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How to Respond to the 2023-2024 Dartmouth Supplemental Essay Prompts

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Dartmouth is an Ivy League institution found along the scenic Connecticut River in Hanover, New Hampshire. Just like other Ivy League institutions, Dartmouth is difficult to be admitted to as their acceptance rate is 6% .  So, how do you become a part of the 9%? Writing stellar supplemental essays for your Dartmouth application is one way!

To stand out on your application, you need to have stunning responses to the Dartmouth supplemental prompts. The Dartmouth supplemental essays offer the perfect opportunity to display pieces of your personality. This is your chance to prove that you are a better candidate than others by sharing the unique characteristics and interests you possess. 

So what are you waiting for? Read our guide below on how to make your Dartmouth supplemental essay responses flawless! 

The Dartmouth College supplemental essay prompts

Responding to the Dartmouth supplemental essay prompts allows applicants to share their unique characteristics and interests. After all, Dartmouth wants to admit students who are a good fit for their campus and community. Dartmouth requires three supplemental essays, with the third prompt offering five interesting options to choose from. Read our guide below on how to make your Dartmouth supplemental essay responses flawless! 

Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2028, what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? In short, Why Dartmouth? (100 words or fewer) 

Although there are a lot of words included in this question, it is essentially just another “Why us?” question! Therefore, do not overthink this one. 

With the 100 word limit, there is not a lot of room to go on about how amazing Dartmouth is (plus, they already know they are pretty amazing!). Therefore, you should brainstorm around two to three things about Dartmouth that you absolutely love. This can include anything about Dartmouth, such as its beautiful campus and location, any important traditions they have, the academic programs offered, any extracurriculars you are excited for, and much more. 

The key to responding to this prompt is to be specific . Show that you have done your research. Remember, you do not have a lot of words to write your response. Therefore, strive to make it short and sweet but also informative. Mention these two to three specific and detailed pieces and why you are interested in them. 

Be sure to spend time researching Dartmouth and what makes them unique compared to other colleges. Remember, you are applying to an extremely selective college, so you want to make sure you are choosing something that other applicants would not think about. It is all about thinking outside of the box and showing the “true you” through your responses. 

“There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today. (250 words or less)

Who are you, and how did you become who you are? That is the question Dartmouth is asking. As a student applying to Dartmouth, you have your own unique story to tell. While the description of the environment you grew up in is important, the ‘how” it impacted you is the true focus. Dartmouth wants to know how you made the most of whatever situation you grew up in. If you had privilege, what did you do with the opportunities presented? If you struggled, how did you triumph?

Take note of the word “impact” in the prompt, and think of the meaning of the word, which is “strong effect.” After you briefly describe the environment you grew up in (remember you only have 250 words!), ask yourself what your most positive qualities are. Then, ask yourself how your upbringing impacted, or had an effect, on one or two of those qualities. Even if your upbringing was less than ideal, perhaps you are all the more understanding and helpful to others who are less fortunate. 

“Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself . (250 words or less)

Dartmouth receives a lot of applications from students from around the world with impressive applications. Therefore, this is your time to prove how unique you are and how your individuality will flourish while at Dartmouth. Be sure to not restate items from your resume or detail your entire life story. Rather, be as concise as possible while revealing your identity. 

This is a very open ended question, which can be tricky to start. To help brainstorm, think of the following questions: 

• How would you introduce yourself to a complete stranger? 
• If you had to make a slideshow about yourself, what would you include? 
• What are your main interests? 
• What could you not live without? 
• How would someone close to you describe you? 

To format this response you can either: 

• Write as if you were introducing yourself to someone
• Create a more narrative and story-telling piece of writing
• Something more creative!

Ultimately, the formatting does not matter as long as you accurately introduce yourself and highlight your uniqueness. Just remember to be authentic and focus on what makes you stand out from everyone else. 

For the third Dartmouth supplemental essay, you’ll choose from a list of five potential prompts. Before making your choice, read through them carefully and determine which prompt most appeals to you. Remember to only select one prompt to answer and keep it under 250 words! 

What excites you? (250 words or less)

Although this question is short and sweet, it is extremely broad! This means that you can answer this question in a lot of different ways. However, just because the question is broad does not mean your answer should be too. Rather, your answer should be extremely specific and detailed. 

Before you start answering this prompt, you should sit down for a few minutes and list what excites you and makes you happy. Once you have a solid list of things that excite you, select whichever thing you are most passionate about. 

Remember, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. In fact, you can write about anything big or small. For example, you can choose to write about how each week a new episode of a TV show makes you excited because you get to watch it with your family. Or you can write about how going for a walk in new trails where you live excites you because you love seeing new nature scenes. You can write about how helping people less fortunate than you makes you excited for your dream job at a nonprofit organization. 

It does not matter what you choose to write about. What matters is how you justify your answer. The “why” is so important. Why does this particular thing excite you? How does it impact your life? Does it connect back to your future goals? 

In addition, do not forget that this essay is for Dartmouth. So, if possible, try to connect what you are excited by back to Dartmouth and its resources. For example, as stated before, maybe going for a walk around your neighborhood makes you happy and excites you because of the new nature scenes you are able to see. You can then connect this back to your excitement to be immersed in the beautiful trees and nature of New Hampshire. You might even want to connect it back to being excited about studying environmental studies at Dartmouth. 

This essay can be a good place to tie in a passion to your intended major to give the Dartmouth admissions officers an idea of how your major connects to your interests. 

Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make- or are you making – an impact?” (250 words or less)

Essentially, this prompt is asking “What do you hope to achieve for the greater good?” or “What do you think your life’s purpose is?” 

This may seem like a daunting question to tackle, but Dartmouth understands that you are young and still figuring life out. Therefore, do not feel like you need to have a concrete answer to this prompt. 

Dolores Huerta is a prominent civil rights activist who dedicated her life to advocating for immigrant rights. Therefore, Dartmouth is looking for someone who is dedicating their time to make a long term positive change in their world and community. 

Try to think of passions you have and what you have done to act on these passions. Have you ever volunteered anywhere? Have you created a business that donates money to charity? Have you created a club at your high school to help those who are less fortunate than you? 

Once you have identified your passions and purpose in life, detail what you want to continue to do to make an impact on this community. 

Dr. Suess, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” What do you wonder and think about? ” (250 words or less)

This prompt is the perfect opportunity for applicants who find themselves constantly asking questions and wanting to learn more about anything and everything. Try to think of the last time you went down an internet rabbit hole researching or bombarding someone with a million questions about a particular subject. What was it and why did this topic interest you? 

The great thing about this particular prompt is that there are no restrictions! You can talk about literally anything that you think and wonder about. Ultimately, you want to discuss something that truly fascinates you and makes you “nerd” out! 

Some examples of topics you could discuss are: 

• Time travel
• A bucket list trip
• Going to space
• How Bluetooth works

The possibilities are endless! Do not feel like you need to make up a dramatic narrative in order to impress Dartmouth. Rather, just be true to yourself and write from your heart. This will show Dartmouth how you spend time wondering and what truly interests you. 

“Celebrate your nerdy side.” (250 words or less)

Ultimately, this prompt is asking you to explain what brings out your inner nerd! “Nerd” is being used as a very positive description, so be honest!  

First, you should ask yourself the following:

• What does being a nerd mean to you? 
• Who do you do things that you consider “nerdier” with?

Next, describe in detail what you do when feeling your utmost nerd urge! Choose one specific thing, and make it sound like it is not to miss! Do you enjoy putting jigsaw puzzles together, playing role-playing games, or vintage board games? Share how your nerdy side helped shape you into who you are today and how celebrating your nerdy side continues to help you grow (hopefully at Dartmouth!).

“It’s not easy being green…” was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook?” (250 words or less)

Do not worry if you feel that you don’t have so much to write about with this prompt. If you do not think that that sounds like you – do not choose this prompt! 

This question has two parts that you should address in your response. The first piece asks you to share what it is about you or your life that is “different.”  Essentially, what is the difference, and why is it seen as different by the world around you?

The second part of this question straightforwardly asks how embracing your “differentness” helped shape you and your view of life. Perhaps you are more empathetic to others and go out of your way to make all people feel more comfortable about being outside the mainstream. 

Once you have written about what your difference is, be sure to connect it back to who you are. For example, let’s say you were an only child raised by elderly grandparents. You should then connect this back to how you are totally comfortable with older people and know how to entertain yourself in the best of ways. Take this prompt as an opportunity to reflect on what may seem “different” helped shape the person (you!) who is applying to Dartmouth! 

“ As noted in the College’s mission statement, “Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…” Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you? “(250 words or less)

This prompt is a good one for students who feel that they are more than their application conveys. Say you are a stellar student (as most Dartmouth applicants are!), but more recently found your groove or a passion that has motivated you like nothing else. Perhaps you know, down to your bones, that your goals will be reached no matter what life throws at you. Tell Dartmouth how they are the place to help you reach those goals! This is the time to be as honest and sincere as you can. Doing so will shine through, and maybe the person reading your essay will realize that you are right!

Final thoughts on responding to the Dartmouth supplemental essays

After reading our guide for responding to the Dartmouth supplemental essays, it is time to write your responses! 

Be sure you are outlining and brainstorming prior to writing your responses. Remember, this is Dartmouth you are applying to! You want to ensure that every piece of your essay responses are well-thought out. Do not repeat yourself, and be sure to evenly distribute bits of personality and interests throughout your responses. 

You are more than equipped to answer the Dartmouth supplemental essay questions! Good luck during the writing process! 

Next steps after applying to Dartmouth

When you are finished writing your Dartmouth supplemental essays – it is time to submit your application!

Now, you should have celebrated your accomplishment of submitting your Dartmouth application! Well done!  Be sure to check: 

• Dartmouth portal
• Any Dartmouth social media accounts

For any updates to your application status! Once again best of luck to you! 

Additional resources

Now that you are done with the Dartmouth supplemental essays, double check that your Coalition Application and Common Application essays are perfect! Also, make sure you check out our guide on how many schools to apply to . 

Have you completed the ACT or SAT ? If you are wondering about whether or not to send your SAT/ACT scores to test optional schools, check out our guide!

Most importantly, check out our free scholarship search tool to help you finance your education. Best of luck in the college admissions process, and remember that Scholarships360 is here to help you! 

Additional supplemental essay guides

• Cornell University (Ithaca,NY)
• Amherst College (Amherst, MA)
• University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)

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How to Write the Dartmouth Supplemental Essays 2023–2024

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Dartmouth College asks applicants to answer three supplemental essay prompts, each quirkier than the last. As the smallest and most northern Ivy League school, Dartmouth stands out for its tight-knit community and famously creative alumni, from Dr. Seuss and Mr. Rogers, to Mindy Kaling and Robert Frost. If you’re applying to Dartmouth, you might find their unusual essay prompts intimidating. In this post, we’ll break down how to answer each of the Dartmouth supplemental essays. We’ll also help you choose the right prompts for your unique background and personality so that you can put your best foot forward on your application.

Dartmouth College’s 2023-2024 Prompts

You will need to write three essays for your Dartmouth College application. The first essay is a relatively straightforward “Why Dartmouth?” prompt. For the second and third essays, you’ll be able to select your favorite prompt from a list of prompts. You’ll want to choose wisely!

Supplemental Essay Prompts

Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. as you seek admission to dartmouth’s class of 2028, what aspects of the college’s academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest in short, why dartmouth (100 words).

• There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today.
• “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself.
• What excites you?
• Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you already making—an impact? Why? How?
• Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” As you wonder and think, what’s on your mind?
• Celebrate your nerdy side.
• “It’s not easy being green…” was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook?
• As noted in the College’s mission statement, “Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…” Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you?

Why Dartmouth?

