During the ’90s, Dartmouth College maintained an acceptance rate ranging from 21% to 26%. However, by around 2010, this figure had plummeted to 12-13%. Fast forward to 2023, and the trend continued with a steady 6% admit rate for the third consecutive year. Much like any Ivy League institution, Dartmouth expects applicants to showcase exemplary academic records, standardized test scores well above the 95th percentile, and notable achievements beyond the classroom. With an influx of over 28,000 applications annually, Dartmouth extends admission offers to only about 1,750 prospective students. Determining your competitiveness as a Dartmouth applicant will require thorough research and preparation.
Nestled in Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth College resides in a quaint town situated in the picturesque Upper Connecticut River Valley. Hanover, with its modest population of 11,000, finds itself divided by the scenic Connecticut River, serving as the boundary between New Hampshire and neighboring Vermont. Notably, Dartmouth students constitute nearly half of the town’s inhabitants.
Indeed, Dartmouth holds its place among the esteemed Ivy League institutions. Founded in 1769, it stands as the second-youngest Ivy, with only Cornell University established at a later date.
What is The Dartmouth Early Decision Acceptance Rate?
In the 2022-23 admissions cycle, Dartmouth College received over 3,000 early decision applications. From this pool, 578 students were offered admission to the Class of 2027. Consequently, the Dartmouth early decision acceptance rate stood at 19% for the incoming class.
What is The Dartmouth Acceptance Rate?
For the freshman class of 2023-24, Dartmouth College received a total of 28,841 applications, marking an increase from the previous year. To put this into perspective, Dartmouth received just over 16,500 applications for the Class of 2012. The acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 at Dartmouth stood at 6%, which tied for the lowest in the school’s history. This marked the seventh instance in Dartmouth’s history where the acceptance rate fell into single digits.
- Class of 2026: 6%
- Class of 2025: 6%
- Class of 2024: 9%
What is The Dartmouth SAT, ACT, and Class Rank?
Based on the latest data, the median SAT score for incoming freshmen was 1520, while the average ACT score stood at 33. Impressively, 94% of the Class of 2025 secured a spot in the top 10% of their graduating high school class. Additionally, in a typical year, over 500 admitted students held the prestigious titles of valedictorian or salutatorian in their high school class.
What is The Admission Insights at The Dartmouth?
Admissions Trends & Notes – Class of 2027:
- The Class of 2027 welcomed students from all U.S. states and 75 countries, reflecting Dartmouth’s diverse community.
- Within U.S. citizens admitted through Early Decision, 41% identify as people of color, showcasing Dartmouth’s commitment to diversity.
- A noteworthy 15% of Early Decision admits are first-generation college students, demonstrating Dartmouth’s dedication to fostering accessibility.
- Additionally, 14% of Early Decision admits are legacy students, highlighting the strong Dartmouth family tradition.
- Among admitted students, 56% come from public or charter schools, underscoring Dartmouth’s inclusivity and support for students from various educational backgrounds.
What is The Admission Criteria at The Dartmouth?
According to the Dartmouth Office of Admissions, each admitted student brings a unique blend of qualities, experiences, and perspectives that enriches the community and distinguishes them from others.
Dartmouth assigns high importance to several factors in the admissions process, including the rigor of the secondary school record, class rank, GPA, standardized test scores, application essay, recommendations, extracurricular activities, and character/personal qualities. Talent and ability are also considered important, while interviews, first-generation status, legacy status, geographic residence, racial/ethnic status, volunteer work, work experience, and an applicant’s level of interest are taken into consideration.
Beyond academic achievements, Dartmouth seeks genuine excellence in extracurricular activities. Merely filling out the Common App Activity List won’t suffice; they seek students who have excelled in areas such as winning prestigious international competitions, achieving top rankings in their fields (like music or science), making significant contributions through original research or charitable initiatives, or demonstrating outstanding athletic prowess. Recruits for Dartmouth’s 35 Division I sports teams also have an advantage in the admissions process.
What is The Dartmouth University Demographics?
Geographically, the Class of 2026 hailed from various regions:
- Mid-Atlantic States: 20%
- Southern States: 18%
- Western States: 19%
- Midwestern States: 8%
- New England States: 17%
Competition is fiercest among applicants from states with large pools of qualified candidates, particularly in the Northeast and West Coast. However, students from less densely populated regions like the Deep South or states such as Montana or Idaho may have an advantage in the admissions process.
Moreover, 15% of Class of 2026 members were international students, with significant representation from countries such as Canada, China, the U.K., India, and Brazil.
Examining ethnic diversity, the breakdown of current undergraduates includes:
- White: 55%
- Asian: 22%
- Hispanic: 11%
- African American: 11%
- Native American: 4%
- Two or more races: 17%
It’s important to note that percentages may not add up to 100% as applicants can identify with multiple racial backgrounds.
Regarding the type of secondary school attended by students:
- Public School: 56%
- Independent Schools: 32%
- Religious Schools: 12%
In total, students from 910 different high schools comprise the Class of 2026.
What is The Dartmouth Yield Rate?
Dartmouth’s yield rate, which represents the percentage of accepted students who choose to enroll, stands impressively at 62%. This figure is notably higher than many other top-tier institutions. For instance, esteemed universities like Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon, Vanderbilt, Rice, Emory, and Georgetown typically report yield rates below 50
The Dartmouth University Application Process Key Tips
If you’re aiming to become one of the 28,000+ hopefuls vying for a spot in Dartmouth’s next admissions cycle, here’s what you need to know:
- Dartmouth will maintain its test-optional policy for applicants looking to join the Class of 2027.
- The school conducts alumni interviews for applicants. Early decision candidates’ interviews are typically scheduled in November, while regular decision applicants’ interviews occur between December and mid-February.
- Demonstrated interest matters at Dartmouth. If feasible, consider making a campus visit, reaching out to an admissions officer, engaging with the college on social media, or attending local presentations by admissions officials at college fairs.
- Ensure you allocate ample time and effort to craft compelling supplemental essays and short answers required by Dartmouth.
Conclusion
Dartmouth College’s admissions process is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants vying for a limited number of spots. However, for those who are passionate about joining Dartmouth’s vibrant community and are willing to put in the effort, there are opportunities to stand out. By understanding Dartmouth’s admissions criteria, preparing thoroughly for interviews, demonstrating genuine interest, and crafting compelling essays, applicants can maximize their chances of success in the admissions process.