Dartmouth College Undergraduate Admissions Guide

Located in Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth College is a member of the Ivy League and is known for its close-knit academic community, liberal arts education, and immersive campus experience.

📌 1. Application Plans

✅ Early Decision (ED)

• Binding: Yes (applicants must attend if admitted)

• Acceptance Rate: ~18.2%

✅ Regular Decision (RD)

• Binding: No

• Acceptance Rate: ~4.3%

✏️ 2. Writing Supplement (Essays)

Dartmouth requires three short supplemental essays:

1. Why Dartmouth? (≤100 words)What aspects of Dartmouth's academics, community, or campus culture interest you?

2. Personal Reflection (≤250 words)Choose one of several prompts, such as:

   • “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. Introduce yourself.

   • “Let your life speak”: Describe your upbringing and how it shaped you.

3. Creative/Reflective Essay (≤250 words)Choose one of several prompts, such as:

   • What excites you?

   • A time you had a difficult conversation

   • Celebrate your nerdy side

   • Respond to a quote by Dr. Seuss, Dame Jane Goodall, or Kermit the Frog

👥 3. Recommendations

• Required:

  • Two teacher recommendations (academic subjects)

  • One counselor recommendation with School Report

• Optional but Strongly Encouraged:

  • Peer Recommendation: A short letter written by a classmate, friend, sibling, co-worker, or teammate—anyone who can provide insight from a peer perspective

  • May be submitted via the Common App or Dartmouth Applicant Portal

  • Accepted up to 10 days after the application deadline

💬 4. Alumni Interview

• Optional but recommended if offered

• Conducted after application submission, based on alumni availability

• Interviews may be virtual (Zoom/phone) or in person depending on location

• Questions typically cover:

  • Favorite courses, academic interests, future goals

  • Extracurricular activities

  • What your teachers/friends would say about you

  • Questions you have about Dartmouth

🌍 5. International Student Information

• Application process is the same as U.S. applicants

• Accepted English tests: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, InitialView

• Need-blind policy: Beginning with the Class of 2029, Dartmouth is need-blind for international students→ Your financial need does not impact admissions decisions

💰 6. Financial Aid

• Dartmouth meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including international applicants

• Aid is based on family income and assets, not academic merit

• Required documents: CSS Profile and financial documentation

🏕 7. Campus & Culture

• Rural, nature-rich campus with a strong sense of community

• Unique D-Plan calendar allowing flexible term scheduling

• Signature experiences include:

  • First-Year Trips (outdoor bonding trips)

  • Study Abroad programs (FSP/LSA)

  • Active Greek life

  • Undergraduate research opportunities

✅ Final Tips for Applicants

📍 Dartmouth looks for students who are intellectually curious, collaborative, and eager to contribute to a tight-knit campus.

📍 Applying Early Decision may improve your chances of admission.

📍 Be authentic in your essays and interviews—Dartmouth values genuine voices and holistic growth.