What does Dartmouth want in an applicant?

Dartmouth seeks intellectually curious, purpose-driven students who thrive in a close-knit, collaborative community, valuing unique personal stories, strong academics (especially challenging courses), leadership potential, genuine passion, adaptability (fitting the D-Plan), and a spirit of contribution to campus life and the world. They use a holistic review, looking for "the true you" beyond just grades, focusing on character, diverse experiences, and how you'll enhance their community.

What does Dartmouth look for in applicants?

SAT/ACT scores in the 99th percentile. Glowing letters of recommendation indicating that student is best out of applicants from past several years from his/her high school. The intense love of learning, as evidenced by academic research outside the classroom with a college professor leading to publication in a journal.

What traits does Dartmouth look for?

Character and Personal Qualities

Dartmouth's admissions committee seeks students who are intellectually curious, open-minded, and willing to take risks. This school values individuals with a growth mindset who are willing to learn from challenges and failures.

How to increase chances of getting into Dartmouth?

Because this school is extremely selective, getting a high SAT/ACT score and GPA is vital to having a chance at getting in. If you don't pass their SAT/ACT and GPA requirements, they'll likely reject you without much consideration.

What does Dartmouth look for in essays?

Your essays should help us understand those intangibles that can't easily be reflected in a resume. Show us the qualities that make you you. Your sense of humor, your passion, your intellectual curiosity, your self-awareness, or social awareness, or some mix of these.

the HUGE Dartmouth Q&A [why dart, app tips, social life, MORE] | JustJoelle1

What does Dartmouth value most?

Dartmouth expects academic excellence and encourages independence of thought within a culture of collaboration. Dartmouth faculty are passionate about teaching our students and are at the forefront of their scholarly or creative work.

What are the 5 D's of college essay?

It is commonly said that students should avoid “the 5 Ds” when selecting a college essay topic: Death, Divorce, Disease (including Depression), Drugs, and Dating. This is not to say that these topics are not important or worthy of being written about.

Is it harder to get into brown or Dartmouth?

It's extremely close, with recent data showing Brown slightly harder to get into by acceptance rate (around 5-5.6%) versus Dartmouth (around 5.4-6%), but both are exceptionally selective Ivies, making the difference minimal and dependent on the specific year and applicant pool; Brown's Open Curriculum attracts self-directed students, while Dartmouth offers a traditional college experience with a strong undergraduate focus. 

What are the 5 C's of college choice?

The 5 C's of college choice are key factors to consider when selecting a school, typically encompassing Campus (environment, size, location), Curriculum (majors, academics), Community (student life, social fit), Cost (affordability, financial aid), and Career (outcomes, job support). These categories help students and families evaluate if a college offers the right academic programs, supportive atmosphere, financial viability, and career prospects for a successful experience, guiding decisions beyond just rankings.
 

How to be a top 1% student?

To be a top 1% student, combine active, strategic learning (like active recall, spaced repetition, using external resources) with strong habits (consistent attendance, participation, managing health/time) and a growth mindset (believing in your ability to improve, seeing challenges as opportunities). It's about consistent, deliberate effort beyond basic requirements, focusing on deep understanding, and leveraging systems for efficient learning. 

What kind of student thrives at Dartmouth?

Students who thrive at Dartmouth are curious, collaborative, self-reliant, and energetic, balancing strong academics with active participation in a tight-knit community, often drawn to the outdoors and finding joy in both intellectual pursuits and social engagement. They are adaptable "self-starters" who appreciate Dartmouth's intimate environment but also leverage its resources for diverse interests, from research to athletics and service. 

What is the #1 hardest school to get into?

There isn't one single #1 hardest school, as it changes slightly by year and criteria, but Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Caltech consistently rank among the top with extremely low acceptance rates (often 3-4%) and intense competition for spots, though other top global universities like Oxford and Tsinghua are also incredibly selective. Harvard is frequently cited as the hardest due to its high volume of applications and focus on global leadership potential, while Caltech is known for its extreme difficulty in STEM. 

Does Dartmouth interview every applicant?

Interviews Are Optional

Interviews are arranged after you have submitted your application. Not having an interview will not put you at a disadvantage in the admissions process.

