How To Get Into Dartmouth College: Complete Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide, tailored to aid you in becoming a compelling applicant for Dartmouth College. If you envision yourself walking through the scenic campus of this esteemed Ivy League institution and engaging in its rich academic tradition, this guide is your resource for invaluable insights, expert counsel, and key information. From understanding Dartmouth’s distinct academic ethos to successfully navigating the complex application process, we have every angle covered.

Dartmouth College shines brightly in the Ivy League constellation. Located in the picturesque town of Hanover, New Hampshire, and founded in 1769, this private institution is a paragon of academic excellence, innovative research, and a deep-rooted commitment to undergraduate education.
Here, the spirit of intellectualism is not just a buzzword; it’s a lived experience built on a well-rounded liberal arts curriculum. Dartmouth offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs that span across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. Students at Dartmouth enjoy an academic atmosphere that encourages both specialization and intellectual curiosity, a balance that has defined the institution for centuries.

Dartmouth’s alumni base is nothing short of spectacular, featuring a roster of individuals who have made indelible marks across diverse fields. From U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner to the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Louise Glück, Dartmouth’s alumni are a living testament to the school’s unwavering dedication to nurturing exceptional talent.

The Dartmouth community is known for its close-knit, almost familial environment, highlighted by a favorable student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1. This cultivates a setting ripe for personalized mentorship and academic guidance. Dartmouth’s campus is a blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance, complete with state-of-the-art facilities, extensive libraries, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.

In this guide, we will dissect the intricacies and particulars that make up a competitive Dartmouth application. Your quest for academic and personal development starts now.

Dartmouth’s acceptance rate hovers around the 8% mark, a figure that is indicative of the intense competition applicants face. In a recent admissions cycle, Dartmouth received over 28,000 applications, ultimately extending admission offers to just around 2,100 candidates.

This stringent selection process is by design, not happenstance. Dartmouth seeks to admit individuals who are not only academically gifted but who also bring a unique flair to the college community. The admissions team engages in a thorough review of each application, meticulously assessing academic performance, extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and alignment with the institution’s mission and values.

For example, in the Early Decision round for the Class of 2027, Dartmouth admitted only a small fraction of applicants. This is consistent with a trend of increasing selectivity, driven partly by a rising number of high-caliber applicants each year.

In this ultra-competitive landscape, it becomes abundantly clear that earning a spot at Dartmouth is a monumental challenge. It requires more than just high academic standing; it demands a genuine passion for your field of interest, tangible leadership in extracurricular activities, and a committed vision for contributing to society at large.

Unlike some of its Ivy League counterparts, Dartmouth is relatively transparent about its admissions statistics, but this should not mislead you into thinking that numbers alone will secure your admission. Dartmouth’s holistic admissions process aims to assemble a diverse and talented student body, admitting only the most deserving and motivated individuals. This exacting process ensures that Dartmouth continues to be a bastion of educational excellence and intellectual diversity.

The academic terrain of Dartmouth’s Class of 2026 is characterized by a high school GPA that averages around 3.9. Astonishingly, about 88% of these outstanding students graduated in the top 10% of their high school classes, testifying to a consistent track record of academic excellence.

While Dartmouth does not mandate a specific GPA, the high-achieving nature of admitted students suggests that a GPA in the upper echelons of the 4.0 scale is beneficial. The average high school GPA of admitted students for the Class of 2025 was approximately 3.9.

As for standardized tests, the middle 50% SAT score range for Dartmouth’s Class of 2027 hovered between 1440 and 1560. For ACT scores, the middle 50% range lay between 32 and 35.

It’s worth noting that Dartmouth also adopted a test-optional admissions policy for the classes of 2027 and 2028, a decision in line with broader shifts in college admissions during this period. This policy applies to both first-year and transfer applicants.

Given Dartmouth’s test-optional stance for specific admissions cycles, applicants have the liberty to choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you opt not to submit these scores, your application will not be disadvantaged in any way.

Dartmouth adopts a ‘super scoring’ methodology for both the SAT and ACT, providing applicants the opportunity to present their best selves. In super scoring, the highest scores for each section across multiple attempts are combined to form a new composite score. If you choose to submit scores from multiple test dates, official documentation for each attempt must be provided.

Dartmouth does recognize AP, IB, and other international course credits, though the policies regarding this can vary from department to department. For more information on course exemptions and placement, you can contact the Office of Registrar or view their FAQs.

