When I first started working with Ivy League applicants, I never imagined how many bright, driven students would end up heartbroken over an offer they didn’t get. Dartmouth College, with its tight-knit community and liberal arts model, is often a top choice for students seeking a balance between academic rigor and human connection. But as the Class of 2025 admissions cycle showed us, getting in was more competitive than ever.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the acceptance rate for Dartmouth College’s Class of 2025, what it means in context, and what I tell my students when they’re trying to make sense of these numbers. If you’re a future applicant hoping to join the Dartmouth family — or just trying to understand how this process works — this breakdown is for you.
Dartmouth College Class of 2025 Acceptance Rate Analysis
Dartmouth College admitted just 6.17% of applicants to the Class of 2025 — the lowest acceptance rate in the college’s history at the time. Out of 28,357 applicants, only 1,749 students were accepted. For context, this was a dramatic drop from the previous year’s acceptance rate of 8.79%, which was already considered highly selective.
So what caused this surge in selectivity? The short answer: a record number of applications fueled by test-optional policies, pandemic-era uncertainty, and increasing interest in elite colleges across the board.
This trend played out across the Ivy League. If you’re curious about how other Ivies compared, I recommend checking out our recent acceptance rate breakdowns for University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, and Columbia University.
Breaking Down the Numbers
- Total applicants: 28,357
- Accepted students: 1,749
- Acceptance rate: 6.17%
- Early decision acceptance rate: ~21%
- Regular decision acceptance rate: ~4.5%
I often tell students that the early decision pool at Dartmouth — while still competitive — offers better odds. But it’s not just about strategy. You need to be truly ready to commit to Dartmouth as your first choice, because early decision is binding.
Who Got In?
Dartmouth’s admitted students came from all 50 states and over 70 countries. 48% of U.S. admits identified as students of color, and 17% would be the first in their families to attend college. These numbers reflect Dartmouth’s ongoing efforts to build a diverse and inclusive campus — something I deeply respect as an advisor working with many first-generation and international students.
Test-optional policies also played a role. The Class of 2025 was the first to apply without a required SAT or ACT score, thanks to pandemic-era adjustments. According to Dartmouth Admissions, about 50% of applicants submitted test scores, but the admissions team evaluated all files holistically — which helped students who might’ve previously been filtered out based on scores alone.
Why Dartmouth’s Acceptance Rate Dropped
To understand the sudden drop in Dartmouth’s acceptance rate, you need to zoom out and look at the national picture. The Class of 2025 applied during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — a time that changed college admissions in ways we’re still unpacking today.
1. Test-Optional Policies Fueled Application Surges
When Dartmouth announced its temporary test-optional policy, many students who might’ve considered it a reach school decided to apply. This was a common trend across top universities. As I explained to one of my advisees from Texas, “You’re not the only one taking a chance this year — tens of thousands of students are doing the same.”
Colleges received more applications than ever before. But their class sizes didn’t grow. That’s how you end up with lower acceptance rates — not necessarily because they’re rejecting more students, but because they’re choosing from a much larger pool.
2. Increased Interest in Ivy League Schools
According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, elite colleges have seen an upward trend in applications over the past decade. The pandemic only accelerated that interest.
More students were drawn to prestigious schools like Dartmouth as virtual tours and online info sessions made them more accessible. I worked with a student in rural Georgia who told me, “I never thought I’d apply to an Ivy, but I’ve been attending all the virtual events and I feel like I belong.”
3. Yield Protection and Waitlist Strategy
Colleges also adjusted their yield strategies — trying to predict who would actually accept their offers. With so many students applying to multiple Ivies, Dartmouth had to be cautious. This led to more conservative admit numbers and greater reliance on the waitlist.
Yield protection isn’t a myth. As I remind students, “Colleges aren’t just picking you — they’re trying to guess if you’ll pick them back.” Demonstrated interest really matters at a school like Dartmouth.
What This Means for Future Applicants
If you’re applying to Dartmouth or another Ivy League in the coming years, the Class of 2025 cycle holds important lessons. Yes, the acceptance rate was historically low, but that doesn’t mean you should feel discouraged. It means you need to apply smartly, authentically, and with insight into how the game is evolving.
1. Be Strategic with Early Decision
As I mentioned earlier, Dartmouth’s early decision acceptance rate was significantly higher than regular decision. If Dartmouth is your first choice and you’re prepared to commit, applying early can make a real difference.
Just be sure you fully understand the implications. Our guide on how to get into Dartmouth College includes tips on early decision and what makes a compelling application.
2. Focus on Holistic Strength
Even in a test-optional world, holistic review is key. Dartmouth looks for students who show intellectual curiosity, community engagement, and reflective thinking. You don’t need to be perfect, but you do need to be real — and intentional.
I had a student who didn’t have perfect grades but wrote a powerful essay about her experiences helping migrant farmworkers in California. That authenticity helped her stand out in a sea of applicants with 4.0 GPAs.
3. Think Beyond the Numbers
I hear this often: “I have a 3.9 GPA and a 1510 SAT — do I have a shot?” My answer is always the same: You’re more than your numbers. Your essays, recommendations, and activities tell a story. That story needs to align with what Dartmouth values: leadership, curiosity, and a desire to contribute to a close-knit academic community.
For more advice on crafting a standout narrative, check out our post on building your college application theme.
FAQ: Dartmouth Class of 2025 Admissions
What was the early decision acceptance rate for Dartmouth’s Class of 2025?
Approximately 21% of early decision applicants were admitted. This is significantly higher than the overall 6.17% rate, highlighting the strategic advantage of applying early if Dartmouth is your top choice.
How many students applied to Dartmouth in the 2025 cycle?
Dartmouth received a record 28,357 applications for the Class of 2025, a major increase from previous years due to test-optional policies and increased accessibility of virtual admissions events.
Did Dartmouth require SAT or ACT scores for the Class of 2025?
No, Dartmouth adopted a test-optional policy during the pandemic. Around half of the applicants still submitted scores, but the admissions process placed strong emphasis on holistic review.
How diverse was the admitted Class of 2025?
48% of U.S. admits identified as students of color, and 17% were first-generation college students. Dartmouth made clear efforts to enroll a class that reflects a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
Final Thoughts
The Dartmouth College Class of 2025 admissions cycle was historic — and not just because of the record-low acceptance rate. It marked a turning point in how selective colleges evaluate talent, potential, and character in a changing world.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I want you to know this: you are not your acceptance rate. I’ve seen students thrive at Dartmouth, and I’ve seen others flourish at schools they hadn’t even considered at first. What matters most is not just where you go, but how you grow when you get there.
For more insights into elite admissions trends, take a look at our coverage of the Princeton University Class of 2025 or dive into our guide on how COVID-19 has changed college admissions.
Wherever you’re headed, I’m here to help you get there — with clarity, compassion, and a plan that’s truly your own.