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 at least one language in addition to English
• Minimum of beginning training in a third 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 language)

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

What is the language requirement for international students? 

Language proficiency test scores are required for non-US citizens, with the exception of those who are earning or have earned a degree from institutions in the US, Canada, or the UK or whose primary language of instruction at their non-US institution was English. 

While all applications are looked at holistically, we recommend the following score ranges: 

• TOEFL scores of 100 or higher 

• IELTS scores of 7 or higher 

• Duolingo scores of 135 or higher 

During the application process, self-reported scores are acceptable. However, once admitted, students will be required to electronically submit official test results directly from the testing organization. 

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:

Financial resources

If you need have further questions regarding your application write to: comparative.literature@dartmouth.edu