How To Get Into Dartmouth: Admission Requirements + Tips

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Reviewed by:

Mary Banks

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 5/27/24

Are you ready to apply to one of the country’s top colleges? Read on to discover Dartmouth College’s requirements, tips to get in, and much more. 

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Getting into a top college is challenging but doable with the right know-how and dedication. There are many excellent colleges to choose from, and Dartmouth College is among the top-ranked schools in the U.S. Read on to learn more about Dartmouth’s admission requirements, acceptance rate, and more!

Dartmouth Acceptance Rate: 5.32%

Dartmouth’s acceptance rate is low, at 5.32%. Its Ivy League school status makes it an attractive addition to any college list, attracting thousands of applications annually. It received 31,657 applications and admitted 1,685 students.

Dartmouth Early Decision Acceptance Rate: 17%

Dartmouth College's Early Decision acceptance rates have become increasingly competitive in recent years, as shown in the table below:

For students who apply through Dartmouth's Early Decision program, the acceptance rate is higher. Early Decision applicants show a strong level of interest in the college. 

The higher acceptance rate for Early Decision applicants shows Dartmouth's desire to the incoming class with students who are committed to attending. However, it's important to note that Early Decision applicants still face a competitive admissions process, and admission is not guaranteed. 

Dartmouth evaluates Early Decision applicants like every other application. The only benefit is that more applicants are accepted during this round.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Dartmouth?

It is difficult to get into Dartmouth. It's a prestigious college that strongly values academic excellence. As a result, Dartmouth has a limited acceptance rate. It relies on a highly competitive admission process, and only a small percentage of applicants are offered a spot at the college.

Take our interactive quiz below to find out how likely you are to get into Dartmouth.

Dartmouth Admission Statistics

To position yourself as a top applicant and get into Dartmouth College, strive for an SAT score of 1500 or above or an ACT score of 33. You should also maintain a GPA of or higher than 4.11 to maximize your chances of admission. 

Dartmouth's admission requirements are holistic, meaning the admissions committee reviews candidates using multiple selection factors alongside GPA, test scores, and other metrics. 

‍How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into Dartmouth

Here are some tips to strengthen your application to Dartmouth so you have a better chance of getting accepted.

Strive for a High GPA 

On an unweighted scale, many admitted students report GPAs over 4.0. Additionally, 95% of the class of 2026 ranked in the top 10% of their high school’s graduating class. Although Dartmouth takes a holistic approach to application review, performing at the top of your class can help you get accepted. 

Take Challenging Courses 

Although Dartmouth is partial to students with higher GPAs, that doesn’t mean achieving a 4.0 GPA in standard courses will guarantee your acceptance. In fact, the admissions committee may wonder why you didn’t challenge yourself and take the most advanced classes available to you. 

If your high school offers honors, AP, or IB classes, consider enrolling in some of the courses you’re interested in and think you’d perform well in. 

Dominique Dadekian, former admissions officer at Dartmouth College, says:

"If you are thinking about what looks "good" to a college, something that is almost never a bad idea is challening yourself as much as possible in your courses. So [see if] you can take an honors or AP level or a dual credit level course in some of your areas of interest. That being said, sometimes this comes with a cost. I'm never going to advocate for fully loading yourself with all APs or all college level courses, if it's going to come at the expense of the SATs or you taking on a leadership role or getting involved in some of your extracurriculars. So, there's definitely a little bit of strategy involved here in terms of how many rigorous courses you take and which areas you take them."

If your school doesn’t offer such courses, it’s worth looking at outside academic enrichment opportunities or signing up for dual enrollment classes at your local community college. 

Don’t Neglect the Supplemental Essays 

While your personal statement is important, it’s your introduction to every college. The Dartmouth admissions essays allow you to get more specific while showing your fit and differentiating your profile. 

We recommend spending adequate time outlining and drafting your supplemental essays. Don’t forget to proofread and follow word limits! 

Choose Your Third Supplemental Essay Prompt Wisely 

While all applicants must answer the first two essay prompts, you can choose from five prompts to write your final supplemental essay. Sometimes choice presents its own issue – which prompt do you pick? 

Our best advice is to list potential topics and main ideas you could discuss for each prompt. You may have way more content for one prompt or can’t think of anything to share for another. Organizing your thoughts and brainstorming is the best way to choose your prompt. 

Additionally, ensure the prompt you choose adds something new to your application. For example, if you’ve already written about your life’s passion in your personal statement, you may want to choose another prompt other than B. 

Consider Whether or Not to Share SAT/ACT Scores 

Dartmouth College is test-optional, meaning you don’t need to share your SAT/ACT scores to apply. However, we recommend sharing your test scores if they fall within the upper-middle 50% range or higher of past admitted students. If your GPA was lower than you hoped for, high test scores can also help bolster your application. 

