Dartmouth College is a highly selective Ivy League school located in Hanover, New Hampshire. With an acceptance rate of just 7.9%, getting admission to Dartmouth is a highly competitive process. However, with the right preparation and approach, it is possible to increase your chances of getting accepted into this prestigious institution.
One of the first steps to getting admission to Dartmouth College is to ensure that you have a strong academic record. Dartmouth looks for students who have taken the most challenging courses available to them and have excelled in their studies. This includes a rigorous high school curriculum, high grades, and high standardized test scores. Additionally, Dartmouth values students who have demonstrated a passion for learning and have pursued extracurricular activities that align with their interests.
To increase your chances of getting admission to Dartmouth College, it is essential to understand the admissions process thoroughly. Dartmouth College uses a holistic review process, which means that they consider all aspects of a student’s application, including academic achievements, extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and personal qualities. By understanding the admissions process and what Dartmouth is looking for in its applicants, you can tailor your application to showcase your strengths and stand out from the pool of applicants.
Understanding Dartmouth College Admissions
Admission Statistics and Selectivity
Dartmouth College is a highly selective institution that receives thousands of applications every year. In 2024, Dartmouth received 29,200 applications and admitted 1,749 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 6%. The average SAT score for admitted students was 1500 out of 1600, and the average ACT score was 34 out of 36. The average unweighted GPA of admitted students was 3.9 out of 4.0.
Dartmouth College is committed to diversity and inclusion in its admissions process. In 2024, 51% of admitted students were women, and 49% were men. Additionally, 14% of the admitted students were first-generation college students.
Application Deadlines and Requirements
Dartmouth College offers two application rounds: Early Decision and Regular Decision. The Early Decision deadline is November 1, and applicants are notified of their admission decision by mid-December. The Regular Decision deadline is January 1, and applicants are notified of their admission decision by early April.
All applicants are required to submit the Common Application or Coalition Application, along with a $75 application fee or a fee waiver request. Applicants must also submit official high school transcripts, two teacher recommendations, and a counselor recommendation. Standardized test scores are optional for the Class of 2026 and 2027, but required for the Class of 2028 and beyond.
Early Decision vs. Regular Decision
Applying Early Decision to Dartmouth College is a binding agreement, meaning that if a student is admitted, they must attend Dartmouth and withdraw all other applications. Early Decision is a good option for students who have a strong interest in Dartmouth and are willing to commit to attending if admitted. Applying Early Decision can increase a student’s chances of admission, as the acceptance rate for Early Decision applicants is typically higher than the Regular Decision acceptance rate.
Regular Decision is a non-binding application round, meaning that students are free to choose among the colleges to which they are admitted. Regular Decision is a good option for students who need more time to decide which college to attend or who want to compare financial aid offers from multiple colleges. However, the Regular Decision acceptance rate is typically lower than the Early Decision acceptance rate.
Strategies for a Successful Application
Getting admitted to Dartmouth College is a challenging process, but with the right strategies, it can be achievable. The following subsections outline the key areas that applicants should focus on to increase their chances of admission.
Academic Excellence and Rigorous Coursework
Academic excellence is a top priority for Dartmouth College. Admissions officers look for students who have demonstrated a strong academic record and have taken rigorous coursework in high school. Students should aim to take the most challenging courses available in their school, including Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. They should also maintain a high GPA and rank in the top 10% of their class, if possible.
Extracurricular Involvement and Leadership
Dartmouth College values students who are engaged in extracurricular activities and have demonstrated leadership skills. Applicants should participate in activities that align with their interests and passions and show a commitment to making a positive impact in their community. They should also seek leadership roles in these activities, such as becoming a captain of a sports team or president of a club.
Personal Essays and Letters of Recommendation
The personal essays and letters of recommendation are critical components of the Dartmouth College application. Applicants should take the time to craft thoughtful and compelling essays that showcase their personality, character, and values. They should also choose recommenders who know them well and can speak to their strengths and achievements.
Standardized Test Scores and AP/IB Exams
Dartmouth College requires applicants to submit standardized test scores, including either the SAT or ACT. Applicants should aim to achieve high scores on these tests and take them multiple times if necessary to improve their scores. Additionally, taking and scoring well on AP or IB exams can help demonstrate a student’s academic abilities and readiness for college-level coursework.
Alumni Interviews and Campus Visits
While not required, alumni interviews and campus visits can provide valuable opportunities for applicants to demonstrate their interest in Dartmouth College and learn more about the school. Applicants should take advantage of these opportunities if possible and come prepared with thoughtful questions and a genuine interest in the school.
By focusing on these key areas and crafting a strong application, applicants can increase their chances of admission to Dartmouth College.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for international students at Dartmouth College?
International students are required to submit the same application materials as domestic students. This includes transcripts, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. However, international students must also provide proof of English proficiency by submitting TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores.
What is the application deadline for Dartmouth College?
The regular decision application deadline for Dartmouth College is January 2nd. However, the college also offers an early decision application deadline of November 1st. Students who apply under early decision receive their admission decision earlier and must commit to attending Dartmouth if accepted.
How can one apply to Dartmouth College online?
Applicants can apply to Dartmouth College online through the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Both applications require students to submit personal information, transcripts, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation.
What GPA is typically expected for admission to Dartmouth?
Dartmouth College does not have a minimum GPA requirement for admission. However, the average GPA of admitted students is typically around 4.0 on a 4.0 scale. Admissions officers also consider the rigor of a student’s high school curriculum when evaluating applications.
What characterizes the type of student Dartmouth College is looking for?
Dartmouth College is looking for students who are intellectually curious, academically motivated, and who will contribute to the college’s diverse and inclusive community. Admissions officers consider a range of factors when evaluating applications, including academic achievement, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.
How competitive is the admission process at Dartmouth College?
The admission process at Dartmouth College is highly competitive. For the class of 2025, the college received over 28,000 applications and admitted just 8.8% of applicants. Admissions officers consider a range of factors when evaluating applications, and students are encouraged to submit a strong and well-rounded application.