Dartmouth Waitlist Acceptance Rate: Stats and Tips

Dartmouth College extends waitlist spots to thousands of applicants each year. For the Class of 2028, 2,589 students were offered a place on the waitlist; 2,189 chose to remain, but only 29 were admitted, resulting in a Dartmouth waitlist acceptance rate of just 1.3%.

Getting off the waitlist at Dartmouth isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. In this blog, you’ll get a clear picture of Dartmouth’s waitlist acceptance rate, what it means for your admission chances, and the smart steps you can take if you’re holding out for that spot.

• What Is Dartmouth’s Waitlist Acceptance Rate?
• Dartmouth Waitlist Acceptance Rate vs Ivy League Schools
• Is It Worth Staying on Dartmouth’s Waitlist?
• What to Do If You’re Waitlisted by Dartmouth 
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is Dartmouth’s Waitlist Acceptance Rate?

Getting off the Dartmouth waitlist is certainly a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Since data for the Class of 2029 hasn’t been released yet, let’s take a look at the past ten years of waitlist results to get a clearer picture of your chances:

For the Class of 2028, 2,589 students were waitlisted at Dartmouth, 2,189 chose to remain, and just 29 were admitted—a waitlist acceptance rate of only 1.3%. Looking across the past decade, however, Dartmouth’s waitlist admissions have been remarkably unpredictable.

On average, about 2,300 students are offered a waitlist spot each year, with around 1,600 confirming their interest. From that pool, an average of about 28 students are admitted annually, translating to an average waitlist acceptance rate of roughly 2%.

The swings from year to year are striking:

• Highest rate. Class of 2019, when 129 students were admitted off the waitlist—a rate of 13.4%.
• Near shutouts. Classes of 2025, 2023, 2022, and 2027, when no students were admitted from the waitlist.
• Modest openings. Class of 2024 saw 95 students admitted (4.9%), while the Class of 2026 had 41 admits (2.3%).

Dartmouth’s waitlist acceptance rate is therefore highly volatile and difficult to predict. Some years bring hundreds of admits, while in others, no one makes it through. If you land on the waitlist, the odds are slim—but as the Class of 2019 shows, there are rare cycles when being on the waitlist can pay off.

Dartmouth yield rate

Let’s shift to Dartmouth’s yield rate, the measure of how many admitted students actually choose to enroll. For the Class of 2028, 1,183 out of 1,685 admitted applicants accepted their spot, giving Dartmouth a 70% yield.

To understand how strong that is, consider this: the national average yield rate for four-year colleges in 2022 was about 30%. Private colleges averaged 33%, while public universities hovered around 25%. Dartmouth’s 70% is more than double those figures, showing that most students who get in are eager to attend.

This statistic shapes Dartmouth’s admissions strategy. A consistently high yield means the college can predict that most admitted students will enroll, which reduces uncertainty about class size.

As a result, Dartmouth’s waitlist acceptance rate often remains very low because its strong yield means the college doesn’t need to rely heavily on that pool to fill the class.

For applicants, that makes demonstrated enthusiasm especially important. If Dartmouth is one of your top choices, making that genuine interest clear can work in your favor—and, if you do end up on the waitlist, understanding that yield drives how many spots open up can help set realistic expectations.

Dartmouth Waitlist Acceptance Rate vs Ivy League Peers

There’s no question that Ivy League waitlists are notoriously competitive. While a few schools admit a respectable number of students, others accept almost none.

So, how does Dartmouth’s waitlist acceptance rate stack up against the other Ivies that report their numbers? Let’s take a closer look:

Among the Ivies that publish full waitlist data, Cornell admits the most students, with a 6.3% waitlist acceptance rate, followed by Yale at 4.1%. Princeton and UPenn sit in the middle at 2.9%.

Dartmouth, however, is the most selective of the group: only 1.3% of waitlisted students received an offer. Even compared with Princeton—already known for its highly selective process—Dartmouth admits less than half as many students proportionally.

In short, looking at Dartmouth’s waitlist acceptance rate shows that, while Ivy League waitlists are difficult across the board, Dartmouth’s is especially tough to crack. That’s why demonstrating genuine interest, staying engaged, and providing meaningful updates is crucial if you hope to stand out when spots open up.

Is It Worth Staying on the Dartmouth Waitlist?

Staying on Dartmouth’s waitlist depends largely on your goals and expectations. 

Examining the data, Dartmouth’s waitlist acceptance rate is the lowest in the Ivy League, at 1.3% for the Class of 2028 and 0% in several recent years. That makes admission from the waitlist extremely difficult and statistically unlikely.

Still, remaining on the waitlist comes at little to no cost. Dartmouth occasionally admits a small group of students, and in some rare years—such as the Class of 2019—more than a hundred were offered admission. 

If Dartmouth is your top choice, staying on the waitlist can be a meaningful way to keep the door open, provided you submit a letter of continued interest and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm.

The smart approach is to view the waitlist as a secondary opportunity, not your primary plan. Secure another college by May 1 to ensure you have a confirmed path forward. 

Then, treat Dartmouth’s waitlist as a bonus chance—one that might surprise you but should not be counted on!

What to Do If You’re Waitlisted by Dartmouth

Being placed on the Dartmouth College waitlist means you are a strong candidate, but there are not enough spots for immediate admission. You remain under consideration if admitted students decline their offers, though spots are very limited and highly competitive.

