When Do Dartmouth’s Decisions Come Out?

You’ve hit submit on your Dartmouth application, and now the real waiting begins. Like many other hopeful applicants, you might find yourself refreshing your inbox or logging into your Applicant Portal on repeat. Understanding when Dartmouth decisions come out can make that wait a little easier and help you plan your next steps.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Dartmouth’s key notification dates. From Early Decision and Regular Decision timelines to waitlist and transfer updates, we’ll cover it all. Plus, we’ll break down acceptance rate trends and give you practical tips on what to do once your decision is finally released.

• When Does Dartmouth Release Decisions?
• When Do Dartmouth Early Decisions Come Out?
• When Do Dartmouth Regular Decisions Come Out?
• When Do Dartmouth Waitlist Decisions Come Out?
• When Do Dartmouth Transfer Decisions Come Out?
• What to Do After Receiving Your Dartmouth Admissions Decision
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

When Does Dartmouth Release Decisions?

Dartmouth decisions come out in two main ways for first-year applicants: Early Decision (ED) and Regular Decision (RD).  In addition, there’s a separate process for transfer applicants, each with its own timeline.

Here’s a quick table showing the typical decision release dates for Dartmouth:

Keep in mind that these timelines apply only to Dartmouth undergraduate admissions. Graduate and professional programs follow different schedules, so applicants should check program-specific websites for details.

When Do Dartmouth Early Decisions Come Out?

If you applied through Dartmouth’s Early Decision plan, the wait is much shorter compared to Regular Decision. Dartmouth ED results are usually released in mid-December, and if you’re wondering what time Dartmouth Early Decisions comes out, they’ve historically been posted in the evening at 7:00 ET.

Here are the key Dartmouth ED milestones you need to remember:

If you’re applying Early Decision, Dartmouth also provides timelines for other application submissions. By November 1, the ED deadline, you also need to make sure you’ve sent in your financial aid materials and paid the application fee (or requested a waiver).

November 1 is also the last date for testing. Around mid-November, you may get an optional Alumni Interview invite, and by late November, schools will want to see your first-quarter grades.

Between January and February, Dartmouth expects you to send in your Mid-Year Report. If you’re deferred, this is a good time to share a quick update with new accomplishments, test scores, or even an extra recommendation.

By April 1, deferred applicants will hear back with their final decision, and admitted students will see updated financial aid awards. During April, you can review or appeal your aid package if needed. For those admitted later, the intent to enroll is May 2.

Finally, in June, you must submit your Final School Report and transcript and if you’re planning to request a gap year, let the school know.

What is Dartmouth Early Decision?

Dartmouth’s Early Decision (ED) option is a binding agreement, which means if you’re admitted, you’re committing to attend Dartmouth and must withdraw all your other college applications. This makes ED the right choice only if you’re completely sure Dartmouth is where you want to be.

You can still apply early to other schools, as long as those programs are non-binding, but you cannot apply to another college’s binding early plan. If Dartmouth admits you through ED, you’re officially a future Dartmouth student.

The best part? You’ll hear back much earlier than most applicants. Instead of waiting until spring, ED applicants get their decision in mid-December.

Dartmouth Early Decision results

If you apply through ED, here’s what can happen:

• Admitted. You’re in! Along with your admission letter, you’ll get an estimated financial aid package. Dartmouth guarantees to meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need. And if your aid award isn’t enough, you can work with the financial aid office. In rare cases where no agreement can be reached, Dartmouth will release you from the binding ED commitment.
• Deferred. Your application gets another look in the Regular Decision round, and you’ll hear back by April.
• Denied. Your application is closed for this year, but you’re welcome to reapply in a future cycle.

Dartmouth decisions come out through the Applicant Portal. You’ll get an email letting you know your decision is ready, but you’ll need to log in to view it.

Dartmouth Early Decision acceptance rate

Applying ED can give you a bit of an edge. For the Class of 2028, Dartmouth received 3,550 ED applications and admitted 606 students—that’s about a 17.1% acceptance rate.

This rate is higher than Dartmouth’s Regular Decision admit rate (around 5%). But remember: the ED pool is full of students who are already strong fits for Dartmouth and ready to commit. Most of the class is still admitted through Regular Decision, but if Dartmouth is your clear first choice, applying ED can slightly boost your chances.

When Do Dartmouth Regular Decisions Come Out?

For most applicants, Regular Decision is the standard route. For RD, Dartmouth decisions come out in late March or early April, coinciding with Ivy Day when all Ivy League schools release their results. Just like Dartmouth Early Decision, Regular Decision notifications usually come out around 7:00 PM in the evening.

