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Dalhousie

Dalhousie University

Dalhousie admits mostly on your grades, so the rare written pieces (Acting, Music, scholarships) matter more, not less.

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Application route

Dalhousie online application (apply.dal.ca), not the Common App

Personal statement

Not required for most programs; admission is grades-based

Supplemental writing

Only for select programs (Acting declaration, Music Composition essay)

Admissions test / interview

No general test or interview; auditions for performing arts

What Dalhousie rewards

Dalhousie, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, runs its own admissions process. You apply directly through Dalhousie's online application at apply.dal.ca, not through the US Common App and not through any central system. For the large majority of undergraduate programs, admission is decided primarily on your academic record, usually your best five academic Grade 12 courses (or the equivalent for your curriculum, such as AP, IB, or A-Levels), plus required subjects like English. There is no general personal statement, essay, interview, or admissions test for most applicants.

That is the core thing to understand, and it changes your strategy completely. The writing that exists at Dalhousie is program-specific: the Acting program asks for a one-page declaration of why you want to study acting, Music auditions can include a short essay for Composition applicants, and scholarship applications reward a clear, specific case. Because so few applicants face any writing at all, the pieces that do exist carry real weight. This page tells you exactly what is required, then coaches the statements that matter so you can write them well.

01A transcript that clears the bar. More than any sentence you write, Dalhousie rewards meeting or beating the published average for your specific program in the right academic subjects. Get the courses right first; everything else is secondary.
02Specific, program-fit motivation. Where writing is asked for (Acting, Music, scholarships), Dalhousie wants a concrete reason you chose that program and that field, not generic enthusiasm for university or for Canada.
03Evidence over adjectives. The supplemental pieces reward what you have actually done: roles performed, pieces composed, projects led. Named, dated, specific experience beats a paragraph of feelings about your passion.
04Clarity and brevity. These statements are short by design (a single page for Acting). Dalhousie rewards applicants who say one true thing well rather than crowding in everything at once.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

2 prompts for Dalhousie, each broken down with annotated examples.

Acting declarationOne page (roughly 350-500 words)

A one-page declaration of why you wish to study acting, submitted with a current photo, a resume of relevant work and experience, and two referees, when you indicate interest in the Acting program on your Dalhousie application.

Music Composition essayShort essay (follow the portfolio instructions; roughly 300-500 words)

A short essay submitted as part of the Composition audition for first-year Composition study, alongside a portfolio of works and an interview with the Composition faculty.

See all 2 prompts and get a read

Your chance

See your chance

Add your GPA, test scores, and profile to estimate your odds at Dalhousie and build a balanced list.

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Deadlines

Applications open (Fall 2026)October 15
Scholarship considerationFebruary 15
Music video audition (scholarship)February 6
Proof of English proficiencyMay 15
Accept admission offerMay 15

Cost

Sticker price$38,600
Avg net after aid$37,000
Read my essay for Dalhousie
Explore Dalhousie
How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Dalhousie weighs most Supplemental essays2 prompts, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $37,000/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Dalhousie interview? Format, tips, and practice The Dalhousie Reader ProScore your draft against Dalhousie's exact prompts
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Dalhousie FAQ

What is Dalhousie's acceptance rate?

Dalhousie's overall acceptance rate sits around 60-70%, and roughly 78% for international applicants, which makes it moderately selective. Most decisions rest on your five academic Grade 12 courses (or equivalent), so a strong transcript is the single biggest lever. Capped programs like Engineering, Pharmacy, and Health Sciences are notably tighter. At Dalhousie, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Dalhousie require?

Dalhousie requires 2 supplemental essays on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does Dalhousie cost?

Dalhousie's published sticker price is about $38,600 per year, but the average family pays $37,000 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Dalhousie require SAT or ACT scores?

Dalhousie is test-blind: it does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all, even if you submit them.

When are Dalhousie's application deadlines?

Dalhousie's application deadlines are Applications open (Fall 2026) October 15; Scholarship consideration February 15; Music video audition (scholarship) February 6; Proof of English proficiency May 15; Accept admission offer May 15. Add Dalhousie to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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