How to Get into Dartmouth: Admission Requirements and Tips

November 20, 2023

By Eric Eng

How to Get into Dartmouth: Admission Requirements and Tips

Dartmouth College is a dream destination for many incoming college students. It is an excellent place for students to explore their academic interests, hone their skills, build extensive networks, and pursue a rich and rewarding future. Despite being one of the lesser-known Ivy League schools, let’s face it, getting into Dartmouth is no small feat.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at how difficult it is to get into Dartmouth and what admissions staff are looking for. We’ll also provide key strategies you can use to improve your chances of getting accepted. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence to put your best foot forward.

Overview of Dartmouth

Founded in 1769, Dartmouth College stands proudly in Hanover, New Hampshire. As one of the oldest and most revered institutions in the United States, Dartmouth has been a cornerstone in the nation’s intellectual and cultural development, significantly shaping the American higher education landscape.

Dartmouth’s prestige is evident in its national and world rankings. The US News Best Global Universities ranks the college at #18 among National Universities. On a global scale, Times Higher Education (THE) places Dartmouth at 161 in the World University Rankings for 2024.

Notable Dartmouth alumni include K. Barry Sharpless, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry twice (1959 and 2022), and Theodor Geisel, better known worldwide as Dr. Seuss. These distinguished individuals exemplify the diverse and significant contributions Dartmouth graduates make to society.

Dartmouth stands out for its strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching, with small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio that ensures personalized attention. The liberal arts focus is coupled with opportunities for research and collaboration, often reserved for graduate-level students at larger universities.

So, choosing Dartmouth is choosing a pathway to not only academic success but also personal growth and global impact. The college nurtures leaders and innovators who are prepared to tackle the challenges of the future with a balanced, well-rounded perspective.

Dartmouth’s Acceptance Rate

Dartmouth College has maintained a highly selective acceptance rate over the years:

Class	Acceptance Rate
Class of 2023	6.4%
Class of 2024	8.8%
Class of 2025	6%
Class of 2026	6%
Class of 2027	6%

The figures above reflect not just the competitiveness of the admissions process but also the caliber of students that Dartmouth attracts. They are also influenced by the growing number of applications and the evolving criteria for selection.

In particular, for the Class of 2027, Dartmouth received a historic high of 28,841 applications, the largest in its 253-year history. Maintaining a consistent 6% acceptance rate for the third consecutive year, the college admitted only 1,798 students.

It’s important not to be daunted by these numbers. Instead, use them to gauge the level of preparation and distinctiveness needed in your application. Remember, each application is reviewed holistically, so every aspect of your profile, from academics to extracurriculars, matters.

Factors that influence the acceptance rate

Several key factors play a role in determining Dartmouth’s acceptance rate each year. Understanding these can provide insights into the admissions process:

Academic Excellence: Dartmouth prioritizes academic achievement, looking for students with strong GPAs, high standardized test scores, and rigorous coursework. Excellence in academics is often a baseline for consideration.
Extracurricular Involvement: The college values well-rounded individuals. Leadership roles, community service, and other extracurricular activities demonstrate a candidate’s ability to contribute to campus life.
Personal Essays: Dartmouth places significant emphasis on personal essays. These essays offer a window into a student’s personality, goals, and fit for Dartmouth’s community, providing a crucial differentiator among applicants.
Letters of Recommendation: Strong recommendations from teachers and mentors can significantly impact an application. They offer an external perspective on a student’s character, work ethic, and potential.

Dartmouth GPA and SAT Requirements

For a prestigious institution like Dartmouth College, academic excellence is a cornerstone of its admissions process, and this is where your GPA and SAT scores come into play.

Your GPA represents your consistent academic performance and ability to meet the high standards that Dartmouth expects. Similarly, your SAT scores provide a standardized benchmark of your critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities—skills that are highly valued at Dartmouth.

Dartmouth is searching for students who demonstrate mastery of content and the ability to think critically and engage deeply with complex subjects. Thus, achieving high GPA and SAT scores can be a crucial factor in strengthening your application, showing Dartmouth that you are ready to thrive in their intellectually demanding environment.

Remember, though, Dartmouth takes a holistic approach to admissions. While your GPA and SAT scores are important, they are part of a larger picture that includes your extracurricular activities, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and unique talents. Your academic achievements should be balanced with distinctive personal qualities and contributions.

