How to Get into Dartmouth: Admission Requirements and Tips

Known for its Ivy League status and strong sense of community, Dartmouth College attracts students worldwide. That popularity, though, also makes it highly selective. In 2024, Dartmouth’s acceptance rate hit a record low of 5.3%, and the college came in at #15 in the U.S. News & World Report’s National Universities rankings.

So, if you’re wondering how to get into Dartmouth, know that its admissions process calls for a deeper understanding of what makes the school unique and how you can stand out by highlighting your personality, goals, and how you align with the college’s values.

This guide has you covered with all the essentials for strengthening your Dartmouth application. We’ll walk through academic expectations, testing requirements, and practical tips to give you an edge. With these insights, you’ll be well-equipped to make a compelling case for joining Dartmouth’s next class.

• How Hard Is It to Get into Dartmouth?
• Dartmouth College Admission Requirements
• Dartmouth College GPA Requirements
• Dartmouth SAT Requirements
• Dartmouth ACT Requirements
• How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Dartmouth
• Dartmouth Application Deadline
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Hard Is It to Get into Dartmouth?

Getting into Dartmouth isn’t exactly a breeze. For the Class of 2028, Dartmouth reviewed a record 31,657 applications and accepted only 1,685, putting its acceptance rate at an all-time low of 5.3%. Just for perspective, that’s nearly a full point drop from the 6.2% rate of the previous year’s class. Back in 2020, the acceptance rate was around 8.8%, but it’s been hovering around 6% in recent years, with no sign of letting up.

The acceptance rate keeps inching lower, reflecting Dartmouth’s increasing popularity and the fierce competition among Ivy League hopefuls:

Dartmouth’s 5.3% is right up there in Ivy League territory:

Sure, Dartmouth’s acceptance rate isn’t quite as tough as Harvard’s 3.6% or Columbia’s 3.85%, but it’s very tough all the same. For the Class of 2028, Brown and UPenn are close contenders with rates of 5.2% and 5.4%, respectively. Princeton and Cornell haven’t officially dropped their numbers yet, but last we checked, Princeton was around 4.5%, and Cornell was just shy of 8% for the Class of 2027.

These numbers are a reminder of the importance of a truly compelling application. Dartmouth wants students with unique perspectives, achievements, and a vibe that aligns with their close-knit community and values. Knowing this, you can approach your application with a better sense of what it takes to stand out in an Ivy League crowd.

Dartmouth College Admission Requirements

To apply to Dartmouth College, you’ll go through the Common Application (Dartmouth phased out the Coalition App back in 2019). The Common App portal allows you to track your application status, see which parts of your application have been received, and make any updates.

Knowing the ins and outs of Dartmouth’s admission requirements can give you a solid understanding of how to get into Dartmouth. Dartmouth’s application involves several key components:

• Transcript of records. This is your academic record, showing your grades and GPA, which gives admissions a look at how prepared you are for Dartmouth’s rigorous academics.
• Letters of recommendation. You’ll need two from teachers and one from a counselor. The counselor will also submit a school report, providing context on your school’s resources and environment.
• Essays. Besides the Common App personal statement, you’ll complete three Dartmouth-specific essays for the 2024-25 cycle.
• Extracurriculars. Dartmouth places strong value on your activities outside the classroom. Here’s your chance to showcase your interests, leadership, and community impact.
• Standardized test scores. With testing requirements back in place, solid SAT or ACT scores are necessary to meet Dartmouth’s expectations.
• Supplementary materials (optional). You can also submit things like an arts portfolio or even newspaper clippings if they add meaningful context to your application.
• Interview (optional). If you’re offered an alumni interview, take it! It’s a chance to chat about your interests, goals, and potential fit with Dartmouth.

Each of these elements feeds into Dartmouth’s holistic review process. This means they’re looking at the whole you, considering how you’ve challenged yourself and what unique qualities you bring.

For instance, Dartmouth pays close attention to your transcript and the rigor of your coursework, especially advanced classes like AP or IB if they’re offered at your school. Character and community engagement are also highly valued, with your essays, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation all helping to paint that fuller picture.

Factors like geographic location or alumni relations are considered but play a less central role than academics and character. Dartmouth doesn’t prioritize state residency or religious affiliation, but they do recommend specific high school courses to prepare you for success.