This prompt looks like many other college application prompts: it just boils down to “Why Dartmouth?” That said, there are some differences. Dartmouth admissions officers, when composing this prompt, hint at the location and mission of Dartmouth College. If you find yourself drawn to any specific aspect of Dartmouth’s mission statement and core values , this essay response is a great place for you to break down why those values speak to you and/or draw you to apply to Dartmouth College.

In addition, the reader expects you to have completed some research on Dartmouth’s unique offerings. Name programs, courses, clubs, and/or specific cultural qualities of Dartmouth College that interest you. Then, explain what interests you about them. You could also touch on what makes Dartmouth different. Without putting other schools down, what does Dartmouth provide that you couldn’t have access to anywhere else? The key is that your reader should know you’re writing about Dartmouth whether they’re explicitly told or not. Why? Because your explanation for why Dartmouth is right for you could not be repurposed for any other school.

Who Are You?

The following two prompts, which you can choose between, both focus on who you are. Option A asks about your background; option B asks you to introduce yourself. Unlike many other essay prompts, these prompts don’t focus on who you will be and what you will do, but rather on who you are now. 

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the prompt that’s right for you:

• If you would prefer to focus on how your community, hometown, family, school, or other factors outside of your control have shaped the person you are today, option A is probably the best option for you.
• If you would prefer to write about how you have developed as a unique individual, not necessarily as a result of your background (which may feel less compelling to you to write about), then option B is probably your best bet.

Option A: There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today. (200-250 words)

This prompt asks you to reflect on your past and bring it to the page in a brief essay response. It’s a tall order: you’ll need to describe not only your background, but also how it has impacted you, and who you are today. These elements can be provided in any order. For instance, your essay could have one of the following outlines:

• Describe my unique way of seeing the world
• Describe my family and how they see the world
• Describe how my family influenced the way I see the world
• Open with an anecdote about my school
• Describe how I struggled to fit in at my school
• Express how that experience has shaped who I am today

These outlines are just examples, not suggestions or prescriptions. Before writing this essay, consider writing your own outline so that you can be sure you incorporate all of the important elements into your essay.

Option B: “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself. (200-250 words)

This essay prompt asks you who you are, but more than that, it asks you to describe what makes you unique. If “everyone else is taken,” authenticity is all the more important. Honesty and integrity are crucial aspects of the college application process; this essay particularly relies on authenticity and standing out from the crowd by means of your authenticity.

Like your “Why Dartmouth?” essay, you want this response to be applicable only to you . If someone who knows you read this essay without anyone telling them who wrote it, they should be able to identify the author confidently.

Introducing yourself is a notoriously difficult task despite sounding quite simple. Consider the biographical details that make you who you are. Also, consider your response to the classic “Tell me about yourself” interview question. Then, try to identify a thread that links some or most of your identifying characteristics together. To the best of your ability, highlight that thread in your essay response.

What Do You Do?

The following six essay prompts are diverse and creative, but each comes down to the same core: what do you do? This question could apply to your academic life, your extracurricular activities, your community service, your family obligations, what you do for fun, or some combination. It can also apply to what you will do in the future (and how you are currently preparing to do those things in the future). 

Here’s a brief breakdown of why you should pick each prompt:

• Option A is the broadest and should be chosen if you feel like you have a good sense of a cohesive answer already that doesn’t quite fit with the other prompts.
• Option B might be best suited to students who are engaged in civic or community service and wish to continue impacting society, though bear in mind that the prompt can be read expansively.
• Option C is likely best suited for students who have powerful imaginations that drive their academic, personal, or extracurricular explorations.
• Option D might be the prompt for you if you possess a specific, unique nerdy interest that might not otherwise be reflected in your application.
• Option E is a strong choice for students whose identities, experience of diversity, or challenging backgrounds have shaped their life experiences.
• Option F, last but not least, is the stand-out choice for students whose identities and actions in the actions in the present are most heavily influenced by their goals and intentions for the future.

Option A: What excites you? (200-250 words)

This essay prompt gives you a broad canvas to paint upon—which means you especially need to make sure your composition is cohesive! When writing your response to this prompt, you might want to start by focusing on a specific 2-4 activities, topics, ideas, etc. that excite you. If possible, draw a thread between the different items you list.

Note that it’s okay to describe just one topic/idea/activity which excites you. If you choose that route, you’ll want to be sure that you expand upon the nuances of your choice and how it excites you in a multitude of ways. Even if your essay focuses on a limited subject, you can describe the different strengths you employ to do this exciting activity. Alternatively, you could discuss the different parts of your personality which are required to engage with this idea which excites you.

When answering this question, don’t feel restricted to academic or “serious” endeavors. Excitement doesn’t need to have formal or educational origins to be genuine and appropriate for a college essay context. Nevertheless, if possible, provide some diversity to your brief list. You can get creative with your answer! For instance, you might list many (i.e. 10+) topics, but each revolves around 1-2 related central ideas. Stay cohesive and cogent.

Option B: Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you already making—an impact? Why? How? (200-250 words)

This essay prompt requires specificity when it asks “Why? How?” When describing the impact you hope to make or are already making, make sure your description is grounded in concrete details. Consider the following types of details you can name: 

• Community organizations you work with or hope to work with
• Specific communities of individuals you help or would like to help
• Specific initiatives you are spearheading or hope to spearhead
• Specific social issues you are working to solve now or in the future

Even though this prompt implies topics of community or civic service in its response, you can respond expansively. For instance, if you are a painter, you might want to impact the people who view your paintings with a certain kind of emotion. If you’re a student-athlete, maybe you want to inspire the next generation of student-athletes or run marathons for charity. If you’re an aspiring mathematician, maybe you want to impact your specific field of interest with groundbreaking discoveries.

Whatever impact you hope to make or are making, do your best to elucidate what actions you are taking to instigate this change. Additionally, provide some insight regarding what motivates you to make this impact.

Option C: Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” As you wonder and think, what’s on your mind? (200-250 words)

Imagination comes in many flavors, and this essay prompt gives you the opportunity to share your unique flavor of imagination. Before you respond to this prompt, try sitting with your thoughts (with your phone and other devices put away). Let your mind wander. Do this activity for at least 15 minutes before writing down your thoughts. Write them down quickly, so you remember what they are! Feel free to do this exercise several times on different days. Doing so will help you accrue a diverse selection of thoughts.

When drafting the essay, you can use the fruits of your mind-wandering sessions as the basis for your answer. Using your real thoughts to spark your essay response will allow you to generate a genuine, memorable essay. Still, you’ll need to make sure that your essay is comprehensible to someone who doesn’t know you well. When we think, we often skip through logical progressions that make inherent sense to us. Be sure to share this essay response with a few readers who don’t know you well. These readers can point out where they struggle to follow your thought processes.

Option D: Celebrate your nerdy side. (200-250 words)

This joyful essay prompt gives you the opportunity to embrace what makes you a nerd, freely and without judgment. Many students have nerdy interests that don’t naturally fit into a college application. Maybe you have an obsession with a board game, a book series, or an esoteric area of study. If so, this prompt is for you.

If you’re full of nerdy qualities but finding this essay prompt challenging, consider asking a few friends or family members who know you well to describe what they think are aspects of your nerdy side. Oddly enough, “nerd’ is not usually a label we assign to ourselves, but one that others assign to us, sometimes in a critical manner. This essay prompt lets you reclaim this label in a positive light and express what nerdy activities, behaviors, or thought experiments you engage in—and how your nerdy side makes you you .

Option E: “It’s not easy being green…” was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook? (200-250 words)

This essay prompt puts a positive spin on the premise of being different and facing challenges. Try free-writing a response to this prompt before you compose a proper draft. What makes you stand out from the crowd, and how have those character traits, aspects of your identity, activities, or other qualities impacted the way you move through the world?

When embarking upon a draft of this essay, try to describe the way you, today, are influenced by your difference(s). What actions do you take, what perspectives do you hold, and how do you interact with the world as a result of your difference(s)?

As always, keep your essay response specific and personal to you and your experience. Although this essay response is about what makes you different, there may be many other students who are different in the same way or a similar way as you are. Ideally, if someone who knows you reads this essay, they will instantly know it’s about your experience, not the experience of someone who happens to be similar to you. 

Lastly, note the usage of “embraced” in the essay prompt’s wording. The reader is anticipating an optimistic outlook and/or positive view of your differences. If/when you describe the adversity you’ve faced, make sure that your response emphasizes the way you have embraced your difference(s) despite or even because of the adversity you have faced.

Option F: As noted in the College’s mission statement, “Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…” Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you? (200-250 words)

The wording of this prompt is giving you a heads-up when it says “Promise and potential… can be elusive qualities to capture”: many students respond to this prompt without quite capturing the promise and potential they aim to highlight. Knowing this, it’s your job to capture those qualities in yourself nonetheless.

How can you illustrate your promise and potential to a reader, without sounding arrogant or self-satisfied? One way is to describe the concrete actions you have taken to grow and/or better yourself. Demonstrating growth will imply the continuation of growth. Moreover, if you make that implication explicit by describing how you continue to foster your growth, you will be able to humbly prove your potential. 

In sum, you can provide a brief narrative of how you overcame a challenge or obstacle; how you grew as a person; or how you learned an important life lesson. Focus on an area of your life not otherwise highlighted in your application. Then, describe how you changed as a result of that experience. Finally, conclude by describing the actions you take currently to keep overcoming challenges, learn, and grow.

If you need help polishing up your Dartmouth College supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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Dartmouth Supplemental Essays 2023-24 Prompts and Advice

August 11, 2023

Dartmouth receives the fewest number of applications of the eight Ivy League schools. There were 28,841 hopefuls for the Class of 2027, less than half the number at Columbia or Harvard. Yet, that still represented an increase in the number of Dartmouth applications from the two years prior, resulting in the school’s lowest-ever acceptance rate of 6% (down from 6.2% the previous year, and a whopping 8.8% in 2024). When applying to a school that rejects 94% of applicants, you need to find ways to grab an admissions officer’s attention and give them a reason to say, “Yes!” The Dartmouth supplemental essays are one such chance.

Want to learn more about How to Get Into Dartmouth College? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Dartmouth: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.

One of the best opportunities to move the admissions needle is through the three supplemental essays that Dartmouth requires. Dartmouth College’s essay prompts for the 2023-24 admissions cycle are listed below along with accompanying advice about how to tackle each one:

1) Dartmouth Supplemental Essays – Required Essay #1

Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2028, what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? In short, why Dartmouth? (100 words)

This is, in essence, a straightforward “Why this College?” essay. Great things to highlight here include:

• Firstly, specific  student organizations at Dartmouth  that you would like to become involved with.
• Particular courses  offered in your discipline of interest at Dartmouth.
• Dartmouth professors whose work/research/writings you are intrigued by.
• Undergraduate research opportunities  unique to Dartmouth.
• Aspects of Dartmouth’s mission statement that resonate with you.
• Lastly,  study abroad opportunities .

Make sure to really do your research on the school. As a side benefit (and not an unimportant one), you may discover further reasons why Dartmouth truly is the perfect fit for you.

2) Dartmouth Supplemental Essays – Required Essay #2

Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 250 words or fewer:

A) There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today.

This is an opportunity to share something about your background that may not shine through anywhere else on the application. To do so, consider discussing how your role in your family, important aspects of your upbringing, or a particular cultural, religious, or community influence either impacted your core values and beliefs or helped develop a particularly important attribute.

B) “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself.