Dartmouth GPA Requirements

When it comes to GPA requirements, Dartmouth College does not set an absolute minimum, but admitted Dartmouth students typically have very high GPAs, ranging from 3.8 to 4.0, with an average GPA of 3.9. This high average reflects the academic rigor and excellence Dartmouth expects from its prospective students. They often belong to the top 10% of their class.

As a prospective Dartmouth student, it’s important to view these GPA statistics as a benchmark rather than a hard-and-fast rule. While a high GPA is indicative of academic excellence, Dartmouth’s admissions process is holistic.

This means that your GPA is evaluated in the context of other elements of your application, such as your course rigor, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. Understanding that Dartmouth seeks well-rounded individual s, your GPA should be one component of a comprehensive and compelling application package.

GPA recommendations

When aiming for admission to Dartmouth, here are key GPA-related recommendations to consider:

Aim for a 3.9 GPA or higher. Targeting this benchmark can strengthen your application significantly.
Enroll in advanced coursework, such as AP or IB classes, to demonstrate your ability to excel in rigorous academic settings.
If your GPA isn’t near 4.0, show an upward trend in your grades. Dartmouth values improvement and resilience in academic performance.

Dartmouth SAT Requirements

While Dartmouth does not have an absolute minimum SAT score requirement, the statistics provide insight into the caliber of students they admit:

Average SAT Score	25th Percentile SAT Score	75th Percentile SAT Score
1500	1450	1550

The 25th and 75th percentile scores give prospective students a clearer view of the range of SAT scores of admitted students.

These scores reflect Dartmouth’s emphasis on academic excellence and its highly selective admissions process. Nationally, these scores are significantly above the national average, indicating that Dartmouth students are among the top academic achievers in the country.

This high level of performance on the SAT demonstrates not only the students’ mastery of the test material but also their readiness to tackle the rigorous academic environment at an Ivy League institution like Dartmouth.

But these scores should serve as a guide, not a definitive benchmark, for your own test preparation. Dartmouth’s holistic admissions approach means that your SAT score is just one factor among many in your application. It’s vital to balance a strong SAT performance with other aspects of your application.

SAT recommendations

As you prepare for the SAT with Dartmouth in mind, here are four key strategies to help maximize your chances of success:

Aim for a score of 1550 or higher. Getting this score can make your application more competitive.
Regular practice and thorough preparation can significantly improve your SAT score. Utilize resources like practice tests, prep courses, and tutoring if necessary.
If your initial score is below your target range, consider retaking the SAT. Improvement over multiple attempts can demonstrate your commitment and perseverance.
While aiming for a high SAT score, remember that Dartmouth values a well-rounded application. Ensure that your SAT preparation does not come at the expense of other important application components.

Dartmouth ACT Requirements

Dartmouth College has high standards for ACT scores, although it does not enforce an absolute minimum requirement. The typical ACT scores of Dartmouth’s admitted students are the following:

Average ACT Score	25th Percentile ACT Score	75th Percentile ACT Score
34	32	35

These numbers underscore the college’s commitment to academic excellence. They also place Dartmouth students in the top percentile of ACT test-takers, reflecting their superior academic abilities and readiness for the challenging curriculum at Dartmouth.

You should view these ACT statistics as a benchmark for your own test preparation. While these scores are high, remember that Dartmouth evaluates applications holistically. Strive to achieve a balance between strong ACT performance and showcasing your unique talents, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities in your application.

ACT recommendations

As you prepare for the ACT with an eye on Dartmouth, consider these tips:

To be competitive in your application to Dartmouth, target a score of 35 or higher.
Rigorous and regular study, utilizing practice tests and prep resources, is key to achieving a high ACT score.
If your initial score falls short of your target, consider retaking the ACT. Showing improvement can positively impact your application.
While preparing for the ACT, ensure you continue to engage in activities that demonstrate your diverse interests and strengths. Dartmouth values well-rounded candidates.

Is Dartmouth Test-Optional?

Dartmouth College is test-optional for applicants to the Class of 2028. This means that you have the choice to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of your application, but it’s not a mandatory requirement.

This test-optional policy means you have more flexibility in how you present your academic qualifications. If you believe your SAT or ACT scores accurately reflect your abilities and strengthen your application, you can include them.

However, if you feel that your scores do not represent your true potential, or if you faced challenges in taking these tests, you can opt not to submit them. This policy allows you to highlight other aspects of your application, such as your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation, to demonstrate your readiness and fit for Dartmouth.