Applying with your test scores may not be best if your scores are lower than you hoped for or fall below the middle 50% of past admitted students. Use your best judgment to determine whether your SAT/ACT scores would help or hinder your application! 

Take the Optional Interview 

Although interviews for Dartmouth are optional, we highly recommend taking the opportunity to speak with alumni. It’s one more chance for you to shine, and it’s a great opportunity for you to ask questions about the school as well. 

Think of the interview as a professional conversation where you are learning whether you’d be a good fit for each other.

Apply Early

Dartmouth states that applicants who apply within the early admission intake get accepted at a higher rate than those who apply within the regular decision intake. 

As such, it's a great idea to apply for early admission to increase your chances of getting in. Keep in mind that applying within early intake will require you to apply in November, so make sure to get your materials ready to submit ahead of time. 

We also recommend applying early only if Dartmouth is your first-choice school! 

Show Your Commitment to Community Service 

Ivy League schools appreciate candidates who show community spirit and make lasting impacts on the people and world around them. Dartmouth aims to instill in “students a sense of responsibility for one another and for the broader world, and give them ample opportunities to share their expertise and passions.” 

Along with Dartmouth’s numerous service opportunities, students involved in personal/social missions can make an impact on the admissions committee by sharing their values through their extracurriculars, essays, and optional interviews. 

Dartmouth Essays Prompt

The Dartmouth supplemental essays are crucial to the success of your application. The admissions committee uses the Dartmouth essays to determine whether you would be a good fit for the school. It's vital to write robust, compelling supplemental essays that leave a lasting impression. 

Your goal should be to stand apart from the crowd: that's how to get into Dartmouth. 

Dartmouth Supplemental Essay Prompts

Below, you will find Dartmouth's current supplemental essay prompts.

1. Required of all applicants. Please respond in 100 words or fewer:

Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth's Class of 2027, what aspects of the College's academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? In short, Why Dartmouth? Please respond in 100 words or fewer.

2. Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:

A. There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today.

B. "Be yourself," Oscar Wilde advised. "Everyone else is taken." Introduce yourself.

3. Required of all applicants. Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 200-250 words:

A. What excites you?

B. Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. "We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things," she said. "That is what we are put on the earth for." In what ways do you hope to make—or are you already making—an impact? Why? How?

C. Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth's Class of 1925, wrote, "Think and wonder. Wonder and think." As you wonder and think, what's on your mind?

D. Celebrate your nerdy side.

E. "It's not easy being green…" was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook?

F. As noted in the College's mission statement, "Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…" Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you?

Supplemental Essays Examples

Having examples of supplemental essays to refer to is a valuable resource for applicants. These examples provide practical guidance on how to address specific prompts and showcase your personality. 

Essay Example #1

Dartmouth's mix of academics, community, and campus beauty intrigues me. The connection between learning and nature's charm is captivating. 

Being part of a community that values both education and the outdoors is why Dartmouth stands out to me. This balance promises a unique and enriching experience that I'm excited to be a part of.

Oscar Wilde's advice, "Be yourself; everyone else is taken," really speaks to me. As I step into the world, I'm a mix of experiences that have shaped who I am. One thing that's a big part of me is my love for the arts. I enjoy using both words and visuals to tell stories that mean something to people.

But there's more to me than just art. Volunteering has shown me how powerful it can be when people work together. I've spent time helping at local shelters, and it's taught me about the strength of empathy and teamwork in creating positive change.

Nature is another big part of who I am. I find peace and inspiration in the outdoors, whether I'm walking through a forest or sitting by a river. This has also made me interested in learning about ways to take care of the environment.

Thinking about all of this, Dartmouth College feels like a great place for me. They have a lot of different classes, a friendly atmosphere, and a beautiful campus. I'm excited to be myself at Dartmouth and be part of their community that values different perspectives.

Just like William Kamkwamba's inspiring journey, I am motivated by the idea that determination and effort can lead to impactful change.

Throughout my life, I have been drawn to the act of creation as a means of both personal expression and meaningful contribution. Whether it's designing digital artwork that communicates emotions beyond words or crafting lines of code that bring functional solutions to life, I find solace in the act of building something from scratch. 

One project that resonates deeply with me is the mobile application I developed to address local environmental concerns. Witnessing the escalating pollution levels in my community, I was determined to find a way to raise awareness and encourage positive action. 

The app provides users with real-time data on air quality and suggests eco-friendly habits, inspiring a more conscious approach to daily life. Looking forward, I hope to create a positive impact on a larger scale by merging technology, art, and social responsibility. 