This is a fun opportunity to share something genuinely unique about yourself. As such, pick one (or several) key aspects of your personality/background that reveal something deep and meaningful about you. As you brainstorm, consider the following avenues:

• What moves your spirit? Discuss any art, movies, music, and books that you find deeply moving and personally important.
• Your role in your family.
• Your role in your social group.
• The funniest things you’ve ever done.
• The strangest things you’ve ever done.
• Commitment, passion, and enthusiasm.
• Core values and beliefs.
• Important aspects of your upbringing.
• Most intriguing and unique attributes.
• Cultural, religious, community influence.

3) Dartmouth Supplemental Essays – Required Essay #3

Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 200-250 words:

A) What excites you?

Out of everything on this Earth, what makes you tick? What keeps you up at night? What subject makes you read books and online content until your eyes bleed? If you could address one problem in the world, large or small, what would it be? What do you love to do? If you are answering at least one of these questions, you are on the right track with this essay.

B) Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you making—an impact? Why? How?

This is your chance to show that you are a global citizen, aware and sensitive to issues faced by this planet and all life that occupies it. If you are passionate about climate change, the fate of democratic institutions, food scarcity, human rights, the impact of disinformation campaigns, privacy issues related to big tech, or any of the millions of other challenges faced by humanity, this is a great choice for you. Note that this year’s prompt includes the guiding questions why and how , so be sure to let them both guide your response.

Dartmouth Supplemental Essays (Continued)

C) Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” As you wonder and think, what’s on your mind?

Last year’s prompt: what do you wonder and think about? This year’s prompt: as you wonder and think, what’s on your mind? It’s clear that Dartmouth is not only interested in what you’re thinking about but also your overall thought process. What questions are you asking? Why are you asking them? What conclusions have your questions led you to, and how do you feel about those conclusions? Is there anything that you  like to know that you don’t have the answer to right now? What motivates, scares, or surprises you about your most pressing questions? The key here will be to take the reader on a little trip inside your brain (Magic School Bus not required).

D) Celebrate your nerdy side.

In just about every nineties movie, the nerds function as insanely smart social rejects with questionable outfit choices and pocket protectors, often banished to the worst lunch table. Luckily, times have changed, and being a nerd—especially at a school like Dartmouth—is downright aspirational. Moreover, the definition of a “nerd” is someone who is incredibly enthusiastic about a certain topic—especially if unique. Accordingly, if you’re interested in answering this question, make a list of any “specialties” that you are particularly dedicated to. Do you love the soundtracks of eighties movies? Science fiction short stories? Strategy games? Rubik’s cubes? Your backyard barometer? Comic book collections? Whatever topic you choose, make sure to truly lean in and celebrate it—what do you love about it, and why? How does it influence you?

E) “It’s not easy being green…” was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook?

Do you feel that your lived experience is different from others in your peer group, family, or community, perhaps in regard to relationships, household income level, mental or physical challenges, neurodiversity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or cultural background, to name a few? If so, answering this prompt could be a good option. While crafting your response, the important thing to keep in mind is that the difference/challenge itself is  less important  than what it reveals about your character and perspective. What steps have you taken to cope with your chosen difference? How has it positively impacted you? How has it influenced your perspective and the way you engage with the world? Is there anything about your difference that you feel especially appreciative of?  Make sure you share what you were feeling and experiencing; this piece should demonstrate openness and vulnerability.

F) As noted in the College’s mission statement, “Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…” Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you?

One of the best ways to communicate promise and potential is to demonstrate a passion for learning and growing. This prompt is not about presenting a laundry list of accomplishments; instead, it’s about showing the admissions committee that you possess qualities that can be cultivated for a lifetime, regardless of major or career, such as dedication, curiosity, innovation, or creativity, to name a few. You can accomplish this goal by describing how you’ve grown in a particular area and/or how you wish to grow, while remembering that flaws and mistakes made along the way often demonstrate tremendous self-awareness.

How important are the Dartmouth Supplemental Essays?

The essays (both the Common App essay and the supplemental ones) are “very important” to the evaluation process. Seven other factors are “very important.” These factors are: rigor of coursework, class rank, GPA, recommendations, test scores, character/personal qualities, and extracurricular activities. Clearly, Dartmouth College places enormous value on the quality of your supplemental essay.

Dartmouth Supplemental Essays – Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

To conclude, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Dartmouth supplemental essays, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

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August 2, 2023

2023-2024 Dartmouth College Essay Prompts

Dartmouth College has released its essay prompts for the 2023-2024 college admissions cycle. In addition to The Common Application ‘s Personal Statement, applicants to Dartmouth will be required to answer three supplemental essays: one of 100 words or fewer and two of 250 words or fewer. So what are this year’s Dartmouth essay prompts ?

2023-2024 Dartmouth Essay Topics & Questions

1. required of all applicants. please respond in 100 words or fewer:.

Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2028, what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? In short, why Dartmouth?

Make no mistake: it’s a Why College essay . While the prompt may be a bit wordier than the equivalent essay for other universities, Dartmouth is asking applicants to detail specifics on why they wish to attend the College on the Hill.

And if you’re a regular reader of Ivy Coach ‘s college admissions blog , you know that name-dropping professors or listing classes do not count as genuine specifics. Why College essays should not be approached like a game of Mad Libs where you find and replace a specific for one institution with another’s. Instead, it’s about capturing enduring specifics about a university that only apply to the school in question.

2. Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer

A. There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today.

This essay should be approached as a chance to share a story about who you are and where you come from. But there’s a trap. When so many students read the word “raised,” they’re inclined to write about themselves as children. Instead, admissions officers would much prefer to read about you as high schoolers. They want to understand who you are, how you think, and how you want to leave a mark on the world now — not as children.  

B. “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself.

This option is even more of a free-write than the first option for Dartmouth’s second essay. Just as The Common Application allows students to write whatever they’d like, Dartmouth provides another opportunity to write what they wish. Students should always write material that complements their other essays rather than tell the same story twice. Essays, in this way, should be thought of as puzzle pieces. They must fit neatly together, and no two essays can be the same shape.

3. Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:

A. What excites you?

This prompt allows a student to showcase how they will change the world. Too often, students write about silly things for such broad questions, and such answers usually don’t showcase intellectual curiosity. Since Dartmouth, and all highly selective universities, seeks to admit singularly talented students — rather than well-rounded students — we at Ivy Coach would always encourage students to creatively shine a spotlight on their hook in such an answer.

B. Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you already making—an impact? Why? How?

This essay prompt allows students to showcase how they’ve contributed — ideally through their singular hook — to their school or larger community. But it should not be misconstrued as an opportunity to brag about one’s achievements since doing so will render an applicant less likable in the very human admissions process.

By simply writing about what a student has done — and leaving out even subtle brags — it’s easy for students to make the leap of what they hope to accomplish. And students should always make sure the goal isn’t too grandiose. For a student’s storytelling and activities in college admissions, saving sea turtles always beats ending climate change.

C. Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” As you wonder and think, what’s on your mind?

Dartmouth’s admissions officers want to know your thoughts and what drives you. They want to understand what you go to sleep thinking about or, in essence, how you hope to change the world in a singular and meaningful way. Like all admissions officers at elite universities, Dartmouth’s readers want to know that you’re introspective and driven to leave your mark on the world.

D. Celebrate your nerdy side.

It’s a broad prompt that allows students to write whatever they wish. But it’s also a booby trap: too many students think that just by spotlighting their nerdiness, they’ll wow Dartmouth admissions officers. If students write about physics, they may write in indecipherable jargon. That’s a mistake. The writing must always be understandable — even to laypeople, as Dartmouth admissions officers aren’t physicists.

E. “It’s not easy being green…” was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook?

Like some of Dartmouth’s other essay prompts for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, this prompt has appeared before in the Dartmouth supplement. And we at Ivy Coach claim credit as one of its authors — along with our Kermit the Frog applicant to Dartmouth from several years ago.

But the prompt has new meaning this year — notably after the outlawing of Affirmative Action. The essay question aims to understand an applicant’s diverse background and appreciation of diversity in all forms. For students, in particular, of diverse backgrounds, we strongly encourage them to write about their culture or race in their answers.

Yet they should approach it as an art form so that it doesn’t come across as though they’re trying to game the system. And even students from non-diverse backgrounds, in their own creative way, can spotlight the diversity they hope to bring and benefit from during their college years.

F. As noted in the College’s mission statement, “Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…” Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you?

It’s another broad option that essentially allows students to write what they wish to Dartmouth’s admissions officers. It’s another opportunity for students to write about how they hope to leave a mark on the world in their own singular and meaningful way. Oftentimes, it’s a small story that will leave the most indelible mark.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Dartmouth College Essays

If you’re interested in submitting powerful essays to Dartmouth to optimize your case for admission, you’ve come to the right place. Ivy Coach is known as The Dartmouth Whisperer because of our track record of helping students earn admission to the Ivy League institution. Over the last 30 years, all of Ivy Coach’s Early Decision applicants to Dartmouth got in 28 times (in all but two Early Decision cycles). Bo knows baseball. Ivy Coach knows Dartmouth .

So if you’d like our help, help offered directly with Ivy Coach’s Ben Schwartz , a former Dartmouth admissions officer, fill out our consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to delineate our college counseling services for seniors.

You are permitted to use www.ivycoach.com (including the content of the Blog) for your personal, non-commercial use only. You must not copy, download, print, or otherwise distribute the content on our site without the prior written consent of Ivy Coach, Inc.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 4 tips for writing stellar dartmouth essays.

College Admissions

Dartmouth College , located in Hanover, New Hampshire, is one of the best universities in the world. A member of the Ivy League, Dartmouth has notable graduates, top-of-the-line programs, and a minuscule admissions rate.

If you want to be one of the 7.9% of students accepted to Dartmouth every year, you'll need to write some amazing essays as part of your application's Dartmouth supplement.

In this post, I'll talk about what the Dartmouth essay prompts are, which essays you can choose to write, and how to craft standout responses that'll help ensure your admission.

What Are the Dartmouth Essay Prompts?

You can apply to Dartmouth using the Common Application or QuestBridge Application. No matter which application you choose, you'll also have to submit the Dartmouth Supplement.

Part of the Dartmouth Supplement involves answering three required writing prompts. The first two writing prompts are the same for all students. Students have five prompt options for the third essay and must answer one. 

According to Dartmouth's website, "the writing supplement includes questions specific to Dartmouth that help the Admissions Committee gain a better sense of how you and Dartmouth might be a good 'fit' for each other."

Basically, that means that the Dartmouth Admissions Committee wants to know who you are… and how you'll fit in on Dartmouth's campus. Your Dartmouth supplemental essays give the admissions committee a chance to get to know you beyond your test scores and other credentials. The essays will give Dartmouth a better idea of how you think and act, so they can see if you would be a great addition to the student body.

Similarly, the essays also give the admissions committee a chance to assess your passion for Dartmouth - how badly do you really want to go there? The more you can show your passion for Dartmouth, the better.

Let's take a look at the Dartmouth essay prompts.

Dartmouth Essay Prompts

Here are the 2022-2023 Dartmouth Essay Prompts. Like we mentioned earlier, the first two prompts are the same for all students. For the third essay, students are given five prompt options and must answer one. 

Please respond in 100 words or fewer:

• Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth's Class of 2027, what aspects of the College's academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? In short, Why Dartmouth? Please respond in 100 words or fewer.

Essay #2 

Please response in 200-250 words: 

"Be yourself," Oscar Wilde advised. "Everyone else is taken." Introduce yourself in 200-250 words.

Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 200-250 words:

• Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. "We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things," she said. "That is what we are put on the earth for." In what ways do you hope to make—or are you making—an impact?
• What excites you?
• In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, William Kamkwamba '14 reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power electrical appliances in his family's Malawian house: "If you want to make it, all you have to do is try." What drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you made?
• Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth's Class of 1925, wrote, "Think and wonder. Wonder and think." What do you wonder and think about?
• "Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced," wrote James Baldwin. How does this quote apply to your life experiences?

