Dartmouth College is one of those rare institutions that blend academic excellence with a deep sense of community. Nestled in Hanover, New Hampshire, this Ivy League school is known for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, tight-knit campus life, and intellectual rigor. But getting into Dartmouth isn’t just about having perfect grades or high test scores. It’s about showing who you are — and why you belong in a place that values curiosity, collaboration, and leadership of character.
I’ve worked with several students who saw Dartmouth as their dream school. Some got in. Some didn’t. But all of them walked away with a clearer understanding of themselves and the kind of college experience they wanted. If you’re aiming for Dartmouth, let me walk you through what it takes — academically, emotionally, and strategically — to make your application stand out.
How to Get Into Dartmouth College: Strategies for Success
With an acceptance rate hovering around 6%, Dartmouth is highly selective. That can feel intimidating, especially for first-generation or international students who may not have access to elite prep schools or private counselors. But I want to be clear: Dartmouth isn’t looking for perfection. It’s looking for purpose. Let’s break down the process so you can approach it with confidence and intention.
Understand Dartmouth’s Academic Expectations
First, the basics. Dartmouth expects academic excellence. Most admitted students are in the top 10% of their high school class, with average SAT scores between 1450–1560 and ACT scores between 32–35. But numbers alone won’t get you in.
I often tell students to focus on academic rigor over raw GPA. Did you challenge yourself with AP, IB, or dual enrollment courses? If not, can you explain why? Dartmouth’s admissions officers look at your transcript in context. If your school doesn’t offer many advanced courses, that won’t count against you — but you should be taking the most challenging courses available to you.
If you’re not sure how your class choices stack up, our guide on dual enrollment vs. AP classes can help you evaluate your options.
Craft a Compelling Story
This is where most strong applicants rise or fall. Your application isn’t just a collection of stats. It’s a narrative — one that shows who you are, what you care about, and how you’ll contribute to Dartmouth’s community.
That means your essays matter. A lot. Dartmouth has its own supplemental prompts, which often ask about your intellectual interests, personal background, or connection to the college. I’ve seen students write about everything from restoring antique radios to translating poetry with their grandmother. The common thread? Authenticity.
One of my students, Maya, wrote about growing up in a multilingual household and how that sparked her passion for linguistics. Her essay wasn’t flashy — it was honest, reflective, and specific. She was admitted Early Decision.
If you’re not sure how to build your application around a central theme, take a look at our breakdown of how to craft a compelling application narrative.
Letters of Recommendation and Extracurricular Impact
Dartmouth requires two teacher recommendations and one from your school counselor. These letters should speak not just to your academic ability, but to your character, leadership, and curiosity. Choose teachers who know you well — not just the ones who gave you an A.
Extracurriculars are where you show depth. Not quantity, but quality. Were you the founder of a tutoring program? A section leader in orchestra? A published writer? Dartmouth values students who take initiative and make a difference, even on a small scale.
One applicant I worked with, a first-gen student named Luis, started a coding club at his public high school. His school didn’t offer computer science, so he taught himself Python using online courses and led weekend workshops for younger students. Dartmouth admitted him — and later, he got involved in the DALI Lab on campus.
Want help organizing your activities? Check out our guide to building a strong application resume.
What Dartmouth Looks for in Applicants
Beyond academics and activities, Dartmouth is looking for students who align with its values: intellectual curiosity, community-mindedness, and moral leadership. That might sound vague, but there are ways to demonstrate it clearly.
Show Community Engagement
Dartmouth thrives on collaboration. Whether through service, clubs, or group projects, your ability to work with others and lead with empathy will matter. Think about moments where you brought people together, solved problems as a team, or supported your peers.
I remember one student, Anika, who organized a mental health awareness week at her school after noticing how many classmates were struggling in silence. She didn’t have a perfect GPA, but her initiative and emotional intelligence stood out. Dartmouth offered her admission — and a generous financial aid package.
Demonstrated Interest Matters
Dartmouth does track demonstrated interest. That means visiting campus (if possible), attending virtual info sessions, and writing specific, tailored essays. Mention professors, programs, or traditions that resonate with you.
Are you fascinated by the Native American Studies program? Excited about the First-Year Trips? Say so — and explain why. For more on how to show colleges you’re genuinely interested, read our advice on demonstrated interest.
Apply Early if You’re Ready
Dartmouth’s Early Decision (ED) acceptance rate is significantly higher than its Regular Decision rate. But ED is binding, so apply early only if you’re sure Dartmouth is your first choice and your application is already strong.
Need help deciding between early options? Our article on Early Decision vs. Early Action lays out the pros and cons.
Application Tips and Tools
Applying to Dartmouth is a marathon, not a sprint. Here are some practical tools and strategies to help you stay on track and reduce stress along the way.
Use the Common App Thoughtfully
Dartmouth accepts the Common Application. Be strategic about how you use each section. The Additional Information section is a great place to explain context, like why your grades dipped during sophomore year or how COVID-19 affected your extracurriculars. For more guidance, check out our article on Common App essay prompts.
Plan Ahead with a Checklist
Start early. I recommend building a timeline by junior spring and finalizing your essays by the start of senior year. Our college application checklist can help you stay organized and avoid last-minute panic.
Prepare for the Interview
Dartmouth offers optional alumni interviews. If you’re invited, take it seriously. It’s a chance to show your personality and genuine interest. Be ready to talk about your goals, your reasons for choosing Dartmouth, and your high school experience. Our college interview prep guide covers the most common questions and how to answer them.
Don’t Panic After Submitting
Once you hit submit, it’s easy to spiral. What if you forgot something? What if you’re rejected? Breathe. If you’ve done your best, that’s enough. And if you need next steps, we’ve outlined them in our guide on what to do after submitting your application.
Apply for Aid
Dartmouth is need-blind for U.S. applicants and meets 100% of demonstrated need. Be sure to submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile. For reliable information, visit the Dartmouth Financial Aid Office and Federal Student Aid website.
FAQ: Dartmouth Admissions
What is Dartmouth’s acceptance rate?
Dartmouth’s most recent acceptance rate was around 6%. This varies slightly year to year, especially between Regular and Early Decision rounds.
Is Dartmouth test-optional?
Yes, Dartmouth has adopted a test-optional policy through the 2025 admissions cycle. You won’t be penalized for not submitting scores, but strong scores can still help you. Learn more from Dartmouth’s testing policy.
Can international students apply for financial aid?
Yes. However, Dartmouth is not need-blind for international students. That means financial need may be considered in the admissions decision. Still, Dartmouth does offer substantial aid to admitted international students.
What majors or programs is Dartmouth known for?
Dartmouth is especially strong in government, economics, environmental studies, and engineering. The liberal arts curriculum also allows you to explore broadly before declaring a major.
Final Thoughts
Getting into Dartmouth isn’t easy — but it is possible. I’ve seen students from rural towns, big cities, and every background in between earn their place there. What they had in common wasn’t a perfect résumé. It was a sense of purpose, a love of learning, and the courage to tell their story honestly.
If Dartmouth feels like the right fit for you, start now. Give yourself time to reflect, revise, and reach out for help when you need it. And remember, no matter how selective a college is, your worth is not defined by an admissions decision. But your story? That’s always worth telling.