presented in a plastic sleeve (8 1/2 x 11"), sequentially numbered with your name on each slide. An accompanying slide listing should correspond to the numbered slides and provide a title, medium, size and year. Also indicate if the work was done as an assignment (with explanation), or if it was done on your own creative time.
• Digital portfolios should be submitted on Mac formatted CDs or DVDs. Still images can be in the JPEG or TIFF formats. Animation can be submitted in either Quicktime or SWF formats. Web design work should be submitted in HTML formats. Please make sure to put your name on your CDs, portfolios, DVDs (basically, everything you mail to Admissions).

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

Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope so that we may return your portfolio.

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 will be your responsibility to arrange your audition with the Music Department. Please call the department at 508.999.8568 to schedule an appointment.

Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) applicants

Among your secondary school course requirements of 3 units in natural science, chemistry and human physiology are strongly recommended, and the 3 units in mathematics must include 2 units in algebra. All applicants are strongly encouraged to have an interview with a member of the MLS department. Please call 508.999.8329 to schedule an interview.