Dartmouth’s decision to go test-optional was influenced by a desire to offer a more inclusive and holistic admissions process. Dartmouth understands that factors like accessibility, test anxiety, and socioeconomic backgrounds can impact test-taking, and the test-optional policy aims to level the playing field for all applicants.

What Does Dartmouth Look for in Students?

As you navigate the journey of applying to Dartmouth College, it’s crucial to understand what the institution values in its students. Dartmouth’s official stance emphasizes the uniqueness of each student, highlighting the importance of individuality in contributing to the campus community.

This focus on distinct qualities, experiences, and perspectives is central to Dartmouth’s holistic selection process. The college doesn’t just look at your academic achievements and extracurricular activities; they seek to understand who you are as a whole person and what you can bring to their diverse and dynamic community.

Knowing Dartmouth’s core values and programs is essential because it allows you to align your application with what the college values most.

1. Distinct qualities that Dartmouth values in applicants

Dartmouth College seeks students who exhibit distinct personal qualities that align with its ethos. This includes traits like resilience, leadership, empathy, and intellectual curiosity.

Showcasing these qualities in your application is crucial, as they demonstrate your potential to contribute positively to Dartmouth’s campus and beyond. Your personal stories, achievements, and challenges can vividly illustrate these traits, providing a deeper insight into your character.

2. Unique experiences that set you apart

Your experiences—academic, extracurricular, or life experiences—are a key component of what makes you unique. Dartmouth values diverse backgrounds and experiences that contribute to a richly varied campus community.

Whether it’s your involvement in community service, overcoming personal obstacles, or engaging in innovative projects, sharing these experiences helps Dartmouth understand your journey and the perspective you bring.

3. Perspectives that enrich Dartmouth’s community

Dartmouth highly values the diverse perspectives that each student brings to the table. Your viewpoint, shaped by your cultural background, personal experiences, and individual beliefs, adds depth to the campus discourse.

Illustrating how your perspective will contribute to and benefit from Dartmouth’s collaborative and diverse environment is an important aspect of your application.

In short, as you prepare your application for Dartmouth College, it’s essential to reflect deeply on your unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives. Dartmouth isn’t just looking for academic achievers; they are seeking individuals who will bring a diverse array of ideas, passions, and visions to their campus.

By showcasing how your personal attributes, life experiences, and viewpoints align with Dartmouth’s values of discovery, connections, community, innovation, excellence, and balance, you can illustrate that you are a multi-dimensional individual ready to contribute to and flourish in Dartmouth’s dynamic and diverse community.

Remember, it’s the unique blend of who you are and what you aspire to be that can make your application stand out in the holistic admissions process at Dartmouth.

How to Boost Your Dartmouth Application

Since we’ve pulled back the curtains on the Dartmouth admissions process, you should feel more knowledgeable about what you’re up against. Now, we can focus on some ways to improve your chances of getting accepted.

As we mentioned before, the Dartmouth acceptance rate doesn’t necessarily reflect your chances of getting admitted. You might have much better odds depending on the holistic nature of your application. Here are some of our top tips:

1. Earn excellent grades.

We’ll kick things off with one of the more obvious strategies you can use to boost your chances of getting into Dartmouth: fantastic academic performance. You’ve probably heard it a million times before, but it’s important to drive the point home.

Your academic performance in high school plays a major role in deciding whether or not you get into the college of your choice. As a general rule of thumb, the more selective the school, the more impressive your grades and test scores need to be.

To align with Dartmouth’s expectations:

Challenge yourself academically. Enroll in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), honors, or other advanced-level courses available at your school. Dartmouth values students who push their limits and succeed in these rigorous academic settings.
Show an upward trend. If your GPA isn’t perfect, demonstrate an upward trajectory in your grades. Improvement over your high school years can reflect positively on your ability to adapt and overcome academic challenges.
Balance is key. While focusing on your grades, ensure that you’re not neglecting other aspects of your life and application. Dartmouth seeks well-rounded students who excel both academically and in other areas.
Seek help when needed. Don’t hesitate to seek extra help if you’re struggling in a particular subject. Utilize resources like tutors, study groups, or additional guidance from teachers. Dartmouth appreciates students who take initiative to excel academically and who are proactive in their learning process.

Maintaining excellent grades throughout your high school years is a fundamental step in making your application stand out to Dartmouth. It’s a testament to your academic dedication and readiness for the challenges at an elite institution like Dartmouth.

