Mount Holyoke College
Test-OptionalLGBTQ+ AffirmingWomen's College
Select Program
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
FIVE COLLEGE DANCE
•Part of one of the largest dance departments in the country through the Five College Dance consortium
•Cross-register for dance courses at Amherst, Hampshire, Smith, and UMass Amherst
•Coordinated curricula, scheduling, and performances across all five campuses
•Free bus service connects all campuses
TRAINING & TECHNIQUE
•Rigorous technique courses in modern dance, ballet, West African dance, hip hop, and street dance forms
•Training in choreography, improvisation, composition, and music for dance
•Multiple performance opportunities each semester on campus and through Five College Dance
FACULTY & MENTORSHIP
•Faculty mentors help students define their own unique research trajectory
•Interdisciplinary approach combining studio work, theory, and liberal arts education
•9:1 student-to-faculty ratio
CAREER PREPARATION
•Prepares students for careers as performers, choreographers, dance company directors, and teachers
•Graduates have gone on to careers in writing, filmmaking, medicine, law, and arts leadership
•Liberal arts degree provides flexibility for diverse career paths
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atCoalition App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early Decision INov 15, 2025
Early Decision IIJan 5, 2026
Regular DecisionJan 15, 2026
Good to Know
APPLICATION DETAILS
•Apply via Common App or Coalition App on Scoir — submit only one
•No application fee
•Test-optional admissions policy
ENROLLMENT
•Women's college that is gender-diverse — welcomes female, transgender, and non-binary students
•Fall enrollment for first-year students
OPTIONAL MATERIALS
•Interview optional but strongly encouraged
•Art supplement via SlideRoom optional
•Midyear grades required to complete application
FIRST-YEAR COURSE PLANNING
•Enroll in technique courses at your appropriate level from day one
•Recommended to take technique courses every semester as a major
•Plan to take Elementary Composition, Dance History, and Music for Dance early
What's The Process
ADMISSION PROCESS
•No audition or portfolio required for admission to the major
•Students are admitted to the college through the standard university application
•Declare the major after enrollment — no separate departmental application needed
PLACEMENT AUDITIONS
•Advanced technique courses (300-level) require placement audition at the start of fall semester
•This is an internal placement process, not an admissions audition
•Beginning and intermediate technique courses are open to all enrolled students
Program info updated 2 days ago
Academic School Information
3.89
Avg GPA (W)
38%
Admit Rate
84%
Grad Rate
2,198
Enrollment
$58,418
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$64,142
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$29,562
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$17,365
Family Income $30k - $48k$17,670
Family Income $48k - $75k$21,565
Family Income $75k - $110k$31,425
Family Income $110k+$42,389
