US admission requirements
US applicants must meet our general admission requirements. In addition, you may be required to provide proof of English language proficiency if English is not your first language.
The following will also be taken into account when assessing your application:
- A final senior year average of ‘B’ is the minimum requirement to be considered for admission. A total of five courses, including your chosen program’s required subjects, are used to calculate your admission average.
- Senior-level courses are required, including:
- Four years of English
- Three years of Math will typically satisfy the Grade 12 Math requirement.
- Four years of Math (with the calculus component) will satisfy the Pre-calculus requirement.
- Junior-year courses may be assessed, where necessary.
- Advanced Placement (AP), College Prep, and Honors courses are also typically accepted.
Please note that admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Supplemental information
Admission into Dalhousie is purely quantitative for most direct-entry from high-school programs meaning essays, references and interviews aren’t required for admission. However, some programs require additional documents, tests or auditions. Visit supplemental information to learn more.
SAT/ACT test scores
Dalhousie will be a test-optional institution for applicants applying for Fall 2023. Students are welcome to submit test scores, but those who were unable to sit for the SAT or ACT due to COVID-19 will be assessed solely on their course grades.
The only exception is for home-schooled applicants. If SAT remains unavailable, we will reassess and offer options.
For both the SAT and ACT, Dalhousie will super score applicants with multiple test dates, where the highest score is taken regardless of test date. SAT subject tests aren’t required for admission.
- SAT minimum score - 1100* (Dalhousie's code 0915)
- ACT - 23, with no individual score below 20 (Dalhousie's code 5373)
*Please note: If you took the SAT before March 2016, a minimum score of 1650 is required.
Transcripts for early admission applicants
If you apply during Dalhousie’s early admission period (October 15 to January 31) you’re required to submit official transcripts for your results up until the end of junior year. This is done in lieu of self-reporting grades on your application. Visit How to Submit Documents for further instructions.
Please note: Dalhousie isn’t able to receive transcripts or other documents via Naviance.
US transfer applicants
If you’re currently enrolled at a university or college or have completed some courses at this level, you are considered a transfer applicant. You may also be eligible to receive transfer credits toward your Dalhousie degree. Transfer applicants from the US are not required to submit SAT or ACT test scores.
Dual enrolment applicants
If you are a high school student who is taking courses at your local college or university, you must disclose this information on your application. If you would like to have these courses assessed for transfer credits, visit transfer applicants for more information. Scholarship eligibility may be affected, depending on how many post-secondary level courses are completed and considered transferable.
Immigration
US applicants are considered international students. There are a number of documents you’ll need to study in Canada. Visit new student immigration information for more details.
Scholarships and financial aid
As a US applicant, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Scholarships
US curriculum applicants applying for direct-entry from high school are eligible for entrance scholarships.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance is available for citizens and permanent residents of the US. Dalhousie is a recognized participant of the US Department of Education’s Direct Loan Programs.