Whether it's developing interactive educational platforms that engage learners globally or collaborating with artists to create immersive installations that provoke thought and inspire change, I am committed to utilizing my skills to foster meaningful connections and ignite conversations.

In the spirit of Kamkwamba's belief that trying is the first step toward success, I embrace challenges with enthusiasm, knowing that each endeavor contributes to personal growth and the betterment of the world around me. 

The drive to create is my compass, guiding me toward a future where innovation and compassion coexist and where my creations serve as catalysts for positive change.

Why This Works

This essay does a good job of combining personal experiences and clearly aligning with Dartmouth's values to create a compelling narrative. 

The writer's enthusiasm for Dartmouth's academic, community, and environmental aspects is evident as they discuss the captivating connection between learning and nature.

The writer's reflection on their personal journey, including their love for the arts, volunteering experiences, and passion for nature, showcases a well-rounded personality and a commitment to making a positive impact. Their desire to contribute to the environment and their community aligns well with Dartmouth's values.

The inclusion of a specific example of developing a mobile application to address environmental concerns adds depth to their commitment to positive change. This example highlights their proactive approach to using technology for social responsibility.

Furthermore, the writer's aspiration to create interactive educational platforms and collaborate with artists demonstrates their innovative thinking and their drive to foster meaningful connections. This aligns with Dartmouth's emphasis on creativity and collaboration.

Incorporating William Kamkwamba's inspiring journey into their narrative adds an additional layer of motivation and determination. By relating their personal drive to Kamkwamba's belief in trying as a stepping stone to success, the writer effectively reinforces their dedication to embracing challenges and contributing to positive change.

Overall, this essay effectively combines personal experiences, specific examples, and alignment with Dartmouth's values to present a strong case for the writer's fit within the Dartmouth community. The writer's enthusiasm, commitment, and well-structured narrative make their essay compelling and impactful.

Essay Example #2

Dartmouth's connection of purpose and diversity draws me in. The mix of challenging academics, close community, and captivating campus intrigues me. The idea of growing intellectually in such a diverse environment, where differences are celebrated and ideas are exchanged, excites me. 

Dartmouth's holistic approach, driven by strong connections and a commitment to a varied community, feels like a perfect fit. I see myself thriving, learning, and contributing in a community that matches my values — where diverse cultures come together as a unified community to share, learn, and grow.

Oscar Wilde's counsel, "Be yourself; everyone else is taken," has guided my path. Amid challenges, I've built resilience. Living with a disability, I've faced obstacles that strengthened my determination. These struggles ignited my passion for inclusivity, leading me to establish a safe space on campus for open conversations.

As an advocate for inclusivity, I co-founded a student initiative where stories are shared, promoting empathy and understanding. Beyond campus, I've volunteered with organizations supporting marginalized communities, actively participating in workshops and events that raise awareness about diversity.

Dartmouth's values align with my passion. Its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community resonates deeply. 

I remember organizing a panel discussion that explored the experiences of differently-abled individuals in collaboration with local organizations. This endeavor showcased my commitment to inclusivity and community collaboration, a value I know Dartmouth values.

I envision myself adding to Dartmouth's tapestry, drawing from my experiences to contribute positively. Guided by Wilde's words, I'm ready to embrace my journey, sharing my story of resilience and advocacy authentically. I look forward to joining Dartmouth's community, where my dedication to inclusivity can make a lasting impact.

What really excites me is the journey of exploring the unknown. I love diving into different subjects like astrophysics or anthropology to uncover the mysteries of our world. 

But it's not just about studying alone – the idea of working together with fellow students from different backgrounds, bringing our unique perspectives to solve complex problems, is what thrills me the most.

I'm also passionate about using technology to make a positive impact. Whether it's creating better healthcare solutions or finding ways to help the environment using data and innovation, I'm all in. Dartmouth's approach to hands-on learning aligns perfectly with my goals to put these ideas into action.

And let's not forget the beauty of nature. Dartmouth's amazing surroundings offer a perfect balance between learning and enjoying the outdoors. As someone who loves nature, I can't wait to explore the campus and find inspiration in its natural wonders.

To sum it up, the excitement I feel comes from the journey of learning, working with others to make a difference, and connecting with nature. Dartmouth's community, academic opportunities, and the environment make it the perfect place for me to channel this excitement and contribute to shaping our future.

Why This Works

The writer's excitement for diversity and the academic environment at Dartmouth shines through as they discuss their enthusiasm for the campus's commitment to an inclusive community. Their example of organizing a panel discussion adds depth to their advocacy.

Their passion for learning and collaborating with diverse peers also resonates with Dartmouth's community focus. Their interest in using technology for positive change showcases a practical application of their education. Their appreciation for nature aligns with Dartmouth's setting.