If you’re applying through Dartmouth’s Regular Decision, here’s what your timeline will look like:

Same with ED, Dartmouth also provides other key dates to help you navigate the application process for RD. By December is your last chance to complete testing, and by January 1,  you’ll need to have your application, application fee (or waiver), and financial aid materials submitted. Around this time, you might also receive an optional alumni interview invitation.

Between January and February, Dartmouth will request your Mid-Year Report. Then comes the big moment—late March or early April—when Dartmouth decisions come out, along with your financial aid awards.

In April, admitted students can review or appeal their financial aid offers if needed. By May 1, you’ll need to confirm your intent to enroll. Finally, in June, be sure to send in your Final School Report and transcript, and if you’re planning to request a gap year, submit that by June 1.

What is Dartmouth Regular Decision?

Regular Decision (RD) is Dartmouth’s most common application option. It’s non-binding, which means you can apply to as many colleges as you’d like and only commit once you’ve reviewed all your offers. RD is a great choice if you want more time to polish your application or compare financial aid packages.

Regular Decision is open to most high school seniors who haven’t yet enrolled in college. Even if you’ve taken college-level courses, like dual-enrollment or an associate’s degree, you’ll still apply as a first-year.

If you’ve already graduated and enrolled in college, even for just one term, you’ll need to apply as a transfer instead. Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree aren’t eligible.

International students studying at a university can apply as either first-year or transfer applicants. Just keep in mind that if you choose first-year, your existing credits won’t transfer. You’ll also need to include your current transcript and explain why you’re applying this way.

Dartmouth Regular Decision results

When you apply Regular Decision, you can expect one of three outcomes:

• Admitted. You’re accepted and have until May 1 to make your decision.
• Waitlisted. You’re placed on hold and may receive an offer later in the spring or summer.
• Denied. Your application is closed for this cycle.

For RD, Dartmouth decisions typically come out in late March or early April, and Dartmouth will notify you via email when your result is available in the Applicant Portal.

Dartmouth Regular Decision acceptance rate

For the Class of 2028, Dartmouth reviewed 31,657 applications. About 606 students were admitted early, leaving fewer spots in the RD pool. In the end, only about 1,079 RD applicants were accepted, for an admit rate of just 3.8%—much lower than the 17.1% ED rate and the 5.3% overall rate. That makes RD especially competitive.

When Do Dartmouth Waitlist Decisions Come Out?

Being placed on Dartmouth’s waitlist means you’re a strong applicant, but there wasn’t enough space to offer you a spot right away. It’s not a rejection, but it’s also not a guarantee. You’re still in the running if space opens later in the cycle.

Dartmouth reviews its waitlist throughout late spring and into the summer, with most final decisions made by July 1. Here’s what the timeline usually looks like:

If you’re placed on the Dartmouth waitlist, it typically happens in late March or early April. To stay in consideration, you’ll need to confirm your spot by completing the Waitlist Reply Form in your application portal. You can also submit a brief letter of interest and updated grades to strengthen your file.

The review period usually runs from mid-May into early July, depending on how many admitted students accept their initial offers. If space opens, Dartmouth may extend rolling offers to students on the waitlist. When Dartmouth decisions come out and you’re offered a spot, you’ll need to respond quickly to secure your place in the class.

It’s important to note that fewer than 10 percent of applicants are typically offered a place on Dartmouth’s waitlist, and the number admitted from it can vary widely.

For the Class of 2028, 2,589 applicants were offered a place on the waitlist, and 2,189 chose to accept. In the end, only 29 students were admitted—a waitlist acceptance rate of just 1.3%. Because of this uncertainty, it’s wise to commit to another college while you wait for Dartmouth’s final decision.

When Do Dartmouth Transfer Decisions Come Out?

Applying to transfer at Dartmouth follows a different timeline than first-year admissions. While first-year applicants typically learn their results in December or March, Dartmouth decisions come out in mid-May for transfers—about two months after the March 1 deadline.

Here’s how the transfer timeline usually looks:

Once you’ve submitted your application by March 1, Dartmouth reviews transfer candidates through the spring. By mid-May, you’ll get your admission decision along with a financial aid award if you applied for aid.

If you’re admitted, remember that Dartmouth decisions come out with a short turnaround: you’ll usually need to commit by late May. At that point, you’ll also be asked to submit your final spring grades and course syllabi so Dartmouth’s Registrar can review which credits will transfer.