To give yourself the best chance, here are some key steps you can take while on the waitlist:

1. Confirm your waitlist spot.

Officially accept your place on the waitlist. Dartmouth requires you to respond by logging into your Dartmouth Application Portal and selecting “Yes” on the waitlist reply form. Only students who complete this step will be considered for admission off the waitlist. 

2. Submit a letter of continued interest.

While it is completely optional, Dartmouth encourages you to submit a letter of continued interest.

This letter should reaffirm your interest in attending Dartmouth and provide any new information about your accomplishments, reflections on why Dartmouth is your top choice, or updates on your academic performance. 

Here is a sample LOCI for your reference:

Dear Dartmouth Admissions Committee,

Thank you for considering me on Dartmouth’s waitlist. I remain deeply committed to attending Dartmouth College and would immediately accept an offer of admission if extended. Since submitting my application, I have continued to pursue academic excellence and meaningful experiences, and I want to share updates that highlight my dedication to Dartmouth’s unique community and values.

This semester, I have maintained a strong academic record, continuing my focus on advanced STEM coursework, including honors physics and calculus, while also actively engaging in research projects at school. Most notably, I have started preliminary work on a project related to sustainable energy solutions, inspired by Dartmouth’s commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.

What draws me to Dartmouth is the College’s deeply collaborative environment, especially through its undergraduate research infrastructure. The Undergraduate Advising & Research (UGAR) program, which fosters one-on-one mentoring relationships between faculty and students, aligns perfectly with my desire to work closely with professors on impactful projects. 

The availability of Undergraduate Research Grants and Senior Fellowships further motivates me to contribute meaningfully to Dartmouth’s academic community 

I am particularly excited about the interdisciplinary approach to engineering at the Thayer School of Engineering, where faculty members work across diverse fields to solve complex problems with human-centred solutions. 

For example, I admire Professor Anthony Rizzo’s research at the Lightwave Research Laboratory, which focuses on innovations in photonics and lightwave technologies that have wide applications in communication and sensing

Additionally, Dartmouth’s emphasis on environmental sustainability resonates personally with my interests. My ongoing project on renewable energy efficiency connects directly with the research being conducted at Dartmouth’s Mechanical Engineering department, particularly around energy-related materials and sensors

Beyond academics, I am deeply inspired by Dartmouth’s commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusion, which I experienced through virtual information sessions and student testimonials. 

The opportunity to engage in cross-disciplinary projects and develop as a leader within this supportive community is a major reason Dartmouth remains my top choice.

I fully understand the competitive nature of waitlist admissions, but I want to reiterate that Dartmouth is my first choice and that I would enthusiastically contribute to its vibrant academic and social environment. 

I look forward to the possibility of joining Dartmouth’s next class and making meaningful contributions both in and out of the classroom.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Dartmouth Application ID]

[Your Email Address]

[Your High School]

3. Understand the timeline for waitlist decisions.

Dartmouth’s waitlist decisions are made between mid-May and early July. The school reviews waitlisted applicants as admitted students respond to their offers, and spots become available due to declined admission invites Dartmouth decides to admit you off the waitlist, they will notify you within this window.

4. Stay positive but practical.

Being waitlisted at Dartmouth is not a rejection, but also not a guaranteed admission. It is important to maintain a positive attitude and stay engaged with your current academic responsibilities, as updated grades can make a difference. 

The bottom line is that you need to be practical by committing to another college by May 1 to ensure you have a solid plan. If admitted later from Dartmouth’s waitlist, you can then choose to switch your commitment, keeping in mind potential deposit loss. This balanced approach allows you to focus on immediate academic success while leaving the door open for Dartmouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How competitive is Dartmouth’s waitlist acceptance rate compared to other Ivies?

Dartmouth’s waitlist acceptance rate is the toughest in the Ivy League. For the Class of 2028, only 1.3% of students were admitted off the waitlist—lower than Yale’s 4.1%, Cornell’s 6.3%, Princeton’s 2.9%, and UPenn’s 2.9%. 

2. Does Dartmouth University rank its waitlist?

No, Dartmouth does not assign a numerical rank to its waitlist. Instead, all students who accept a spot remain in one pool, and admissions officers make decisions based on the needs of the incoming class, such as academic interests, size of the class, and other institutional priorities.

3. How many people does Dartmouth waitlist?

On average, Dartmouth places around 2,300 students on the waitlist each year. Roughly 1,600 students confirm their spot, but only about 28 students are admitted on average, an average waitlist acceptance rate of about 2%. 

In some cohorts, like the Class of 2019, more than 100 students were admitted, while in others—such as the Classes of 2025, 2023, 2022, and 2027—no students were offered a place at all.

Takeaways

• Dartmouth’s waitlist acceptance rate is the lowest in the Ivy League: just 1.3% for the Class of 2028.
• Over the past decade, the average waitlist acceptance rate has hovered around 2%. In several years, no students were admitted at all.
• Because Dartmouth’s yield rate is so high (70% for the Class of 2028), there are usually very few seats left for waitlisted applicants.
• If Dartmouth is your dream school, staying on the waitlist can still be worthwhile. A strong letter of continued interest and timely updates may improve your chances.
• Still, it’s smart to keep a backup plan ready. Commit to another college so you have security while you wait, and treat Dartmouth’s spot as a bonus opportunity
• If you are looking for expert help, AdmissionSight’s Private Consulting Program can guide you in crafting a standout LOCI, boosting your profile, and staying competitive.