Instructions for completing a printed application

Follow these steps:

1. Review information on the Before you apply page
2. Refer to other informational pages that may be helpful
3. Read the instructions below

You can request that a viewbook and application be sent to you, or you can download our application form. (Requires Adobe Reader)

You may also download a PDF version of the application instructions.

If you have additional questions, contact us.

On this page:

• Freshman applicants
• Transfer applicants
• Early decision
• College Now
• Dual enrollment applicants
• Transfer applicants
• International applicants
• Application fee waivers

Freshman applicants

The credentials required for admission are:

• Completed application form with non-refundable fee attached: $40 for Massachusetts residents and $60 for non-Massachusetts residents or a signed fee waiver request.
• An official transcript from your high school (see Requirements for Freshman Applicants)
• SAT I scores (You may substitute the results of the ACT.)

After you have completed your printed application form, attach the application fee or a signed fee waiver request, and take or send the form to your secondary school counselor. Ask for an official transcript of your entire academic record to be sent to the UMass Dartmouth Office of Admissions in the envelope provided with your application packet. Please do not mail the form yourself.

If you wish to include an essay or personal statement which you feel would help the Admissions Committee, you may submit it along with your application. An essay is not required but we do enjoy reading about special achievements or experiences our applicants have had. Similarly, you may ask former or current employers, teachers, counselors, or coaches to write letters on your behalf.

Please check with the guidance office at your high school for the application processing policy that you should follow to expedite the process.

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. You may mail copies of these records with your application form yourself.

Transfer applicants

Transfer candidates should indicate whether they intend to enroll in September or January.

By definition, a transfer applicant is a high school graduate or GED recipient who has attempted more than 15 credits from an accredited college or university.

The standard requirements for transfer admission are:

• Completed application with non-refundable fee attached: $40 for Massachusetts residents, $60 for non-Massachusetts residents
• Official transcripts of all previous college or university courses attempted.
• For applicants who have not attended school for a year, or who have circumstances which they wish the Admissions Committee to consider, a one-page statement, typed or word-processed, describing what you have been doing and information that you feel would be useful to the committee
• In addition to having official transcripts sent, a listing of the courses you are now taking by course number, title, and credits
• Photocopies of your school's catalog pages with course descriptions for the work you have completed, to help us evaluate your college/university transcripts properly. Mark the courses you have taken and the college name on each page. Failure to submit this information may result in UMass Dartmouth's not awarding credit.

After you have completed your application form, attach the application fee ($40 or $60) or a signed fee waiver request, and mail it with your essay/personal statement and a list of courses in progress to the Office of Admissions in the envelope provided. Please be certain to have all official transcripts from all institutions previously attended sent to the Admissions Office.

Early Decision plan

If UMass Dartmouth is your first and only choice and you want to be considered for Early Decision, you should indicate your request on the application form. Your application and all related credentials should be on file by November 15. We will review your application and notify you of our decision by December 15. Please submit courses in progress.

Acceptances are binding: the University does expect you to attend. Receipt of your deposit will ensure your enrollment.

College Now

College Now applicants may follow the same instructions as freshman applicants. Ask you counselor to mail the application and school records directly to the College Now office at UMass Dartmouth. All further communications to you will come from that office:

Dual enrollment applicants

You should apply as a freshman currently in high school and on page 4 of the application, indicate the courses you have completed or that are in progress.

International students

We welcome applications from international students. In addition to the application for admission, the following are required:

• A transcript of high school courses and grades, translated into English
• Results of the SAT or ACT
• 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
• Declaration and Certification of Finances form (This PDF file requires Acrobat Reader)

For students being sponsored by agencies, companies, or other organizations, an affidavit of support, signed by an appropriate official, is required.

Since the application process for international students requires more time than that for other applicants, applications should be filed early in the year. This allows for a thorough review of all credentials and the assurance that details for meeting immigration regulations are followed.

International students pay out-of-state tuition and are not eligible for financial aid.

International students should visit this site's page for international students as well as the university's International Students web site for additional information.

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.