Dartmouth Essays Analyzed

Let's take a look at the Dartmouth essay prompts for 2021-2022.

Dartmouth Essay Prompt 1

All Dartmouth students are required to answer this prompt and for good reason — it's the "Why Dartmouth" essay! This essay shows the admissions committee why Dartmouth is the right school for you.

At only 100 words, this prompt doesn't give you a lot of room to expand upon your favorite parts of the College, so you should pick one or two aspects of Dartmouth that you really love and focus on those.

The prompt encourages you to talk about the program, community, or campus, so don't feel like you have to limit yourself to academics. You can talk about other things about Dartmouth that interest you, such as the student life or extracurricular activities.

Whichever features you choose to highlight, make sure your connection to them is real and personal. In other words, don't just say you're a fan of Dartmouth's sterling academic reputation. Instead, focus on a specific part of that reputation - a professor whose work you admire or a class that you really want to take.

Dartmouth Essay Prompt 2

First impressions can be daunting! How do you want to be perceived? What would you say to pique Dartmouth’s admissions counselors’ interest? This is your chance to be bold, and to stand out from the crowd. But remember the prompt: they’re not quoting Wilde for fun. You’ll need to introduce your most authentic self. In other words, introduce who you are, not who you think Dartmouth wants you to be.

Don't feel confined to traditional, linear methods of storytelling in this prompt. You can play around with form and structure, as long as you do it well. Get an advisor or mentor to read your work and offer feedback, especially if you deviate from your typical style.

Dartmouth Essay Prompt 3

Dartmouth's longer essay prompts give you plenty of room to think creatively and show off your individuality. All students are required to pick and answer one of the prompts in 250-300 words. Let's take a look at the prompts and examine how to answer them.

Prompt A: The Introduction Prompt

A. Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. "We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things," she said. "That is what we are put on the earth for." In what ways do you hope to make—or are you making—an impact?

This prompt is more tangible and concrete than the others available for selection. If you feel intimidated by discussing your creativity or personal history, this prompt is a good one to choose.

This prompt asks you to pick a real-world issue and discuss how you wish to address it (or are already addressing it). Don't feel like you have to pick something grand and far-reaching, like starvation or world peace. You can also pick an issue that affects people locally, in your community, for instance. The key is to pick a topic that you have a personal connection to and reason for wanting to fix. Your passion will come across in your description of the issue.

Prompt B: The Passion Prompt

B. What excites you?

This essay prompt is asking you to think toward your future and write about something—anything!—that gets you pumped. Dartmouth Admissions is looking to see if you have purpose and passion.

To answer this prompt, take some time to think about your future: your goals for your time in college, things you hope to achieve, opportunities that you find invigorating. You'll want your response to be focused and organized, so choose one idea, goal, or possibility that most excites you and go into detail about that in your response.

For example, maybe you're excited about the opportunity to improve your creative writing craft in the company of other student writers at Dartmouth, so you make becoming a better writer the central idea of your response to this prompt. You might go into detail about how you're excited to take writing workshop courses, learn from other students' writing styles, and eventually work on a creative writing publication with other students.

Whatever topic you choose to write about, you need to have a central idea—something that excites you—and you need to be able to explain how your excitement will shape your life choices as a student at Dartmouth.

There are no right or wrong answers in terms of what excites you, but it is important to try to think toward your future and explain

Prompt C: The Creativity Prompt

C. In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind , William Kamkwamba, Class of 2014, reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power the electrical appliances in his family's Malawian house: "If you want to make it, all you have to do is try." What drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you already made

Creativity is crucial to every field of study, and this essay prompt is asking you to show that your interests, academic or recreational, inspire you to make things. To respond to this prompt, you'll need to be able to explain an idea, issue, or interest that motivates you to make stuff, then describe what you've made in the past or hope to make in the future!

The first thing to do is establish what drives you to create . To do this, think about who you are, where you come from, what experiences you've had, and who you want to become. Like in the example given in the prompt, maybe there's a need right in your own home that inspires you to create. You could think locally, like The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, or you could think outside of your personal experience too. Is there a global issue that drives you to create something that will help others in the future, during, or after college? If so, describe that vision and the global issue that motivates it.

Keep in mind that "creating" and "making something" can be interpreted many different ways. Your vision for "making" doesn't have to be artistic or some scientific invention. It could be creating a virtual reading service for overworked parents who need help educating their children during a global pandemic! On the other hand, maybe you're creating a science curriculum through your school's independent study program so you can learn more about climate change, which is your passion.

Whatever the case may be, it's a good idea to relate that creativity to your time at Dartmouth. For instance, maybe your virtual reading service has inspired you to major in business, so you can turn that service into your future career. It would be a great idea to research and talk about joining the Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship at Dartmouth to help show admissions counselors that Dartmouth is the only school that can help your dreams become a reality.

Prompt D: The Curiosity Prompt

D. Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth's Class of 1925, wrote, "Think and wonder. Wonder and think." What do you wonder and think about?

This prompt is actually just an invitation for you to dive deep into something that you're insatiably curious about. Dartmouth admissions wants to see that you have that intrinsic motivation to learn, grow, and expand your horizons, and they want to get to know you better by hearing you go off about that thing that you're endlessly curious about.

So, how do you celebrate your curiosity in this response? Start by pinpointing that one thing that you're the most curious about. You can probably look to your activities, relationships, and even your Google search history to identify what that one thing is. Maybe you're endlessly curious about food: different cultures of eating around the world, America's relationship to food, how to select, prepare, and eat it...and if you're really curious about food, you could probably go on and on about everything you know and want to know about it in your response.

This is a good thing! To organize your response, describe the thing you're curious about in a way that helps admissions counselors get to know you better . Going back to the food example, you could talk about where your curiosity about food comes from, or your background with food, how your curiosity with food plays into your day-to-day living, and some specific things you hope to learn about or do with food as you continue engaging with it.

And finally, connect your past experience, present questions, and future goals at Dartmouth in your response. This will show Dartmouth that you're a dedicated, independent learner who will be an endlessly curious student too.

Prompt E: The Baldwin Prompt

E. "Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced," wrote James Baldwin. How does this quote apply to your life experiences?

Some challenges in life appear insurmountable at first—and not all of them can be overcome. This prompt asks you to reflect on your own life, and on your own experiences with growth and change, whether or not you succeeded.

In your response, you'll get the chance to show that you see the value of being adaptable and accepting change. You can demonstrate this quality by writing about how you've seen something happening cyclically, something changing, or a season coming to an end in your life. It's important that you write about a situation that was meaningful to you—one where you saw yourself growing and learning.

Alternatively, you could write about an ongoing situation in your life that you are still facing. For example, maybe your school enacted a policy that you and your peers consider unfair, and you’ve been working for a while to make your voices heard.

It's okay if the thing you choose to write about is something you've had conflicted feelings about. What's important in your response here is showing how facing the challenges you describe strengthened your determination and adaptability —qualities that will be valuable when you become a Dartmouth student.

How to Write Great Dartmouth Essays

In order to write great Dartmouth essays, you need to show the committee two things. First, you need to give them a clear idea of who you are. Second, you need to show them, "Why Dartmouth." In other words, why Dartmouth is important to you. Here are some tips to help you accomplish both of those goals.

#1: Use Your Own Voice

The point of a college essay is for the admissions committee to have the chance to get to know you beyond your test scores, grades, and honors. Your admissions essays are your opportunity to make yourself come alive for the essay readers and to present yourself as a fully fleshed out person.

You should, then, make sure that the person you're presenting in your college essays is yourself. Don't try to emulate what you think the committee wants to hear or try to act like someone you're not.

If you lie or exaggerate, your essay will come across as insincere, which will diminish its effectiveness. Stick to telling real stories about the person you really are, not who you think Dartmouth wants you to be.

#2: Avoid Clichés and Overused Phrases

When writing your Dartmouth essays, try to avoid using common quotes or phrases. These include quotations that have been quoted to death and phrases or idioms that are overused in daily life. The college admissions committee has probably seen numerous essays that state, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Strive for originality.

Similarly, avoid using clichés, which take away from the strength and sincerity of your work. Don't speak in platitudes about how the struggle for gay and lesbian rights has affected you… unless it actually has! And even then, you don't want to speak in platitudes. It's better to be direct and specific about your experience.

#3: Check Your Work

It should almost go without saying, but you want to make sure your Dartmouth essays are the strongest example of your work possible. Before you turn in your Dartmouth application, make sure to edit and proofread your essays.

Your work should be free of spelling and grammar errors. Make sure to run your essays through a spelling and grammar check before you submit.

It's a good idea to have someone else read your Dartmouth essays, too. You can seek a second opinion on your work from a parent, teacher, or friend. Ask them whether your work represents you as a student and person. Have them check and make sure you haven't missed any small writing errors. Having a second opinion will help your work be the best it possibly can be.

That being said, make sure you don't rely on them for ideas or rewrites. Your essays need to be your work.

#4: Play With Form

Dartmouth's essay prompts leave a lot of room open for creative expression - use that! You don't need to stick to a five paragraph essay structure here. You can play with the length and style of your sentences - you could even dabble in poetry if that makes sense!

Whichever form you pick, make sure it fits with the story you're trying to tell and how you want to express yourself.

What's Next?

Learn more about the most selective colleges in the US . If you're applying to multiple Ivy Leagues, it's a good idea to know your chances at each!

If you're hoping to attend a highly selective school like Dartmouth, you'll need to have a very strong academic record in high school. Learn more about high school honors classes and societies.

Not sure what your GPA means for your chances of college admission? Find out what a good or bad GPA might look like based on your goals.

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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How To Answer Dartmouth's Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023/24

What's New in 2022/23

What Are Dartmouth's Essay Prompts

Why Dartmouth Question

Dartmouth's Deep Dive Questions

Dartmouth's "Exploratory" Questions

Dartmouth is an Ivy League research university in Hanover, New Hampshire. It has an acceptance rate of around 6%, making it one of the most prestigious and selective schools in the United States. The Supplemental Essays offer you a unique opportunity to showcase your motivations for being a Dartmouth student. These essays are also a great opportunity to provide insights into your journey of self-awareness, your values, and aspirations. This blog serves as a comprehensive guide to each of the prompts in the Dartmouth Writing Supplement for 2023/24. Use the tips and insights below to craft strong responses that will help you stand out from other applicants.

How Julian Got Into Dartmouth

Dartmouth College's 2023/24 Supplemental Essay Updates: What's Changed?

Gaining admission into Dartmouth College, an Ivy League institution with an illustrious history, is no small feat. Among the diverse components of the college application, the supplemental essays play a pivotal role in presenting your unique story and illustrating how you resonate with Dartmouth's values.

Elite universities like Dartmouth continually adapt their application requirements each year, seeking a holistic grasp of their potential students' backgrounds, aspirations, and values.

This year, similar to last year, Dartmouth applicants have three required “writing supplements” to complete. For the 2023/24 admissions cycle Dartmouth has made some limited but notable modifications to essay prompts.

1. Modification of Existing Prompts

The foundational prompt about Dartmouth's distinctive sense of place and purpose remains largely unchanged, with minor tweaks in phrasing for clarity.

2. Introduction of New Topics

Dartmouth's second required essay now offers a choice between introducing oneself, in line with Oscar Wilde's famous quotation, or describing the environment in which one was raised, inspired by a Quaker saying. This presents applicants with the opportunity to either present a personal introduction or delve deeper into their upbringing and its influence.

3. Expanded Choices for the Third Prompt

Previously, Dartmouth gave applicants five options to choose from for their third essay. This has been expanded to six, including a chance for applicants to "celebrate their nerdy side", discuss embracing differences, or share about their promise and potential in line with Dartmouth's mission statement. These additions seek richer insights into applicants' personalities, values, and potential contributions to the Dartmouth community.