Ideally, applicants complete four years each of English, math, science, foreign language, and social studies. Taking advanced classes, such as AP courses, can further demonstrate your academic commitment and readiness for college-level challenges, which Dartmouth highly values.

Understanding these requirements and how each component works in the holistic review can give you a clear strategy for how to get into Dartmouth. Tailor your application to meet Dartmouth’s expectations, and you’ll put yourself in a strong position for this selective admissions process.

Dartmouth College GPA Requirements

Dartmouth College doesn’t spell out a minimum GPA requirement, but it’s pretty clear that you’ll need a high one to keep up with the competition. Dartmouth’s admissions team zeroes in on strong grades. Course rigor and class ranking are two factors they rank as “very important” in their review. And with 93.5% of admitted students ranking in the top tenth of their class, academic excellence is key if you’re serious about how to get into Dartmouth.

Dartmouth College average GPA

The average GPA of admitted students lands around a solid 3.9. Hitting this GPA or higher can definitely make your application more competitive.

But Dartmouth doesn’t just check GPA alone—they also want to see that you’ve taken advantage of challenging classes at your school and performed well among your peers. High marks in a rigorous course load show them you’re ready for the demands of Dartmouth’s curriculum.

What to do if your GPA is below average

Dartmouth understands students come from different schools with unique opportunities and resources. So, a slightly lower GPA can be balanced out by other standout elements in your application, like strong extracurriculars, well-crafted essays, or a compelling personal story.

In the competitive world of Dartmouth admissions, a strong GPA and challenging coursework definitely give you a leg up. But if you’re focused on how to get into Dartmouth, remember: they value a balanced profile.

Dartmouth SAT Requirements

Dartmouth has brought back its SAT requirement for the Class of 2029 after a pandemic-era break from standardized testing. They don’t have a set minimum SAT score, but knowing the typical range of admitted students’ scores can help you see where you stand.

Dartmouth average SAT

Dartmouth’s admitted students generally have high SAT scores, reflecting the school’s academic standards. Here’s the breakdown:

For individual sections:

If you’re aiming to boost your chances, try targeting that 75th percentile score of 1560. Hitting this mark puts you in a competitive spot among applicants.

While high SAT scores definitely help, they’re not everything. About 85% of accepted students scored 1400 or higher, but students with lower scores still get in by excelling in other areas like essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars.

Does Dartmouth require SAT?

Yes, Dartmouth now requires either the SAT or ACT for the Class of 2029 onward. This shift back to testing is based on recent data suggesting that test scores offer valuable insights. Dartmouth does “superscore,” so they’ll take the highest section scores from multiple test dates if you submit more than one. You can self-report your scores initially and send official ones if you’re accepted.

For international students, Dartmouth gives more options. Besides the SAT or ACT, you can submit scores from AP exams, IB exams, A-Levels, or national exams like the WASSCE or CAPE.

Dartmouth’s holistic review means they’re also looking closely at your transcript, recommendations, and personal qualities. So yes, aim high on the SAT, but make sure you’re also putting together a well-rounded, compelling application to show why you’re the right fit for Dartmouth.

Dartmouth ACT Requirements

Dartmouth College doesn’t have a strict ACT cutoff, but to stay competitive, you’ll want to aim high. Now that test scores are required again, it’s worth looking at the averages for a sense of where you stand in the applicant pool.

Dartmouth average ACT

For admitted students, Dartmouth’s middle 50% ACT scores are:

And here’s a closer look at specific subjects:

Around 85% of admitted students scored between 30 and 36 on the composite, so aiming for a 35 or higher in each section can give you a stronger edge. While we don’t have Dartmouth-specific data for ACT Reading or Science, a well-balanced score across the board will keep you competitive.

Does Dartmouth prefer the ACT or SAT?

Dartmouth doesn’t favor the ACT over the SAT, or vice versa. They’ll accept either, and they do superscore, meaning they’ll take your highest section scores across multiple test dates. In the last cycle where scores were required, 57% of applicants submitted SAT scores, while 43% sent in ACT scores.

Bottom line? Go with the test that plays to your strengths. Either way, a strong score in the upper range will help show Dartmouth you’re ready for their academic challenges.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Dartmouth

If you want to know how to get into Dartmouth, building a well-rounded application is key. Dartmouth is looking for academic excellence, of course, but they’re also interested in your unique experiences, interests, and how you plan to contribute to their community.

