There are TWO separate readmission processes and applications*. The first is Readmission for Degree. Those who completed all course requirements, research, etc. and are returning only to defend their dissertations and receive PhD degrees should fill out this application. The second is Readmission. Those who are returning to the same or different department in GSAS to start or complete coursework and/or research should fill out this application. Please see below for more specific details about Readmission for Degree and Readmission.

*There is no application fee for Readmission for Degree or Readmission         

Related Information and Forms

           Readmission for Degree Information and Application

           Readmission Information and Application

           Recommendation Letter

Readmission for Degree Information

Ordinarily, a student who has been required to withdraw from GSAS may not apply for readmission until two academic terms have passed. Readmission is not automatic, it requires approval by both the academic department and the dean of the Graduate School.

Applications are to be turned in to the Dean's Office, Holyoke Center. NO MATERIALS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE. Readmission for Degree applications are accepted on a rolling basis, since students may receive a November, March, or June degree.

Transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE, and TOEFL scores from your original application to GSAS, as well as your original application, will be included in the folder with your readmission materials when they are sent to the department for consideration. Readmission, if approved, may be conditional, requiring performance of specific tasks at a specific standard, either prior to or following readmission.

Along with the completed application, student should submit the following:

• One letter from student's advisor, which states the student is ready to or has defended his or her dissertation.

Students readmitted to the same PhD program in which they were formally enrolled are charged the active file fee, at the rate current when readmission is approved, for the intervening terms since their last registration, with a maximum charge of $1,000.00. Students who simply failed to register for a term, without formally withdrawing from the Graduate School, are liable for a lapse-of-candidacy fee of $250. Readmission will not be approved until all fees or any other indebtedness to the University are paid.

Readmission Information

Students who previously registered in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) long enough to have paid at least one installment of tuition, who then were not registered for a full term or longer, and who wish to return to GSAS, should apply for readmission through the Dean's Office in the Holyoke Center.

Students will only have the opportunity to apply for readmission three times, with a maximum of two times in one year. Readmission is not automatic, it requires approval by both the academic department and the dean of the Graduate School. Ordinarily, a student who has been required to withdraw from GSAS may not apply for readmission until two academic terms have passed.

Applications are due in the Dean's Office, Holyoke Center, by December 15th. NO MATERIALS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE.

Transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE, and TOEFL scores from your original application to GSAS, as well as your original application, will be included in the folder with your readmission materials when they are sent to the department for consideration. Readmission, if approved, may be conditional, requiring performance of specific tasks at a specific standard, either prior to or following readmission.

Along with the completed application, please submit the following:

1. Two NEW letters of recommendation

2. Current official GSAS transcript

3. Official transcripts of any formal academic training taken since leaving GSAS

4. Any additional material required by the department (contact department directly)

5. Financial Aid application*

*Applicants should inquire at the Financial Aid Office, Holyoke Center, 3rd floor (617-495-5396), to determine which forms may be appropriate for them.

Students readmitted to the same PhD program in which they were formally enrolled are charged the active file fee, at the rate current when readmission is approved, for the intervening terms since their last registration, with a maximum charge of $1,000.00. Students who simply failed to register for a term, without formally withdrawing from the Graduate School, are liable for a lapse-of-candidacy fee of $250. Readmission will not be approved until all fees or any other indebtedness to the University are paid.

Questions may be e-mailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Students may also call the Dean's Office at 617-495-1814.