4. Rephrased Prompts for Clarity and Depth

Several of the essay options have been reworded to invite deeper reflection. For instance, the Dolores Huerta inspired prompt now adds "Why? How?" to drive applicants to think more about their motivations and methods.

5. Inclusion of Diverse Themes

The newly introduced prompts encompass diverse themes like embracing differences and individual promise, showcasing Dartmouth's commitment to nurturing a varied and dynamic student body.

These alterations underline Dartmouth's ever-evolving admissions perspective, spotlighting a more profound comprehension of applicants' diverse experiences, aspirations, and the intrinsic values they might bring to its vibrant academic community.

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What Are Dartmouth's Supplemental Essay Prompts for 2023/24?

For the 2023/24 application cycle, Dartmouth College has thoughtfully designed supplemental essay prompts that delve deeply into the perspectives, backgrounds, and aspirations of its applicants. These prompts aim to illuminate your personal growth, understanding of Dartmouth's ethos, individuality, and potential contributions to the Dartmouth community.

1. Dartmouth's initial prompt is the “Why Dartmouth” prompt.

This prompt revolves around the institution's essence and its impact on your educational pursuits. Note, this first supplementary essay is only 100 words or fewer, making it shorter than the remaining two essays.

Dartmouth's Unique Ethos : Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth's Class of 2028, what aspects of the College's academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? In short, why Dartmouth? (100 words or fewer)

For the remaining two essays (each 250 words or fewer), Dartmouth offers several creative prompts. Choose ONE from each list.

2. Deep Dive Questions

Pick one prompt from two offered. These essay options are crafted to provide a window into your character, upbringing, and thought processes.

• Personal Background and Upbringing : There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today.” (250 words or fewer)
• Introducing You : "Be yourself," Oscar Wilde advised. "Everyone else is taken." Introduce yourself. (250 words or fewer)

3. Exploratory Prompts

Pick one prompt from the six offered. These prompts are diverse, encouraging you to showcase various facets of your personality, aspirations, and beliefs:

• Passions and Interests : What excites you? (250 words or fewer)
• Purposeful Living : Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. "We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things," she said. "That is what we are put on the earth for." In what ways do you hope to make — or are you already making — an impact? Why? How? (250 words or fewer)
• Inner Thoughts: Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth's Class of 1925, wrote, "Think and wonder. Wonder and think." As you wonder and think, what's on your mind? (250 words or fewer)
• Embrace Your Quirks: Celebrate your nerdy side. (250 words or fewer)
• Celebrating Otherness: "It's not easy being green..." was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has the difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook? (250 words or fewer)
• Unearthing Potential: As noted in the College's mission statement, "Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…" Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you? (250 words or fewer)

Requirements

Ensure your response to the initial question does not exceed 100 words. For the deep dive and exploratory questions, maintain a word count of 250 words or fewer.

Dartmouth's admissions process is exceptionally competitive, but these essay prompts offer candidates a golden chance to shed light on their unique experiences, aspirations, and the richness they'd contribute to the Dartmouth mosaic.

How to Answer Dartmouth's Supplemental Essay Questions?

How to answer the “why dartmouth” question, dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. as you seek admission to dartmouth's class of 2028, what aspects of the college's academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest in short, why dartmouth, - 100 words or fewer.

This prompt seeks to understand your motivations behind choosing Dartmouth. It's an invitation to dive deep into your reasons and showcase how Dartmouth aligns with your academic and personal aspirations.

Reflect on Dartmouth's Essence

Think about the distinct attributes of Dartmouth that appeal to you.

• Is it a specific academic program?
• The close-knit community feel?
• The rich traditions and serene campus environment?

What combination of features like these, and others, make Dartmouth appealing to you and why?

Be Specific

Avoid vague statements. Instead of saying you're attracted to Dartmouth's "strong academic reputation," mention a particular program, research opportunity, or professor that aligns with your interests.

Personalize Your Answer

What personal experiences or goals make Dartmouth the right fit for you? Maybe you're drawn to Dartmouth's unique D-Plan or its emphasis on undergraduate teaching. Relate these aspects back to your own journey and aspirations with authentic and genuine insights into your unique interests, aspirations, and values and how they fit with specific campus attributes.

Stay Concise

With only 100 words, every sentence must be purposeful. Ensure each word contributes meaningfully to your response, and avoid redundancy.

• Drawn to Dartmouth's renowned Engineering program, I'm excited about its interdisciplinary approach, blending liberal arts and technology. Additionally, the Dartmouth Outing Club aligns with my passion for outdoor leadership.
• The intimacy of Dartmouth's community and its emphasis on undergraduate research in the sciences resonate deeply with my aspirations. Coupled with the picturesque Hanover setting, Dartmouth embodies my ideal learning environment.

Dartmouth's first essay prompt provides a canvas to illustrate your unique connection with the college. By being specific, personal, and concise, you can effectively convey why Dartmouth's academic program, community, and environment align seamlessly with your aspirations.

How to Answer Dartmouth's "Deep Dive" Questions?

There is a quaker saying: 'let your life speak.' describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today., - 250 words or fewer.

Dartmouth, like many elite institutions, values a diverse student body, recognizing that every individual's background shapes their perspectives, values, and contributions. This prompt is an avenue to shed light on the influences that have shaped your character, beliefs, and aspirations.

Exploring Your Roots  

Begin by painting a vivid picture of your upbringing:

• Physical setting: Were you raised in a bustling city, a rural village, a suburban neighborhood, or a tight-knit community?
• Cultural influences: What traditions, customs, or rituals were integral to your family or community?
• Key figures: Who played pivotal roles in your formative years? How did they influence you?

Reflecting on the Impact

Moving beyond mere description, analyze how these elements of your background molded your beliefs, values, and aspirations:

• Challenges and Triumphs: Did certain experiences, perhaps dealing with adversity or celebrating triumphs, particularly influence your growth?
• Evolution: How have the cultural and familial lessons from your upbringing influenced your worldview, values, and future aspirations?

Crafting a Cohesive Narrative

While 250 words might seem restrictive, focus on weaving a concise yet impactful story that encapsulates your upbringing and its influence on you.

Dartmouth's first "Deep Dive" prompt seeks to understand the fabric of your background and how it has sculpted your character and aspirations. Dive deep, be introspective, and craft a narrative that offers a genuine glimpse into your world.

'Be yourself,' Oscar Wilde advised. 'Everyone else is taken.' Introduce yourself.

Dartmouth's prompt resonates with the essence of individuality. Every student brings their unique narrative, beliefs, experiences, and quirks. Through this prompt, Dartmouth seeks to understand *you*, beyond academic achievements and extracurriculars.

Embracing Your Uniqueness

While it's tempting to present an idealized version of oneself, Dartmouth is looking for authenticity. Reflect on:

• Personality: Are you introspective, outgoing, witty, or analytical? What qualities define you?
• Passions and Hobbies: What do you love doing in your free time? How do these activities reflect your character or aspirations?
• Personal Stories: Share an anecdote or experience that captures your essence.

Moving Beyond the Resume

Avoid reiterating what's already in your application. This is a chance to share aspects of your life and personality that don't fit neatly into traditional application boxes.

Be Genuine and Introspective

While keeping your introduction relevant and the tone appropriately formal, consider how you can also incorporate some touches of intimacy and vulnerability with some deeper introspection and with some authentic and genuine sharing about who you are.

Using Your Voice

Sometimes an introduction is formal. But for this essay, also consider using elements of your authentic personal voice to help convey unique features of your personality. Be it a streak of humility or a sense of humor, use an authentic voice to reveal meaningful insights into your individuality.

Crafting a Personal Statement

Given the brevity of the prompt, every word should contribute to your narrative. Be concise yet compelling, ensuring the introduction offers a genuine reflection of who you are.

Dartmouth's second "Deep Dive" prompt is a canvas for you to paint a portrait of yourself. This isn't about showcasing achievements but about presenting an authentic, holistic image of who you are. Dive deep into introspection, embrace your uniqueness, and introduce yourself in a way that remains memorable and genuine.

How to Answer Dartmouth’s “Exploratory" Questions?

Navigating Dartmouth's exploratory essay prompts requires a blend of introspection and a clear understanding of what the college values. While each question is a chance to spotlight a distinct facet of your character, they collectively serve to convey your fit for Dartmouth's vibrant community.

What excites you?

Genuine enthusiasm.

Share what genuinely excites you, not what you think Dartmouth wants to hear.

Make it Compelling

Don't only skim the surface or introduce sources of excitement that are superficial in nature. Connect what excites you with deeper passions and aspirations.

• Look for more profound topics. For example, going to a baseball game may be exciting for you, but does it connect to deeper experiences, reflections, or aspirations? That said, maybe going to a baseball game with a specific family member was exciting because of the relationship and the opportunity these baseball outings presented to deepen it.
• Emphasize sources of excitement that truly reflect or shape your personality and which connect with things you care deeply about.

Personal Anecdote

• Illustrate your passion through a personal story, giving a genuine glimpse into what drives you.
• Highlight anecdotes that will help the reader appreciate the contexts that make your insights compelling for you.
• Craft vivid narratives that cast light on people, events, or circumstances that shaped your feelings of excitement and to make your response more memorable.

Connect with Dartmouth

Maybe there's a Dartmouth program or club that aligns with your passion or with what excites you. Showing that connection can demonstrate both your genuine interest and how you'd immerse yourself on campus. Reveal how what excites you will shape your contributions to campus life and specific goals or aspirations you have for college and beyond.

• Discovering the world of computational biology during a summer program transformed my view of computer science, from merely app development to solving biological mysteries. Dartmouth's interdisciplinary courses promise further exploration into this thrilling intersection.
• Art, for me, isn't just a hobby; it's a lens through which I see the world. Every brush stroke or sketch is a reflection of my interpretations. At Dartmouth, I'm excited about the potential of integrating art with academic studies, enriching my perspectives further.

The first "Exploratory" prompt is very open ended. Try to home in on a source of excitement that offers insights into your more profound passions, motivations, and perspectives on life. Be genuine and be sure to connect what excites you with larger aspirations.

Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. ‘We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,' she said. 'That is what we are put on the earth for.' In what ways do you hope to make — or are you already making — an impact? Why? How?

This prompt calls for a profound understanding of your own commitment to betterment and change. Dartmouth values students who are not just achievers in the academic sense but also those who aspire to make a meaningful impact on society through commitment, conviction, and courage.

Genuine Motivations

Deeply reflect upon the driving forces behind your actions. What inspires you to create change? Whether it's a personal experience, someone you look up to, or a broader vision for society, share the root of your motivations.

Link to Dartmouth's Values

Show that your vision aligns with Dartmouth's ethos. Perhaps there's a Dartmouth initiative, club, or program that corresponds with your efforts to create positive change.

Narrative Engagement

Use storytelling to bring your experiences to life. Instead of simply stating facts, walk the reader through your journey, the challenges you faced, and the lessons learned.

Vision for the Future

Expand on how Dartmouth can be the platform for furthering your initiatives or supporting your drive for societal improvement.

• Driven by witnessing educational inequalities in my community, I initiated a tutoring program for underprivileged students. Dartmouth's Tucker Center, with its extensive community service programs, inspires me to scale my initiative to broader horizons.
• Ever since participating in a local environmental cleanup, I've been motivated to promote sustainable living. At Dartmouth, I see an opportunity to engage deeply with the Dartmouth Organic Farm, expanding my understanding and driving larger community initiatives.