It’s worth noting just how competitive transfer admission is. For the Class of 2028, Dartmouth received 932 transfer applications and admitted only 62 students—a transfer acceptance rate of 6.6%. Of those admitted, 32 enrolled, meaning just a few dozen transfer students join Dartmouth’s incoming class each year.

With such small numbers, keeping backup options at other schools is an important part of the process.

What to Do After Receiving Your Dartmouth Admissions Decision

No matter the outcome (admitted, deferred, waitlisted, or denied), knowing what to do next when Dartmouth decisions come out can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

If you’re admitted

First of all, celebrate this huge accomplishment! Getting into Dartmouth is no small feat. Now:

• Accept your offer. Do this through the portal and pay your deposit (by January for ED or May 1 for RD). This officially secures your spot in the incoming class.
• Review your financial aid package carefully. Dartmouth meets 100% of demonstrated need, but if something feels unclear or insufficient, reach out to the Financial Aid Office for guidance.
• Start preparing for the transition. Look into housing, orientation, and course registration early so you feel ready for college life in New Hampshire.

If you’re deferred (ED Only)

Being deferred means Dartmouth sees potential in you, but wants to review your application again in the Regular Decision pool. Here’s what you need to do:

• Send a letter of continued interest. This shows Dartmouth you’re still enthusiastic about attending and gives you the chance to share meaningful updates (like new awards, leadership roles, or stronger grades).
• Keep your momentum strong. Continue excelling in your coursework and activities. Any progress can help strengthen your application when it’s reviewed again.
• Focus on other schools too. While you wait, continue submitting strong Regular Decision applications elsewhere to keep your options open.

If you’re waitlisted

Being waitlisted puts you in a holding pattern. Dartmouth may still admit you, depending on space in the class. Do these:

• Accept your spot on the waitlist. Without this step, you won’t be eligible if openings arise.
• Understand the odds. Fewer than 10% of waitlisted students are admitted, and some years it may be none. Be prepared for that uncertainty.
• Secure a backup plan. Commit to another college by May 1 to guarantee you have a place to attend, even if Dartmouth doesn’t come through.
• Submit a letter of continued interest. Reaffirm your enthusiasm for Dartmouth and share meaningful updates that weren’t in your original application.

If you’re denied

A denial is tough, but it doesn’t define you or your future. Here’s how to handle the situation:

• Take time to process the news. Feeling disappointed is natural, but remember this is about fit, not your value or abilities.
• Shift your focus to schools where you’ve been admitted. Many students end up thriving at institutions they hadn’t originally considered top choices.
• See this as a redirection, not a dead end. Dartmouth is only one path. Your success will come from what you make of your opportunities, wherever you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do Dartmouth College decisions come out?

Dartmouth decisions come out depending on your application round. Early Decision results come out in mid-December, Regular Decision notifications are released in late March or early April, and transfer applicants usually hear back in mid-May. Waitlist activity can even extend into the summer.

2. What time do Dartmouth Early Decisions come out?

Dartmouth decisions come out in the evening, typically around 7:00 PM ET. You’ll receive an email once your decision is ready, but you’ll need to log into your Applicant Portal to view the official result.

3. What is the Dartmouth ED deadline?

The Dartmouth ED deadline is November 1. By that date, you need to submit your application, testing (if required), and financial aid materials. Decisions are then released in mid-December.

4. Does applying Early Decision help my chances?

Yes. For the Class of 2028, Dartmouth admitted about 17.1% of ED applicants compared to only 3.8% in Regular Decision. Since ED is binding, it’s best for students who are absolutely sure Dartmouth is their first choice.

5. How selective is Dartmouth’s waitlist?

The waitlist is very competitive. According to Dartmouth’s latest data, over 2,100 students accepted a spot, but only 29 were admitted. That’s fewer than 2%, so while it’s worth accepting your spot if Dartmouth is a top choice, it’s also smart to commit to another school as a backup.

Takeaways

• Dartmouth decisions come out in mid-December for ED, late March/early April for RD, and mid-May for transfer applicants.
• The Dartmouth ED deadline is November 1, and results typically go live in the evening hours.
• Applying Early Decision can improve your odds, but it’s a binding commitment to attend if admitted.
• Fewer than 10% of waitlisted applicants are admitted, so always secure a spot at another school while waiting.
• If you need extra support to stay on top of every Dartmouth deadline, a college admissions consultant can help you craft a standout application, and boost your overall chances of admission.