Dartmouth expects applicants to pursue the most rigorous curriculum available in their high schools. While students are admitted without a major designation, Dartmouth has specific course recommendations:

For aspiring engineers eyeing Dartmouth’s Thayer School of Engineering, an academic history rich in advanced STEM courses is more than a strong recommendation.

If your academic interests lean towards the humanities, social sciences, or arts, Dartmouth expects to see a high school curriculum that showcases both depth and breadth in these areas. The goal is to curate a compelling portfolio that mirrors your intellectual curiosity, expertise, and potential for interdisciplinary exploration.

Beyond the core academic requirements, your choice of electives and extracurricular activities should align with your intended major or field of interest. These decisions paint a fuller picture of you as an applicant, reflecting not just what you can do in the classroom, but how you can contribute to the Dartmouth community and beyond.

This comprehensive approach to your academic and extracurricular life will not only make you a strong applicant but also prepare you for the academic rigor and community engagement that define the Dartmouth experience.

• Customize your responses to make them uniquely yours.
  Show evidence of research about Dartmouth’s offerings and how they align with your interests.
• Revise and proofread diligently; clarity and adherence to word limits are crucial.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to crafting compelling essays. Remember, starting early gives you the advantage of time—don’t let unexpected setbacks hinder your application process.

Dartmouth looks for students who are intrinsically motivated to explore the world around them. Highlight your engagement in academic research, participation in intellectually stimulating clubs, or your appetite for reading beyond the syllabus as examples of your intellectual curiosity.

Dartmouth’s unofficial motto is “A voice crying out in the wilderness,” reflecting its commitment to leadership and ethical engagement. Discuss your leadership roles in community service, school clubs, or other extracurricular activities that have had a positive impact on your community.

Dartmouth values students who are globally aware and seek to make a difference on a larger scale. Discuss international experiences, language proficiencies, or your involvement in local multicultural events to show your global perspective.

While Dartmouth expects excellent academic performance, it also values intellectual risk-taking. Enroll in challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors classes, and maintain a strong GPA. Show that you’re prepared for the rigor of Dartmouth’s academics.

Dartmouth appreciates well-rounded individuals who bring varied interests to its community. Whether it’s athletics, the arts, or entrepreneurship, make sure your extracurricular involvement reflects your genuine passions.

If you have family ties to Dartmouth, including this information can offer additional context for your application. However, remember that this is not a critical factor in the decision-making process.

Dartmouth’s supplemental essays provide a platform to showcase your personality and demonstrate how you align with the college’s values. Write thoughtfully and authentically to show why Dartmouth is the right fit for you.

If Dartmouth is your top choice, think about applying through its binding Early Decision program. This not only indicates your strong commitment to Dartmouth but also allows you to receive an admissions decision sooner.

In summary, Dartmouth seeks individuals who not only excel academically but also enrich their communities and embody the college’s values. Crafting an application that portrays a well-rounded view of your abilities and aspirations will set you on the path to success at Dartmouth.

Dartmouth is known for its strong focus on undergraduate education and research opportunities. If these factors are important to you, Dartmouth may be a great fit:

• Does your academic standing match the average GPA and test scores of admitted Dartmouth students?
• Are you enrolled in or considering AP, IB, or other advanced courses?
• Do you wish for close interaction with faculty and opportunities for research?

Dartmouth values students who are leaders and active contributors to their communities:

• Are you committed to community service or social causes?
• Have you held leadership roles in clubs, sports, or other organizations?
• Does the idea of “a voice crying out in the wilderness,” Dartmouth’s unofficial motto, resonate with you?

Dartmouth seeks students with a broad perspective and global awareness:

• Have you participated in international experiences or programs?
• Are you interested in global challenges and wish to contribute to international discourse?

Dartmouth has an excellent track record for graduates who go on to prestigious graduate programs or various professional fields.

• Does Dartmouth offer strong programs in your areas of career interest?
• Are you drawn to the college’s alumni network and career support services

Dartmouth offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation on a close-knit campus:

• Do you find Dartmouth’s rural setting and sense of community appealing?
• Are you interested in participating in unique traditions like the Dartmouth Outing Club or Greek life?

Applying to Dartmouth College is an ambitious endeavor, but it could be a rewarding one if the university’s values, academic offerings, and community align with your goals and interests.  Take an honest look at your academic profile, passions, and long-term aspirations to determine if Dartmouth is the right place for you. Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back; if Dartmouth resonates with you, it’s worth taking the chance to apply!