Dartmouth's second "Exploratory" prompt offers an avenue to express your genuine commitment to pursuing a purpose-driven life and enacting positive change. Through a combination of personal storytelling and a forward-looking mindset, this is your chance to showcase how your life's purpose aligns with Dartmouth's values. Share how you can contribute positively to campus life and reflect on how Dartmouth can help you further your impact on the world.

Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth's Class of 1925, wrote, 'Think and wonder. Wonder and think.' As you wonder and think, what's on your mind?

This unique prompt from Dartmouth encourages you to introspect and share your musings, highlighting how deep reflection forms an integral part of your character. It offers a window into your mindset, showcasing how you engage with the world around you.

Venture Beyond the Superficial

While it might be tempting to discuss a recent event or popular topic, delve deeper. Reflect on those bigger questions or thoughts that linger in your mind. It could be something philosophical, societal, or even a personal revelation.

Relate to Dartmouth’s Legacy

Given the mention of Theodor Geisel, an illustrious Dartmouth alumnus, consider ways in which your reflections might connect to Dartmouth’s storied history, its emphasis on liberal arts, or its commitment to fostering critical thinkers.

Just as with the previous prompt, storytelling can be a powerful tool here. Walk the reader through your thought process, the genesis of your musings, and the conclusions or further questions they led to.

Consider Dartmouth’s Environment

Dartmouth's unique setting, amidst the serene landscapes of Hanover, provides the perfect backdrop for reflection. Consider weaving in how such an environment can further fuel your introspection and quest for answers.

• Contemplating the ever-evolving nature of language, I often wonder about the next phase of human communication. Dartmouth’s rich linguistic courses and its diverse community provide the ideal setting for such explorations.
• In today's digital age, I ponder the balance between connectivity and genuine human interactions. Dartmouth’s tight-knit community offers a compelling environment to explore this, bridging the traditional with the contemporary.

Dartmouth’s third “Exploratory” prompt is an opportunity to provide insights into your deeper reflections and how you process the world around you. By delving into genuine thoughts and connecting them with Dartmouth's ethos and environment, you can craft a compelling narrative that underscores your fit for the institution.

Celebrate your nerdy side.

Dartmouth recognizes that it's often our quirks, those distinctive characteristics and passions, that make us uniquely interesting. This prompt invites you to showcase a side of yourself that might not be immediately evident but is an intrinsic part of who you are.

True Colors

It's vital to ensure your response is genuine. Highlighting an authentic quirk or passion can create a more memorable and personal essay. Whether it's a hobby, a talent, or a particular mindset, delve into something you truly identify with.

Narrative Storytelling

Consider using anecdotes or personal stories to illustrate your point. A short narrative about a time when your "nerdy side" played a significant role can effectively showcase your personality and make your essay more engaging.

Relate to Dartmouth

While discussing your quirks, find a way to connect it to Dartmouth's environment or ethos. Perhaps there's a club, organization, or course at Dartmouth that aligns with your quirky side. Demonstrating how your unique traits would fit into and benefit the Dartmouth community can add depth to your essay.

Deep Reflection

Go beyond just describing your quirks. Reflect on why they matter to you, how they've shaped your perspectives, and the role they've played in your life.

• Ever since I started collecting antique calculators, I've been dubbed the "math historian" among my friends. At Dartmouth, I hope to merge this love for history and math by delving into the evolution of mathematical theories.
• I've always been fascinated by the intricacies of board games, often creating my own. Through Dartmouth's Game Design Club, I hope to bring my unique designs to life, encouraging strategic and creative thinking.

Dartmouth's fourth "Exploratory" prompt offers a chance for applicants with a passion for, or obsession with, a particular intellectual or academic interest, or other kind of interest that captivates them, to embrace it and share it in an essay that is compelling and memorable. By focusing on genuine characteristics and weaving a narrative that connects to Dartmouth's values and offerings, you can create a standout essay. Highlight an important area of personal fascination while helping Dartmouth understand how this might shape your aspirations and participation in college life.

'It's not easy being green…' was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook?

Dartmouth acknowledges and celebrates the diverse backgrounds and experiences of its students. This prompt provides an avenue to discuss how you've encountered, processed, and embraced differences in your life, be it in terms of race, culture, beliefs, or personal experiences. It’s an opportunity to highlight your unique journey — and perhaps exceptional resilience or insights shaped by this journey — while foreshadowing the positive ways you’ll impact the college community.

Personal and Genuine Experiences

Begin by introspecting on moments in your life when you felt different or stood out. Was it due to cultural, racial, personal beliefs, or perhaps a unique experience? Share these genuine stories to give a deeper insight into your journey.

Navigating Challenges and Growth

Being different often comes with challenges. Discuss how you navigated them, the insights gained, and how these experiences contributed to personal growth. Show how these challenges strengthened your character and shaped your worldview.

• Did they help you develop personal resilience? If so, how is this reflected in real events or relationships in your life, or in challenges you’ve faced?
• Does your experience with difference shape your worldview, personality, or your perspectives?
• Do these factors impact other facets of your life experiences, such as interpersonal relationships, school or community life, or your views on society?

Connect to Dartmouth

Highlight how you see Dartmouth's diverse community as an extension or complement to your experiences. Maybe there are student groups, initiatives, or programs at Dartmouth that align with your journey. This connection can underscore your fit within the Dartmouth community.

Celebrate the Differences

Rather than merely discussing the challenges, celebrate the advantages and strengths that come from embracing diversity. How has it made you a more empathetic, open-minded, or resilient individual?

• Growing up in a multicultural neighborhood, I've always been the bridge between various cultures, facilitating understanding. Dartmouth's Global Village program, emphasizing cultural exchange, resonates with my experiences.
• Being the only left-hander in my family always made me feel unique. This simple difference taught me early on that there's no one-size-fits-all approach. At Dartmouth, I'm eager to be part of communities that appreciate and celebrate such nuances.

Dartmouth's fifth "Exploratory" prompt offers an opportunity to reflect on your personal journey and how it's shaped by the differences you've encountered or embraced. By intertwining personal narratives with Dartmouth's ethos and values, you can create an impactful essay that showcases your understanding and appreciation of diversity in its many forms.

As noted in the College's mission statement, ‘Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…’ Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you?

Dartmouth is seeking students who not only excel academically but also exhibit promise in their endeavors and potential to impact the world. This prompt is your opportunity to showcase your capabilities, determination, and the promise you hold for the future.

Highlight Authentic Moments

Recall instances where your potential was evident, be it through academic accomplishments, extracurricular leadership, or personal growth moments. Choose stories that capture your drive, ambition, and the qualities that set you apart.

Relate to Dartmouth's Values

Dartmouth's mission emphasizes both lifelong learning and responsible leadership. Ensure your essay reflects these aspects. Discuss how Dartmouth's programs, values, or opportunities align with your potential and how they can further amplify it.

Evolution and Growth

Rather than just stating your achievements, reflect on your journey. How did you overcome challenges? What did you learn? Demonstrating growth gives depth to your potential and makes it more tangible.

Envision Your Future

Project into the future. How do you see your potential evolving at Dartmouth? In what ways do you hope to contribute to the community and eventually make an impact in your chosen field or the broader world?

• My initiative in founding a community service club showcased not just leadership, but a potential to drive change. At Dartmouth, I'm excited to further this potential through hands-on service projects and leadership seminars.
• From initiating a school-wide recycling program to representing my school in national debates, my journey has been about discovering and nurturing my potential. Dartmouth's focus on holistic education and fostering leadership resonates deeply with where I see myself evolving.

Dartmouth's sixth "Exploratory" prompt is an open canvas for you to highlight your strengths, journey, and vision for the future. By weaving in authentic experiences with Dartmouth's values and offerings, you can craft a compelling narrative that showcases not just who you are, but who you aspire to be in the Dartmouth community and beyond.

General Guidelines for Answering Dartmouth's Supplemental Essay Questions

1. deep dive into dartmouth.

Dartmouth's prompts allow you to demonstrate your affinity with the college's ethos and community.

• Highlight specific courses, faculty members, research opportunities, or clubs that align with your interests.
• Be detailed in your approach to specific aspects of college life or specific academic offerings or resources that hold a genuine interest for you personally in order to spotlight the depth of your commitment to understanding Dartmouth.

2. Introspective Insight

Dartmouth highly values self-aware learners. When discussing personal experiences or academic interests, always loop back to the personal growth, insights, or lessons you've absorbed over time.

3. Champion Diversity

Dartmouth is proud of its diverse and inclusive student community.

• Highlight the unique perspectives, experiences, or backgrounds you'd bring and how these have influenced your own evolving self-awareness and life journey in profound ways.
• Emphasize how these perspectives and experiences will enhance diversity at Dartmouth and shape unique contributions you’ll make to community life and academic dialogue at Dartmouth.

4. Genuine Narratives

Honesty resonates deeply. Craft responses that echo your true passions, hurdles, and aspirations, rather than what you feel the admissions committee wants to hear.

• Use a personal voice and/or personal anecdotes to convey authentic glimpses into your unique life circumstances and influences.
• Keep it relevant to the college admissions process, but don’t shy away from sharing intimate features of your personality, inner thoughts, “hidden” interests, and remember some glimpses of humility and vulnerability may add authenticity or further help you make your essay more memorable.

5. Focus on Depth

The word limits mean precision is crucial. Opt for depth over breadth, delving into a few points in detail rather than skimming over many.

6. Engaging Storytelling

Craft your essays in a compelling narrative format. An evocative story or reflection often remains etched in the reader's mind longer than mere facts. Use relevant narrative or storytelling techniques and vivid description, with an emphasis on showing, not telling, to help make introspective elements and reflections more natural, convincing, compelling, and memorable.

7. Meticulous Proofreading

Ensure your essays are impeccable. Beyond checking for grammatical errors, ensure your narrative flows smoothly and communicates your main points effectively. Consider getting feedback from peers or mentors for fresh insights.

8. Tie to the Larger Context

Position your answers in the broader context of your potential contributions to Dartmouth.

• Highlight future-facing aspirations, goals, or commitments.
• Describe how the college's offerings and ethos align with your aspirations.
• Reveal what contributions you expect to make as a valuable member of the Dartmouth community.
• Explain how Dartmouth will further your goals and aspirations.

9. Embrace the Process

Remember, these essays offer a unique opportunity to showcase facets of yourself beyond academics. Relish this chance to illustrate why Dartmouth and you could be the ideal fit.

Armed with these guidelines, you're poised to craft compelling responses that not only answer Dartmouth's supplemental questions but also resonate with the spirit of the institution.

What Makes Crimson Different

Final Thoughts

Dartmouth doesn’t shy away from creative supplemental essay prompts. Nor do they want you to shy away from embracing and celebrating what most makes you, you — whether something deep and purposeful, something quirky, something that’s complex and laced with vulnerability, or an exciting passion…

When multiple prompts are offered, choose the prompt that resonates best with you and will allow you to probe qualities of your personality, life journey, and college aspirations that will play a central role shaping your contributions and achievements at Dartmouth.

Dartmouth wants to get to know you better. Be authentic to your personality. If you’re unsure if the essay sounds like you, have someone close to you read it and tell you if it sounds like you. While grammar and spelling are important, showcasing the unique qualities that make you perfect for Dartmouth are equally important.

Need help with your supplemental essays? Crimson Education is the world’s leading university admission consulting company. Our expert admission strategist can help you narrow down your ideas and word choice to help you craft the perfect essay prompt response. Get your essay reviewed today!

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August 23, 2022

Tips for Answering the Dartmouth College Supplemental Essay Prompts [2022 – 2023]

Dartmouth College utilizes the Common Application. It requires the main Common Application essay and additional supplemental Dartmouth-specific essay responses. The additional essays help the admission committee round out the overall picture of you as a prospective student by providing insight into your personality. Don’t approach this as just another essay you have to write. Look at this as an opportunity for you to make a convincing statement about why Dartmouth is the ideal school for you to achieve your goals and how you can enrich the campus community. 

