How Hard is it to get into Dartmouth?

How Hard is it to Get into Dartmouth? 

Nestled in Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth College is one of the most prestigious Ivy League schools. Celebrated for its small student body, rigorous academics, and strong sense of community, Dartmouth boasts a picturesque campus and world-class faculty and resources. However, with desirability comes intense competition, making admissions highly selective.  

This guide explores what makes Dartmouth so competitive and how Dukes Plus can support applicants who are looking to join this world-renowned institution. 

Is Dartmouth a Good University? 

Dartmouth consistently ranks among the top Ivy League institutions, known for its academic excellence, innovative research programmes, and unique emphasis on undergraduate education. Here are some of the things that make Dartmouth stand out: 

Rankings and Accolades 

Dartmouth frequently appears in the top 15 of U.S. News & World Report’s national university rankings. It is praised particularly for the quality of its undergraduate teaching and high rates of student satisfaction. 

Unique Strengths and Programmes 

Renowned for programmes in government, economics, and environmental studies, Dartmouth also offers unique opportunities such as the Dartmouth Outing Club and the flexibility of the D-Plan, which allows students to customise their academic year. 

Notable Alumni 

Dartmouth boasts many notable alumni, including former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Hank Paulson, author Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel), and “60 Minutes” journalist Lesley Stahl. Such distinguished alumni add to the prestige and strong alumni network for future career support. 

The Entry Requirements

To gain entry into Dartmouth, students must meet rigorous academic and extracurricular requirements, reflecting Dartmouth’s high standards and competitive applicant pool. 

Academic Achievements and GPA 

Dartmouth does not specify a minimum GPA for admission, but most admitted students are among the top of their high school class. In recent admissions cycles, nearly 95% of accepted students ranked in the top 10% of their graduating classes. This underscores the need for applicants to achieve excellent grades in challenging courses to stand out. 

While Dartmouth values GPA, they assess students holistically, which means they consider other factors alongside academic performance. 

Standardised Test Scores (SAT/ACT) 

Dartmouth follows a test-optional policy, allowing students to choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, high scores can still positively impact the application as they demonstrate a candidate’sacademic strength: 

• Middle 50% SAT Score Range: 1440-1560 

• Middle 50% ACT Score Range: 32-35 

The college considers these scores within the context of a student’s entire application, evaluating their potential for success within its rigorous academic environment. 

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes 

Dartmouth values students who challenge themselves academically, with many admitted students taking AP, IB, or other advanced courses in high school. Completion of these challenging courses highlights a student’s intellectual curiosity and readiness for the academic demands of Dartmouth. 

Extracurricular Activities 

Dartmouth highly values students who can actively contribute to their communities and possess a range of interests. Whether it’s athletics, arts, leadership positions, or community service, applicants who can balance academic rigour with extracurricular commitment will be viewed most favourably by the admissions committe 

Why is it Difficult to Get into Dartmouth? 

Acceptance Rate and Selectivity 

Dartmouth’s acceptance rate was 6.17% for the Class of 2026, making it one of the most selective colleges in the United States. This low rate reflects not only the university’s high standards but also the intense competition among applicants. 

High Volume of Applicants 

Dartmouth receives tens of thousands of applications each year, with a limited number of spots available. The large applicant pool means that even highly qualified students may find it challenging to secure a place. 

The Competitive Nature of the Applicant Pool 

Applicants to Dartmouth are often high-achievers, including valedictorians, national award winners, and students with exceptional talents. The college seeks students who not only excel academically but also bring unique perspectives and talents to campus, creating a highly competitive environment. 

Holistic Admissions Approach 

Dartmouth’s admissions process is holistic. The admissions commitee considers the entire profile of each applicant, from academic achievements and test scores to personal qualities and potential contributions to the college community. This approach means that grades and test scores, while crucial, are not enough on their own to guarantee admission. 

What Subjects Are Hardest to Get Accepted into? 

Certain majors at Dartmouth are especially competitive due to high demand and limited spaces. The table below highlights some of the most popular and challenging majors: 

Social sciences and engineering are particularly popular, partly due to Dartmouth’s strong reputation in these fields. Aspiring students should be prepared for higher competition if they intend to pursue one of these highly sought-after majors. 

How Can Dukes Plus Help Your Dartmouth College Application Succeed? 

Dukes Plus offers comprehensive support for students aiming to attend Dartmouth and other top universities. Our tailored services include: 

Application Strategy 

Our consultants help students present a well-rounded profile, from identifying their academic strengths to highlighting their unique extra-curricular talents. 

Personal Statement Guidance 

We assist students in crafting compelling personal statements that resonate with Dartmouth’s values. 

Interview Preparation 

Our experienced interview tutors prepares students for the Dartmouth interview, which can be a crucial part of the admissions process. 

Extracurricular Advice 

We advise students on how to effectively present their extracurricular activities to showcase commitment, leadership, and impact. 

SAT and ACT Prep 

Our SAT and ACT preparation courses and tutoring packages have a proven track record of increasing students’ scores. For more information on how Dukes Plus can assist with your application, visit our US Ivy League applications support page. 

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