1. Keep your GPA up.

Ideally, you want a GPA close to Dartmouth’s average of 3.9 or above to be competitive. But grades alone won’t cut it. Dartmouth puts a lot of weight on the rigor of your courses, meaning those AP, IB, or honors classes are worth taking. Tackling advanced coursework shows Dartmouth that you’re ready to dive into their tough curriculum.

To keep your GPA solid, try sticking to a consistent study routine. Set aside regular time for homework and reviews, and don’t hesitate to reach out for tutoring or group study sessions if certain subjects get tricky.

It’s also smart to keep a close eye on your grades so you can catch any issues early on and adjust. And since you’re likely juggling extracurriculars too, work on time management—it’ll keep you from scrambling last minute, which isn’t great for keeping up your GPA.

2. Hit high SAT/ACT scores.

With Dartmouth requiring standardized test scores again, the SAT or ACT is back in the game. Competitive applicants usually aim for the 75th percentile or higher, which means about a 1560 on the SAT or a 35 on the ACT. Hitting these scores will keep you on par with Dartmouth’s upper-range applicants.

Start prepping early, and begin with a diagnostic test to get a clear picture of your strengths and weaknesses. Use official resources—College Board materials for the SAT, ACT.org for the ACT, or even test prep books and practice exams. Set up a study schedule focusing on one subject at a time, then gradually ramp up to full-length, timed practice tests. Learning strategies like eliminating wrong answers or pacing yourself will make a difference.

And as test day gets closer, full-length exams will help you build up the stamina and confidence you’ll need to perform your best.

3. Excel in extracurricular activities.

Dartmouth has a thing for community-minded, purpose-driven students, especially those passionate about social impact and sustainability. So, when you’re choosing extracurriculars, try finding activities that connect with Dartmouth’s values.

But don’t just sign up for what sounds good—pick things you genuinely care about. Real passion will shine through and help show why you’re a fit for Dartmouth in the first place.

To give your application a little extra muscle, look for prestigious programs or leadership roles that highlight your dedication:

• If sustainability’s your thing, maybe join the National Green Schools Society or go for something like the Bezos Scholars Program.
• Into community service? Consider volunteering with Habitat for Humanity or taking on a student council role to lead a project.
• Artsy? The YoungArts Foundation or national-level theater and music competitions can showcase your talent.

These kinds of experiences paint a picture of how you’d enrich Dartmouth’s community-focused culture.

4. Write compelling essays.

Dartmouth’s application includes your Common App essay (the personal statement) plus three school-specific supplemental essays.

The personal statement is where you get real with the admissions team, showing off a side of you that’s not just about grades or achievements. Think of it as your space to tell a story about what really drives you or to share a defining moment that shaped who you are today.

Say environmental activism is your passion—don’t just say you care about the planet. Instead, dive into a story about the first time you attended a rally and felt that spark of commitment. Show them why that moment mattered and how it changed you.

Dartmouth essay prompts

Dartmouth’s writing supplement asks you to respond briefly to three prompts:

1. Required for all applicants (100 words or fewer):

• As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2029, what aspects of the college’s academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? How is Dartmouth a good fit for you?

In this quick 100-word response, get specific about what draws you to Dartmouth. Mention a program, community, or unique aspect of campus life that speaks to your goals. Make it clear why Dartmouth, out of all places, is the one that fits you best.

2. Choose one of the following prompts (250 words or fewer):

• 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.
• “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself.

These prompts are a chance to reflect on your background or character. For prompt A, focus on specific memories, people, or values from your upbringing that have left a lasting mark. For prompt B, embrace a unique part of yourself—a passion or quality that makes you, well, you. Keep it personal, and use stories to bring out that distinct part of your identity.

3. Choose one of the following prompts (250 words or fewer):

• What excites you?
• Labor leader Dolores Huerta encouraged a life of purpose. Describe the ways you hope to make—or are already making—an impact, and why.
• Imagine your anticipated academic major. How does it sync with Dr. Seuss’s advice to “Think and wonder”?
• Channel Dame Jane Goodall: Describe a time when you engaged in a difficult conversation or connected with someone who held a different viewpoint.
• Celebrate your nerdy side.
• Kermit the Frog said, “It’s not easy being green.” How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it?
• Reflect on Coach Buddy Teevens’ advice: “Be a great football player when it’s football time, a great student when it’s academic time, and a great person all of the time.” What would it mean to be “a great person” to you?