2. Take part in academic competitions.

Something many students shy away from that could greatly improve their odds of getting into Dartmouth is academic competitions. It’s perfectly natural for students to feel nervous and anxious about putting their skills to the test against other students or in front of people. However, this is an excellent way to make your application stand out.

Competing in these activities shows Dartmouth’s admissions staff that you’re willing to push yourself academically and that you’re always trying to improve your abilities.

To make the most out of your participation in academic competitions:

Select competitions that align with your interests. Choose competitions in areas you are passionate about, whether it’s mathematics, science, debate, writing, or others. Dartmouth looks for genuine interest and excellence in your chosen fields.
Aim for leadership roles or notable achievements. Leading a team in a competition or achieving high ranks can significantly bolster your application. It demonstrates not only your expertise in the subject but also leadership and teamwork skills.
Reflect on your experiences. In your application, discuss what you learned from these competitions. Highlight any challenges you overcame, skills you developed, and how these experiences have shaped your academic and career aspirations.
Balance participation with academics. While excelling in these competitions is important, ensure they complement rather than overwhelm your academic responsibilities. Dartmouth values academic excellence alongside extracurricular achievements.

3. Participate in extracurricular activities.

When parents and students consider what admissions staff look for, their minds often first go to academic factors such as standardized test scores, GPAs, and the level of high school courses. While these are no doubt critical factors, they’re by no means the only factors taken into consideration.

Dartmouth, as with most colleges, takes a comprehensive approach to its admission process. This simply means that admissions officers consider a wide range of factors to determine whether or not a student gets accepted. They also care about what students do outside of school. In other words, extracurricular activities.

To optimize your extracurricular participation:

Choose activities aligned with your interests. Engage in activities that genuinely interest you, whether they are sports, arts, community service, or clubs. Authenticity in your interests will shine through in your application.
Pursue leadership and impact. Seek roles where you can demonstrate leadership or make a significant impact. Leadership positions or initiatives where you’ve made a noticeable difference can be particularly compelling.
Show commitment and depth. Long-term involvement in a few activities is often more meaningful than brief participation in many. Dartmouth looks for depth and commitment, as it reflects your dedication and the ability to juggle responsibilities effectively.
Reflect on personal growth. In your application, articulate how these activities have contributed to your personal growth and how they align with Dartmouth’s values. Discuss skills learned, challenges overcome, and insights gained.

4. Join a reputable summer program.

While you might have the entire summer booked out for nothing but lazy days around the pool, short trips with friends, and other relaxing activities, you might want to leave at least a few weeks open for a great summer program.

These academic-focused activities take place during the summer months and are designed to help students further their skills in a particular area even when school isn’t in session. A reputable summer program can look great on an application as it shows Dartmouth admissions officers that you’re willing to spend extra time outside of school pursuing your academic goals.

Here are some strategies to make the most out of a summer program:

Choose programs aligned with your academic interests. Select summer programs that align with your academic goals or passions. Whether it’s a science camp, a creative writing workshop, or a leadership seminar, choose programs that resonate with your interests and aspirations.
Look for rigorous and prestigious programs. Programs associated with well-known universities or organizations can add weight to your application. They often provide a challenging environment that prepares you for the academic rigor of a school like Dartmouth.
Seek opportunities to stand out. Engage fully in the program, seeking leadership roles or engaging in unique projects. Achievements or recognitions in these programs can be highlighted in your application.
Reflect on your learning and growth. In your application, discuss what you learned from the program and how it contributed to your academic and personal development. Dartmouth values students who are self-motivated learners and who seek out opportunities for growth.

5. Get fantastic letters of recommendation.

Admissions officers want to get to know more about you on a personal level. While they don’t have time to meet every applicant in person, one of the best ways to gain this insight is to reach out to people who know you personally.

That’s why Dartmouth requires all applicants to get letters of recommendation from teachers and a school counselor. While many universities have this same requirement, Dartmouth sets itself apart by also encouraging students to get a letter of recommendation from a peer.

Here’s how to ensure your letters of recommendation are effective:

Select recommenders who truly know you. Choose teachers or mentors who can speak to your strengths and accomplishments. For the peer recommendation, select a friend or classmate who understands your character and contributions to your community in a way that adults might not see.
Provide your recommenders with relevant information. Help your recommenders by giving them a summary of your goals for Dartmouth, highlighting particular experiences or achievements you want them to emphasize. This guidance can help them write a letter that aligns with Dartmouth’s values and your aspirations.
Give them ample time. Request recommendations well in advance of the deadline. Providing your recommenders with enough time ensures they can write thoughtful and comprehensive letters.
Express gratitude. After your recommenders have submitted their letters, be sure to thank them. Acknowledging their effort is not only polite but also fosters positive ongoing relationships.