Overall, the essay effectively combines personal experiences, passions, and alignment with Dartmouth's values. The writer's enthusiasm and well-supported examples make their fit for Dartmouth clear.

Dartmouth Interview

Dartmouth offers optional alumni interviews; unfortunately, not every applicant will be offered one. After you've submitted your application, you may be offered an interview with a Dartmouth graduate. 

Marina, former Admissions Committee member at the University of Chicago, offers these tips for acing your college interview:

1. Prepare Key Points: "You want to outline your answers that just helps you to remember, like what the key points that you want to make sure you took off are." 
2. Practice with Mock Interviews: "I promise that even doing like one or two mock interviews will save you one so much time and two so much anxiety because sometimes you just need to practice articulating things clearly to someone else." 
3. Ask Questions: "Have a list of 30 questions. You don’t have to ask all of them but when I do an interview and at the end I ask do you have any questions for me and they say no that’s it I’m just like oh what a missed opportunity to have more of a conversation." 
4. Be Professional and Friendly: "Make sure that you dress appropriately you don’t have to be like wearing a suit necessarily or anything like that but something that shows that you tried like a little bit is helpful." 
5. Show Confidence: "Sometimes if you can kind of fake it a little bit...while also being honest...it shows humility; it shows that you're a human." 

Getting Into Dartmouth: FAQs

If you still have questions about getting into Dartmouth, check out these FAQs!

1. Does Dartmouth Accept Transfer Credits?

For first-year students, you may transfer up to four credits from another four-year school. Credits from online and community college courses are not transferable. Dartmouth has a strict policy on accepting transfer credits from another institution, and circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 

2. Is Dartmouth an Ivy League School?

Yes, Dartmouth is an Ivy League school.

3. Can I Get Into Dartmouth With a 3.5 GPA?

There is no minimum GPA requirement at Dartmouth. Each application is reviewed holistically, and a 3.5 GPA is only one factor. The admissions committee considers the rigor of your academics with your grades to determine how well you may perform at Dartmouth. 

That said, Dartmouth is still an Ivy League school, so the academic competition is fierce. The entering class comprises many students who ranked among the top 10% of their high school class.

4. How Do I Stand Out In the Dartmouth Application Process?

According to Dartmouth, “it's all about who you are.” To stand out in the application process, discuss your accomplishments, interests, and motivations to tell your personal and unique story.

5. When Should I Start Preparing for Dartmouth?

The Common App opens in early August every year, so you should give yourself plenty of time to fulfill all application requirements.

You should begin preparing for Dartmouth throughout all four years of high school. Dartmouth is a highly competitive school, so you should focus on participating in meaningful extracurricular activities, giving back to your community, acing your tests, and consistently getting high grades. 

6. Does Dartmouth Offer Financial Aid?

Yes, Dartmouth offers generous financial aid packages. For more information, take a look at the Dartmouth financial aid portal. 

7. Does Dartmouth Interview Everyone? 

No, Dartmouth only interviews some. The school aims to send as many interview invites as possible, but you won’t be disadvantaged if you're not selected.

8. What Is Dartmouth Known for Academically?

The BASIC programming language originated at Dartmouth College. The college has undergraduate arts and sciences, engineering departments, and four graduate programs, including the well-regarded Tuck School of Business, Thayer School of Engineering, and Geisel School of Medicine.

9. How to Get Into Dartmouth Early Decision?

Complete both the Common Application and the financial aid applications. Be sure to send them in before the deadline corresponding to your chosen process. Pay the application fee or inquire about a fee waiver. If you're applying through early decision, request your school to send Dartmouth your fall quarter grades.

10. Is Dartmouth Test Optional?

Dartmouth College isn’t test-optional but was from 2020 to 2023. The school's President, Sian Beilock, made this decision, stating its necessity and importance in assessing qualified applicants 

11.  Does Dartmouth Superscore ACT or SAT?

Dartmouth superscores the highest section scores in either test. If you submit multiple scores from the ACT or SAT, the admissions officers will consider the highest section scores regardless of test dates or platform.

Getting Into Dartmouth: Do You Have What It Takes?

Dartmouth is one of the top institutions in the U.S. and an excellent school to attend. If you're wondering, “Can I get into Dartmouth?” know that the answer is yes. To maximize your chances of acceptance, follow the tips in this guide. 

Pay special attention to Dartmouth's admission requirements and start preparing for higher education early in high school. Remember, Dartmouth reviews applicants holistically, so in addition to competitive grades and test scores, you should participate in meaningful activities that help you stand out. 

Now that you know what it takes to get into Dartmouth, we wish you luck! If you need some support, our Dartmouth admissions consultants are here to help you score acceptance letters just like this one: