How to Apply

The deadline for the application is January 15.

Please apply online : https://apply.gs.dartmouth.edu/apply/

• A strong undergraduate record in a major in any humanities field
• Fluent reading, writing, and speaking knowledge of one foreign language 
• Minimum of beginning training in a second foreign language
• Essay outlining why you want to do graduate work in this field and your plans for your time at Dartmouth
• A writing sample (a scholarly essay or excerpt of an essay of about 10 - 15 typed double spaced pages)
• Official transcript(s) of all college or graduate-level credits
• Complete application (including three letters of recommendation and a language proficiency survey for each foreign language you know)

The Program is nine and a half months long. As part of their MA, students work for one term as a teaching assistant (TA) in a lecture course. Typically, the TA works for ten hours a week and is in charge of a discussion section,  and to hold some office hours, although this may vary. Many of our graduate students are  placed with the introductory course COLT 01: Read the World in the fall term. Otherwise, placement is facilitated by the Director of Graduate Studies and may be available in humanities departments or in other relevant units.

What is Dartmouth College's Institutional code?

For the application process the code number is: 3351

What is the application fee?

• The application fee is $75

Do I need to take the TOEFL?

• Is English your native language?
• Have you attended another institution, for at least a year, where English was the language of instruction?
• We accept at-home version of TOEFL
• We do not accept Duo-Lingo

If you can answer 'yes' to either of the questions above, then you are NOT required to submit language test scores. However, you may still submit your self-reported scores if you would like the application committee to take them into consideration.

If you answered 'no' to both of the questions above, you are required to submit your self-reported test scores for either the TOEFL or IELTS.

Can my writing sample be in a language other than English? The MA essay must be submitted in the English language.  Should you be very eager to submit something in a language other than English, please write to the current graduate director.

For additional application questions please see FAQ here: 

If you need further information contact:

Liz at comparative.literature@dartmouth.edu