6. Write amazing essays.

All Dartmouth applicants have to respond to a series of essay prompts. While the rest of the application covers topics that are rather dry and one-dimensional, these essays are designed to give admissions staff a more complete picture of who they are.

From your perspective, these prompts give you an opportunity to demonstrate why you’re a perfect candidate to attend Dartmouth. As a result, your responses to these essays need to be personal and unique while still addressing the main topics of the prompts. In addition, you’ll want to tie in Dartmouth and its offerings into your answers to show why you want to attend.

Here are key tips to write standout essays for Dartmouth:

Be authentic. Write in your own voice and stay true to your personality. Dartmouth values authenticity and wants to get to know the real you through your essays.
Reflect Dartmouth’s values. Align your essays with the core values of Dartmouth, such as discovery, community, and innovation. Show how these values resonate with you and are reflected in your life experiences.
Tell a compelling story. Each essay should tell a story that captures an important aspect of who you are. Whether it’s an experience, a person who has influenced you, or a personal achievement, make sure it provides a deep insight into your character.
Proofread and edit. Ensure your essays are well-written and free of grammatical errors. Ask teachers, mentors, or peers to review your essays and provide feedback. Also consider seeking an admissions consultant who can provide professional essay editing services.

7. Take advantage of Dartmouth’s Early Decision.

Applying through Dartmouth’s Early Decision program can significantly enhance your chances of admission if Dartmouth is your top choice. This choice is a strong indication to the admissions committee of your deep commitment and intense interest in being part of the Dartmouth community.

Opting for Early Decision underscores a higher level of certainty and enthusiasm about attending Dartmouth, compared to Regular Decision applicants. It’s a clear message that, if accepted, Dartmouth is where you intend to enroll, reflecting a deliberate and confident decision about your educational future.

To effectively leverage Early Decision:

Prioritize Dartmouth. Be absolutely sure that Dartmouth is your first choice as this decision is binding.
Prepare your application early. Meet the earlier deadline with a well-prepared application to demonstrate seriousness.
Understand financial commitments. Be aware of and comfortable with the financial aspects, as accepting an Early Decision offer means committing to attending Dartmouth.
Articulate your choice. In your application, clearly express why Dartmouth is your top choice, focusing on specific aspects of the college that align with your goals and interests.

In conclusion, by focusing on these key areas, you can significantly boost your application to Dartmouth College. By presenting a well-rounded, thoughtful, and polished application, you position yourself as a strong candidate ready to contribute to and thrive in Dartmouth’s dynamic and intellectually vibrant community.

Subjects to Take to Get into Dartmouth

When planning your high school curriculum with an eye towards applying to Dartmouth College, it’s crucial to select subjects that align with Dartmouth’s academic expectations and its core curriculum. Dartmouth, like many Ivy League schools, seeks students with a strong foundation in a broad range of subjects, combined with depth in areas of particular interest.

Dartmouth’s core curriculum

With its strong liberal arts focus, Dartmouth embraces a comprehensive core curriculum designed to provide a broad-based education.

This core curriculum is rooted in the belief that a diverse academic foundation is essential for intellectual growth and development. It encourages you to explore various disciplines and gain a well-rounded academic experience.

At Dartmouth, the core curriculum typically includes:

Writing and Communication: Courses aimed at developing strong writing and communication skills.
Quantitative and Analytical Skills: Classes that enhance mathematical and analytical thinking.
Foreign Language Proficiency: Learning a foreign language to a certain level of proficiency to appreciate linguistic and cultural diversity.
Natural Sciences: Studies in fields like biology, chemistry, and physics, often with laboratory work, to understand the natural world.
Social Sciences: Subjects like sociology, psychology, economics, and political science that provide insights into human behavior and societal structures.
Humanities: Courses in literature, philosophy, history, and the arts that cultivate an understanding of human experience and creativity.

The core curriculum at Dartmouth is not just about covering a range of subjects. It’s about cultivating a way of thinking that is both analytical and creative, grounded in knowledge yet open to new ideas and perspectives.