These questions cover a lot of ground, giving you room to highlight different aspects of who you are. If you pick prompt A, for example, dive into what truly gets you going—whether it’s astrophysics or slam poetry. For prompt G, think about what it means to be a “great person” and share a story that shows your take on kindness or leadership. Whichever you go with, make it real and meaningful to you.

5. Get strong letters of recommendation.

Dartmouth wants three recommendation letters. You’ll need a counselor evaluation that touches on your academics, extracurriculars, and character, plus two teacher evaluations from core subject teachers.

Dartmouth also “strongly encourages” a fourth recommendation from a peer. This one’s optional, but it’s a nice way to add a friend’s or classmate’s perspective, which can make your application feel a bit more personal.

If you want top-notch letters, start building those relationships with teachers and counselors early. Actively participate in class, ask thoughtful questions, and let your genuine interest show.

When it’s time to ask, do it in person if you can, or send a thoughtful, polite email. Give your recommenders plenty of lead time (at least a month before deadlines is respectful), and provide them with some context—like your goals, favorite projects, or interests—to help them make their letters specific to you.

For that optional peer recommendation, choose someone who knows your character well and can highlight another side of you that your teachers might not see.

6. Apply through Early Decision.

If Dartmouth is your dream school and you’re ready to make it official, applying through Early Decision (ED) has some real perks. ED is binding, which means that if Dartmouth says yes, you’re all in—and you’ll need to withdraw any other applications.

The numbers back it up: for the Class of 2028, the ED acceptance rate was 18%, a big step up from the 3.9% rate for RD applicants. That’s still competitive, but it gives ED applicants a noticeable edge.

Just remember that ED means getting your whole application—test scores, essays, recommendations—the works—ready ahead of time. By applying early, you’re signaling that you’re a good fit, which can make all the difference in a tight admissions process.

Dartmouth Application Deadline

Planning to apply to Dartmouth? Here are the key dates to keep on your radar:

If you’re set on Dartmouth as your top choice, Early Decision (ED) might be for you. The ED deadline is November 1, and you’ll know your results by mid-December. If accepted, you’ll need to confirm in late December, committing fully to Dartmouth and pulling any other applications.

But if you want more flexibility—or just need more time to polish that application—Regular Decision (RD) might make more sense. The RD deadline is January 2, with decisions coming in late March or early April. You’ll have until May 1 to lock in your choice if accepted. RD decisions include acceptance, denial, or waitlisting, and there’s no obligation to attend if you’re admitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Dartmouth’s acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, Dartmouth’s acceptance rate hit an all-time low of 5.3%. It’s a competitive crowd, so standing out is key if you’re figuring out how to get into Dartmouth.

2. Is Dartmouth test-optional?

No, Dartmouth isn’t test-optional anymore. After a temporary break during the pandemic, they’ve brought back the requirement for SAT or ACT scores starting with the Class of 2029.

3. What GPA do you need to get into Dartmouth?

There’s no official GPA cutoff, but the average GPA for admitted students is around 3.9. High grades, particularly in tough courses like AP or IB, can demonstrate you’re up for the challenge Dartmouth’s curriculum demands.

4. What is Dartmouth College known for?

Dartmouth has a reputation for its close-knit campus life, strong liberal arts approach, and dedication to community and sustainability. It’s especially known for standout programs in the sciences, government, and economics, all while giving undergraduates access to Ivy League-level resources.

5. How much is Dartmouth tuition?

For the 2024-2025 year, Dartmouth tuition is $66,123. But when you add in housing and other fees, the total cost rises to about $91,312. Dartmouth does offer financial aid, so there’s support for students who qualify.

Takeaways

If you’re set on figuring out how to get into Dartmouth, here are five key insights to sharpen your application:

• With Dartmouth’s acceptance rate down to a competitive 5.3% for the Class of 2028, standing out from the crowd isn’t optional—it’s a must.
• To keep up with the applicant pool, aim for a GPA around 3.9 or higher, especially if you’re taking tough AP or IB classes. Dartmouth loves seeing you challenge yourself academically.
• Shoot for a high SAT score (1560+) or an ACT composite of 35. These scores put you right in the top range of successful applicants.
• Dartmouth’s review is holistic, so while grades and scores matter, your essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters need to pull their weight too. Each piece should show who you are and what you’d bring to campus.
• Get extra guidance from an admissions consultant. They can offer insights specific to how to get into Dartmouth that might just give you the edge in such a selective process.