How to prep for a Dartmouth interview?

Tips on How to Ace the Dartmouth Interview

1. Research the School. ...
2. Practice Answering Common Questions. ...
3. Dress Appropriately. ...
4. Be Authentic. ...
5. Highlight Key Achievements. ...
6. Emphasize How You Are a Great Fit for the School. ...
7. Tell Me About Your School: Courses, Teachers, Favorite Subject, Worst Subject?

Is Dartmouth the easiest ivy?

Dartmouth isn't the easiest Ivy, but it's often considered among the "easiest to get into" compared to Harvard or Yale, typically ranking just after Cornell and ahead of Brown/Penn in terms of slightly higher acceptance rates (around 5-6% vs. 3-4%). It's still extremely selective, but its smaller size, undergraduate focus, and unique offerings, plus early decision pools, can make it slightly more accessible than the most difficult Ivies. 

How to show demonstrated interest at Dartmouth?

Your completed application is all the demonstrated interest we need. We don't track visits, communications, college fairs, or web events to enhance or detract from anyone's application. That said, we do think it is a good idea to develop a strong sense of whether or not Dartmouth is a good match for you.

What is the 90/10 rule for colleges?

The 90/10 Rule in higher education requires for-profit colleges to get at least 10% of their revenue from non-federal sources, with a maximum of 90% from federal aid (like Title IV funds and recently, military benefits) to ensure they aren't solely reliant on taxpayer money and offer real value. Failing this rule for two consecutive years results in losing access to federal student aid, a penalty designed to protect students from low-quality, predatory institutions. Recent changes have closed loopholes by including GI Bill and military assistance in the 90% calculation, forcing for-profits to diversify funding.
 

Why is Gen Z not going to college?

Gen Z is questioning college due to sky-high costs, massive student debt, and a shaky job market where degrees don't guarantee success, leading many to explore lucrative alternatives like trade schools, entrepreneurship, or acquiring digital skills, valuing direct career entry and financial independence over traditional four-year paths. They see past generations struggling with loans and uncertain job prospects, shifting focus to better Return on Investment (ROI), with many regretting college or seeking more practical, cheaper education. 

What is the best answer for why did you choose this college?

I chose this college because of your highly rated [area of study program]. I've had a passion for this field for a long time and I'm excited to learn from the faculty that make up the outstanding program. I think my skills and learning style will be a great fit, too.

Who is Dartmouth's biggest rival?

Dartmouth's biggest rival, particularly in football and historically within the Ivy League, is Harvard, with the annual Harvard-Dartmouth game often deciding the league championship and being one of the oldest rivalries in college football. Other significant rivals include Cornell, especially when vying for Ivy League titles, and even Princeton, sometimes, due to conference implications, though Harvard remains the most prominent opponent. 

What is the easiest public ivy to get into?

The "easiest" Public Ivy to get into depends on your state residency and intended major, but generally, schools like University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), University of Maryland (College Park), Binghamton (SUNY), and University of Wisconsin-Madison often have higher acceptance rates than others like UCLA or UMich, though specific programs (like Engineering at UIUC or Business at UW-Madison) remain highly competitive; University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) also offers automatic admission for top state students. 

What to avoid in college application essays?

Writing about parents, siblings, or famous figures often results in essays that are more about someone else than about you, Smith says. Admissions officers want to hear your voice and how you think, not how much you admire someone else.

What is the top 10 rule when applying for college?

The "Top 10 Percent Rule" is a Texas law guaranteeing automatic admission to state universities for high school graduates in the top 10% of their class, designed to increase diversity and access, though flagship universities like UT Austin have lowered their specific threshold (e.g., to the top 6%, now 5% for Fall 2026) to manage demand, requiring applicants to still meet program-specific requirements and creating incentives for strategic high school choices, notes this Houston Chronicle article and the NBER. 

Can ChatGPT write a college essay?

Yes, you can use ChatGPT for college essays as a brainstorming partner, outline generator, or editor, but submitting an essay entirely written by AI is risky because it often lacks personal voice, sounds generic, and colleges value authentic student experiences; using it for initial ideas, structuring, or polishing your own writing is generally acceptable, but you must maintain your unique voice and story.