Subject recommendations

To align with this comprehensive approach, high school students aspiring to attend Dartmouth should consider a curriculum that includes:

English: Strong reading and writing skills are essential. Aim to take advanced literature and composition classes. Tip: Enhance your critical reading and analytical writing skills, as these are crucial for college-level work.
Social Sciences: Courses in History, Geography, Psychology, and Economics provide a good foundation. Tip: Engage in discussions, debates, and social studies clubs to deepen your understanding of these subjects.
Foreign Languages: Knowledge of a second language shows cultural awareness and intellectual versatility. Tip: Aim for proficiency or fluency in a language through classes, immersion programs, or self-study.
Arts: Engagement in the arts demonstrates creativity. Consider subjects like Art, Music, Theater, or Dance. Tip: Participate in school and community arts programs to develop and showcase your artistic talents.
Mathematics: Dartmouth appreciates students with solid math skills. Courses like Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, or Statistics are recommended. Tip: Engage in math clubs or competitions to further develop and demonstrate your quantitative skills.
Science: Focus on subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science, especially with lab components. Tip: Participate in science fairs or research projects to showcase your interest and aptitude in scientific inquiry.

By selecting a balanced and challenging mix of these subjects in high school, you can prepare effectively for Dartmouth’s rigorous and diverse academic environment.

Specific Areas that Can Bolster Your Dartmouth Application

Now, let’s delve into specific areas and activities that can further bolster your application. These areas provide tangible ways to demonstrate your unique talents and align with Dartmouth’s values.

Passion

TEDxYouth: Participating in or organizing a TEDxYouth event showcases your ability to engage with ideas worth spreading and demonstrates leadership and initiative.
Personal Blog or Podcast: Creating content around a subject you are passionate about not only shows dedication but also your ability to communicate and engage an audience.

Leadership

Model United Nations (MUN): Involvement in MUN demonstrates your diplomatic skills, global awareness, and leadership capabilities.
Student Government: Taking an active role in student government showcases your leadership skills and your ability to work collaboratively and effect change.

Academic research

Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology: Participating in this prestigious research competition highlights your aptitude for academic inquiry and innovation.
Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF): This research fair showcases your ability to conduct high-level research and contribute original ideas to the scientific community.

School clubs and organizations

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA): Involvement in business clubs FBLA demonstrates your interest in entrepreneurship and business acumen.
Science Olympiad or Robotics Club: Participation in these clubs exhibits your skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and passion for science and technology.

Community service

Key Club or Habitat for Humanity: Active participation in these organizations shows commitment to community service and leadership in social causes.
Local Community Projects: Initiating or leading community projects can demonstrate your ability to identify needs and mobilize resources for a cause.

Regional and national academic competitions

National History Day: Participation indicates your deep engagement with history and research.
American Mathematics Competitions (AMC): Success in these competitions shows your strong analytical and mathematical skills.

Summer programs

Summer Science Program (SSP): Joining the SSP can be a pivotal step in preparing for Dartmouth, as it demonstrates your commitment to academic rigor and research.
Dartmouth Pre-College Programs: Participation in Dartmouth’s own summer programs can provide valuable insights into the college’s culture and expectations, making it an excellent preparatory step for your Dartmouth journey.

Music

All-State Music Festivals: Achieving a position in a state-level music festival shows your excellence and dedication in music.
National Youth Orchestra: Being part of this group signifies your high level of musical talent and commitment.

Sports and athletics

AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) Tournaments: Competing in AAU events showcases your athletic talent and teamwork at a high level.
State or National Championships: Participation or achievement in these events demonstrates your high athletic skill and dedication.

Internships

Internship at a Local Business or Non-Profit: This kind of internship shows your real-world experience and the application of academic knowledge in a professional setting.
Summer Research Internships at Universities: Gaining hands-on experience in research projects enhances your understanding of academic and scientific work.

In summary, by engaging in these specific programs and activities, you can showcase your multifaceted skills, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to making a meaningful impact, both in your community and at Dartmouth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Dartmouth Application

As you prepare your application for Dartmouth College, it’s essential to be mindful of common pitfalls that can weaken your candidacy. These mistakes, often overlooked by applicants, can significantly impact how your application is perceived by the admissions committee:

1. Overlooking the holistic review process

One of the most common pitfalls in the Dartmouth College application process is the tendency to focus solely on grades and test scores, overlooking other crucial aspects of your application. It’s essential to understand that Dartmouth employs a holistic review process, where they evaluate your entire profile, including your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Dartmouth values applicants who are not just exceptional academically but also well-rounded individuals. They are looking for students who bring character, leadership, and a commitment to their community.