Everyone must answer the first two essay prompts, but you have a choice to make about which question to address with your third response. As you decide which of the latter essay prompts to answer, allow yourself some time to think about Dartmouth’s comprehensive character. Consider its location in Hanover, New Hampshire; if possible visit the campus and imagine yourself there as an undergraduate. Take a virtual campus tour. Research the different ways Dartmouth’s curriculum and approaches to education are a good fit for you . Think about the specific activities, programs, or organizations that attract you to Dartmouth. In short, ask yourself why is Dartmouth the best place for me to achieve my goals?

Dartmouth reflects its commitment to assess your potential as a student on the Dartmouth campus in its request for a peer recommendation. Dartmouth encourages you to include a letter of recommendation from a friend, classmate, family member, or someone else you regard as your peer. Although the peer recommendation is a “suggestion,” it is not an opportunity to overlook. This endorsement provides insight into how you are perceived by others. It also gives some indication about your potential fit with the Dartmouth community.

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Dartmouth prides itself on learning without boundaries. The overall academic structure and approach at the school is intended to allow you freedom. The year-round quarter system offers flexibility for you to design your own calendar. You can enter any major without a need for institutional approval (this includes Engineering). How might this sort of structure contribute to your educational success? Students are encouraged to: “Challenge yourself. Be yourself.” Don’t worry about choosing an uncommon topic. Instead, focus on discussing whichever topic you select from your point of view. Your essay responses should express your individual story and reflect your personality.

The Dartmouth writing supplement

Dartmouth’s writing supplement requires applicants write brief responses to three supplemental essay prompts as follows. The first two are the same for all applicants but the third allows you to select from several prompts.

1. Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Clas of 2027, what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? In short, Why Dartmouth? Please respond in 100 words or fewer .

How is Dartmouth special to you? You have a limited number of words to work with, so be succinct. Remember, they already have your letters of recommendations (counselor, teachers and peer), grades, SAT/ACT/AP/IB scores, curriculum, and list of extracurricular involvement. This question asks you to focus on your personal and/or academic goals and how Dartmouth is a good match for you and vice versa. How will being a part of the close-knit Dartmouth community and engaging with the Dartmouth curriculum prepare you for your future? Consider the factors that make the Dartmouth program, community, and campus environment unique and how those factors will provide the foundation to support your aspirations. Communicate how these elements align with your sense of place and purpose.

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2. “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself in 200-250 words.

What is your personal story? This is a perfect prompt to allow you to showcase specific conditions, situations, and/or circumstances in your background that are significant to your identity. Share something fundamental about yourself, your family, or your intimate community. You can discuss the intricacies of your cultural, familial, and/or social background—tell your story. Sometimes it might be something obvious, other times it might be disguised or hidden in some way. Do you feel pressure based on a set of arbitrary characteristics? Do you feel judged or liberated in some way? What is important to you? How does this relate to your values and sense of individuality? As you discuss your story, you must provide some context—remember to address why it is significant for others to know this about you. Spend a good portion of your essay discussing how this story relates to your sense of identity. What does this reflect about you? How might what you shared influence your goals for the future? How do you reconcile finding a sense of belonging on your own terms? How might attending Dartmouth impact your story?

3. Choose one of the following prompts and respond in 250-300 words:

A. Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you making—an impact?

This prompt is about what motivates or excites you to action and how you make an impact when driven by passion to make something better for others. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for a cause that is meaningful to you. Discuss a specific incident and what was at stake. How did you make a positive impact? Or how did that motivate you to continue working toward that goal? If you acted on something, consider the repercussions of your actions. What was the outcome? What was the cost to you? What did you learn about yourself? How did this experience change you? This is really about why you think striving for change is important. Consider compassion, empathy, and understanding in terms of interpersonal and global impact. How might an education at Dartmouth prepare you for the future? What kinds of skills, ways of thinking, and experiences will help lay the foundation for success? How does a liberal arts education play into your plans? 

B. What excites you?

This prompt has a broad scope but at the core is, what fascinates you? You don’t need to be an expert about the topic—how do you explore and engage your interests? This is an opportunity to discuss your passion for a particular area (academic or otherwise) and how you learn best. Provide an example of something that attracted your interest and then discuss the path you took to embrace your curiosity. What sparked your interest? What made the topic/activity/information/concept/question so meaningful to you? How did you explore the subject more deeply? What did you discover? What did you learn about yourself? Consider your learning style and how you approach new concepts. Also think about the connection you established to the subject—what might that reveal about your personality? How did this process inspire you? Make sure to convey your passion for the subject and your enthusiasm for learning!

C. In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, William Kamkwamba, Class of 2014, reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power the electrical appliances in his family’s Malawian house: “If you want to make it, all you have to do is try.” What drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you already made?

This prompt discusses how creativity and innovation are often borne of necessity. How did/do you apply your creativity to problem-solving? The focus is on your motivation for creativity while providing a space for you to discuss your passion, imagination, motivation, and aspirations. In this modern technological world, how do you think outside of the proverbial box? Capture a specific moment or urge that sparked your vision. This may be an opportunity to incorporate discussion about an extracurricular interest/activity that demonstrates your creativity. Think about the ideas or values that inspire you to make some sort of impact and the ways in which you express your imagination. What have you learned about yourself through your exploration? Then discuss how that influences your sense of identity and perspective about the world. What does what you learned in this creative process reveal about the person you are? How might this affect how you embrace the future? How might you apply this energy going forward? How might you express your creativity and embrace your aspirations at Dartmouth?

D. Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” What do you wonder and think about?

This is another board prompt that deals with how you expand or enhance ideas, thoughts, and perspectives about the world to reflect on new possibilities. Examine the on-going cycle of coming up with ideas and how you explore those ideas. At the heart of this prompt is how you process the world around you. Consider how this new knowledge or way of thinking impacted or changed you. The focus of this prompt allows you to discuss the relationship between imagination and intellectual thought. Also consider what you might learn about yourself in the process of trying to understand new ideas. Remember to discuss how these new ideas influenced you—the way you interact with others, how you think about your identity , what you might do differently with this new understanding. Dartmouth prides itself on providing flexibility in learning and an education without boundaries—here’s your chance to tell them why that’s so important to you!

E. “Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced,” wrote James Baldwin. How does this quote apply to your life experiences?

This question asks you to identify a specific problem or issue and explain how you actively engaged with it. How did recognizing the problem/issue help you to deal with it? You can address any problem, large or small. Think about the global community, humanitarian efforts, or any issue you would like to fix but make it personal by sharing the impact on your life experiences. Keep in mind that sometimes situations are beyond your control. You can tie this response to community service activities, thoughts about empathy, discussions about agency, and individual responsibility. Consider how you view yourself in relationship to those around you. Why are you inspired to confront this problem? Why is it significant? This response reveals your approach to problem solving, ability to conceive solutions, and illustrates how you process the world around you. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your values, critical thinking skills and creativity. Consider if and how an education at Dartmouth might help you to bring about positive change and address this dilemma. 

Note: If you have unusual curricular patterns, your counselor can mention this in the Secondary Education Report, or you can discuss your circumstances in the “Additional Information” section of the Common Application. 

Final thoughts on applying to Dartmouth

The context of your academic success is a significant factor in determining your overall competitiveness as an applicant. The top applicants take the most rigorous curriculum available at their high schools. Furthermore, by achieving high grades, they demonstrate their ability to thrive in Dartmouth’s challenging academic environment. Dartmouth embraces a holistic approach to the admission process and is committed to reviewing all aspects of your application. This is even more significant given that this application cycle is again test optional. Although Dartmouth is not reporting testing profiles from the last few application cycles, keep in mind; for the class of 2023, over 95% of accepted students were ranked in the top 10% of their high school graduating class with an average SAT score of 1500, and an average ACT score of 33. For the Class of 2026, it received 28,336 undergraduate applications and had a record low acceptance rate of 6.2%. Your personal narrative essays are your opportunity to pull away from this extremely competitive applicant pool.

Although it is easy to get overwhelmed, remember to stay focused on your goals. Allow yourself enough time to reflect on your experiences in a unique way that expresses your personality. Meet all deadlines and word limits. Your overall application should clearly reflect your interests and motivations while enthusiastically demonstrating why Dartmouth is the best school to help you achieve your objectives!

If you’re applying to Dartmouth College, you already know you’re up against tight competition. Don’t be overwhelmed. Get the guidance of an experienced admissions specialist who will help you stand out from the highly competitive applicant pool so you can apply with confidence, and get accepted! Click here to get started!

Related Resources:

• 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your College Application Essays , a free guide
• How Should I Choose Which Essay Questions to Answer When I Have Choices?
• School-Specific Common App Supplemental Essay Tips

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Dartmouth College 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 3

You Have: 

Dartmouth College 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 100 words, 2 essays of 250 words or fewer.

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Oddball , Community

The Dartmouth writing supplement offers you options! Let’s dig in.

1. Required of all applicants. Please respond in 100 words or fewer:

Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. as you seek admission to dartmouth’s class of 2027, what aspects of the college’s academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest in short, why dartmouth please respond in 100 words or fewer..

If you have the unsettling feeling that you’ve read this prompt somewhere before, worry not. This prompt should ring a bell because it’s just a slightly more verbose version of the most common supplemental essay question out there: why here? Phrased this way, Dartmouth’s prompt is specifically probing for information about what piques your interest about its academics, community, and/or campus environment. Focus on how you would spend your time at Dartmouth and how the environment might enrich your own sense of purpose. What are you hoping to major in and why? What cozy corners of campus would you curl up in to review course materials? Are you eager to get involved in the student newspaper or gospel choir? As with all other “why” prompts, research is the key to writing a memorable essay, so spend a little time on the Dartmouth website and literally map your path from where you are now to where you hope to be in the near or distant future.

2. Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:

A. there is a quaker saying: let your life speak. describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today. .

Admissions wants to know what or who has made you into the person you are today. Where do you come from? What has shaped you as a person, and how has that made your perspective unique? What you focus on here can be reflective of larger cultural constructs or specific to you and only you. Dartmouth is looking to add diverse perspectives to weave into the fabric of their student body. Is there anything you can teach your classmates about your hometown, traditions, culture, cuisine, orientation, identity, race, or ethnicity that they might not already know? Were you raised in a Muslim family in a small southern town? Have you grown up on a farm tending to the animals and land? Were you adopted as a toddler? Consider what has influenced your identity and how your worldview or background will bring something of value to the community at Dartmouth.

B. “ Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself.

This is the kind of prompt that tends to stump students the most. It’s so open-ended that many applicants don’t know where or how to start! Don’t worry, you’ll have a finished draft in no time. Start by answering the question stream-of-consciousness style. How would you introduce yourself to someone in a setting you’re comfortable in? Think about introducing yourself to someone after one of your plays or soccer games, gaming competitions or yoga classes. What would you say? You might talk about what interests you, things that are important to you, ideologies about life that offer you hope or feelings of connection. Maybe you’d address your favorite qualities about yourself or the burning passions that motivate your choices and worldview. We believe your best bet at a unique and memorable response is to leave yourself enough time to freewrite, draft, organize, edit, and polish. Responses to prompts like these shouldn’t be written in one sitting—there’s too much to capture!

3. Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:

A. what excites you.

This prompt is as simple as they come, and yet it can be totally overwhelming to tackle. If nothing comes to mind immediately, read through the other prompts to see if anything makes that magic light bulb appear above your head. If you find yourself coming back to this prompt, try to focus on a subject that stokes your curiosity, a specific concept that has infiltrated your browser history, or an experience that has burned itself into your brain. Which kind of homework assignments are you clamoring to complete first? Which topics want to make you open up a new book, Google the definition of a word you’re not familiar with, or hit play on a podcast? Who challenges you to think of issues in new ways? Whatever excites you, Dartmouth is aiming to bring self-motivated, deep thinkers into their student body. Admissions officers want to know that you’ll be eager to contribute to lively class discussion and maybe conduct research in your latter years on campus. Remember, enthusiasm is infectious, so show them that you’ll be a valuable addition to any classroom setting by getting specific here — and maybe even getting them excited about a new topic!

B. Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you already making—an impact? Why? How?

Community, community, community. Even though it doesn’t say it explicitly, this question is asking, “What do you hope to achieve for the greater good?” Dartmouth wants to know what you consider to be your life’s purpose. (They know you’re young and still figuring things out, so don’t worry about being held to it!) What kind of mark would you like to leave on the world? If you find yourself drawn to this prompt, odds are you already have a few ideas in mind. Whether you’d like to dedicate your life to advocating for the voiceless or tearing down barriers for marginalized groups, tell admissions why this path is the one you’ve chosen (or maybe it has chosen you!). Be sure to mention any progress you’ve already made toward this goal and how it will influence the work you hope to do in the future.

C. Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” As you wonder and think, what’s on your mind?

Dartmouth wants to accept intellectually curious applicants, so take this opportunity to share one of the concepts that lives rent-free in your mind with admissions! When was the last time you went down an internet rabbit hole researching something that piqued your interest? Maybe you spend time wondering about the mind, body, and spirit—where each begins and ends—or perhaps you find yourself daydreaming about the potential of time travel and its related consequences on Earthlings (cue Tony Stark’s lecture that it’s nothing like Back to the Future ). Ultimately, you want to discuss examples of what truly fascinates you while also reflecting on what these examples say about your personality traits, interests, and/or learning style.

D. Celebrate your nerdy side.

Alright, passionate people, this one’s for us! Dartmouth wants to accept intellectually curious applicants, so take this opportunity to demonstrate your passion for pursuing knowledge! When was the last time you lost track of time while researching something that caught your interest? When were you recently motivated to solve a problem or create something new? What was the last fact or skill you learned outside of school? Ultimately, you want to discuss examples of what truly fascinates you while also reflecting on what these examples say about your personality traits, interests, and/or learning style. Whether you could read about the cult of celebrity for hours on end or spend all weekend in the garage refurbishing old cars with your mom, admissions wants to hear about it. And don’t forget: this is still an essay about you, so don’t get lost in a detailed explanation of linear algebra; instead, focus on why it brings you joy, satisfaction, etc. 

E. “It’s not easy being green…” was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook? 

What a fabulous essay prompt—so simple, so concise, yet so ripe for exploration. Admissions is thinking critically about this common Kermit quote that others may overlook, and they want you to do the same. What is your “green,” so to say? Feeling different from others is quite a universal experience, especially for teenagers, so take some time to think about what makes you feel different and how your relationship with that difference has changed over the years. This prompt could be a great opportunity to discuss your relationship with your racial, ethnic, or gender identity, but it doesn’t have to be. Maybe you have celiac disease and pizza parties have been off the table, forcing you to bring food from home! If this prompt calls to you, trust your instincts and leave yourself plenty of time to freewrite and revise. 

F. As noted in the College’s mission statement, “Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…” Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you?

In this prompt, admissions plainly states that promise and potential are elusive qualities to capture, then challenges you to highlight those very aspects of your candidacy in your response. (Cool, cool, cool.) If you feel that your application, as it stands, does not capture your full potential, this is likely the prompt for you. Maybe responsibilities at home have prevented you from exploring more academic and extracurricular interests. Walk admissions through how taking care of your younger siblings or an elderly family member taught you valuable lessons that you’ll be able to apply in higher ed. Perhaps you are incredibly tenacious and firmly believe that when a door shuts, another opens. How have you applied this ideology to your life thus far? Have you taken rejection on the chin and thrown yourself back into the ring time after time? Show admissions that you have what it takes to succeed.

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Tackling the Dartmouth Essay Prompts

October 20, 2017

So, you’re applying to Dartmouth...at least we know you have good taste. We also know that you’re up for a challenge, because as I’m sure you’ve realized, getting into the smallest of the Ivy League colleges is no easy feat. Strong responses to the Dartmouth essay prompts are essential!

In this article, we will break down the current Dartmouth essay prompts, and discuss a few strategies for addressing them. Before we do, there are a couple things you need to know about Dartmouth that may help you strategize:

The “Why School” essay is VERY important

In part due to its small size and tight-knit community, Dartmouth takes applicant “fit” very seriously. When thinking about what the  Dartmouth essay prompts are looking for, the admissions officers want to know that you bleed Green, and if so, why. For a long time, it was rumored - potentially accurately - that Dartmouth was the only Ivy League school keeping track of which students actually visited the school, and accounting for that during their admissions process. Whether true or not, Dartmouth makes a point to pay particular attention to the justifications applicants give for wanting to attend. Thus, you need to do your research - I would recommend starting with their website .

Dartmouth likes more “well-rounded applicants”

Before you take this the wrong way, let’s throw a few caveats in here: first, Dartmouth likes well-rounded applicants when compared to other top schools, which tend to emphasize specialization. That doesn’t mean they dislike dilettantes. Nor does it mean they don’t like applicants who have achieved tremendous things in one or two specific areas. What it means is that the  Dartmouth essay prompts  like to know you are a person...a person with hobbies, or who plays sports, or who enjoys the outdoors. So, don’t be afraid to show a little color.

Dartmouth is a college

Not to belabor the obvious, but you need to take some time to consider what being “a college” versus “a university” actually means. The simplest explanation is that Dartmouth, unlike the other Ivy League schools, doesn’t have (many) graduate schools. For example, although I applied several times to Dartmouth Law School, I never heard back from them. Turns out, it doesn’t exist. Why is that? Because Dartmouth is a college.

The main reason this point is relevant is that it impacts the kinds of resources you have available to you on campus. One of the myriad benefits of attending a larger national university is that they have ample resources for specialized work and research. For example, the engineering labs at Dartmouth - while certainly nothing to scoff at - would be difficult to compare to those at UPenn or Harvard. On the other hand, being a college allows Dartmouth to focus its considerable resources on its undergraduate students. Hence, Dartmouth regularly ranks in the top three schools for quality of undergraduate education (you have to go deep into US News’ website for that statistic, but it’s there).

The reason I am telling you this is simple: make sure your responses to the Dartmouth essay prompts show that you know where Dartmouth is strong, and where it isn’t. Emphasizing the incredible engineering facilities or physics labs will not come off genuine, as there are numerous schools which will have superior resources in those areas.

Dartmouth is kind of experiencing a mini-identity crisis

Starting with a series of wonderful stories about Dartmouth’s fraternity scene and a variety of on-campus protests, the college has been undergoing a “revamping” of its image and internal politics over the past 5-10 years. This has, for example, included the recent installment of a new Dean of Admissions (Lee Coffin) - something which will surely alter the landscape of Dartmouth admissions in years to come. But more than that, there are elements of its history which Dartmouth has started to distance itself from.

Most notably, Dartmouth essay prompts help the school look for ways of diversifying its social scene beyond the fraternities and sororities. Thus, if you were thinking of writing about your desire to “frat hard” in your Dartmouth essays, you should probably think twice. Generally speaking, that should never make an entrance into your essays. Nor should Greek letters.

Here’s the takeaway: take some time to read about these recent controversies, because I assure you that the admissions staff will know about them, and will be careful about students that might replicate previous incidents on campus. Go Big Green!

The Dartmouth essay prompts:

Ok - now on to the actual Dartmouth essay prompts .

Let’s start with prompt #1:

Please respond in 100 words or less:

While arguing a Dartmouth-related case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1818, Daniel Webster, Class of 1801, uttered this memorable line: “It is, Sir…a small college. And yet, there are those who love it!” As you seek admission to the Class of 2022, what aspects of the College’s program, community, or campus environment attract your interest?

First, this memorable quote comes from the landmark case of Dartmouth College v. Woodward , when the evil New Hampshire legislature attempted a coup d’état on our beloved college, and the Supreme Court beat them down like Yale’s football team. In case you are interested, Wikipedia has a fairly cogent summary of the case here .

This is a very standard “why school” essay. Why they limit you to 100 words or less, I do not know. 100 words is almost nothing! To put this into context, I spent 54 words insulting Yale’s football team in the paragraph above. Thus, my first piece of advice for you is this: use bullet points . Don’t wax about Dartmouth’s serene mountainous landscape. Get to your point.

For example:

• Education - I am particularly interested in X professor’s course, and Dartmouth’s strong Y Department. I would like to participate in Z seminar.
• D-plan - if you don’t know what the D-plan is, you need to read more about Dartmouth. Dartmouth people (myself included) literally cannot finish a single conversation without bringing it up. “Oh, you went to Dartmouth...you must have loved the D-plan.” Indeed, I did love it.
• Community - Dartmouth is a very tight-knit community, and has very strong alumni relations. Etc. etc.

Last point about this Dartmouth essay: be super specific. If you can replace “Dartmouth” with “Cornell” or “Liberal Arts College”, then you need to start over. Reading those 100 words should leave absolutely no doubt that you not only love Dartmouth, but that you understand exactly what it is that makes it special.

Dartmouth essay prompt #2

This actually an option to choose from one of six different prompts in 250-300 words, which are copied and discussed below.

• A. In Love Medicine, author Louise Erdrich ’76 writes, “Society is like this card game here, cousin. We got dealt our hand before we were even born, and as we grow we have to play as best as we can.” Describe your “hand” and reflect on how you have played it.

This prompt presents a great opportunity but several traps for unwary students. Essentially, this is an “adversity essay”, which asks students to reflect on the ways in which they have overcome adversity - or in some cases, played their “winning hand” as well as it could be played. Here are a couple pieces of advice to keep in mind:

First, remember that admissions is not a pity party. I know that sounds harsh, but the truth is that if you wish to discuss the adversity you’ve faced, you need to have a compelling argument as to how you’ve overcome it, that will actually make you more qualified for admission. If you are merely reflecting on the horrible hand that you were dealt, you might as well fold.

Second, if you have been dealt a generous hand in life, it might be best to steer clear of this prompt. Admissions officers will be minimally sympathetic to your complaints about how competitive your elite private school was, or how much pressure you felt in your two-parent household. If you think you might be stretching to find adversity, you probably are, and should avoid this essay.

Third, while this essay among the Dartmouth essay prompts does technically invite students to discuss how privileged they were and what they did with that privilege, you should be very careful with how you address that topic. Generally speaking, highlighting how many advantages you’ve had in life - regardless of what you’ve done with them - carries some risk in the admissions process.

• B. From songs and film to formulae and computer code, human expression and discovery take many forms. How do you express your creativity? What ideas or values do you explore and celebrate when your imagination wanders?

This is a great all-around prompt which gives you an opportunity to show your personality to the admissions office. A couple of points to address here:

First, although STEM folks might be tempted to overlook this prompt due to its poetic nature, they should not. Dartmouth, despite not having the best facilities for STEM fields, nonetheless wants and needs STEM students. At the same time - and perhaps contradictorily - they want to make sure these STEM people “fit the Dartmouth mold”. They want a dedicated STEM person who nonetheless can talk about the value of Liberal Arts. So here is your chance - wax about the beauty of single-celled organisms or about the elegance of string theory.

Second, when addressing your ideals or values, make sure they are in line with Dartmouth’s. For example, explaining that your interest in neuroscience stems from a desire to make connections across disciplines (e.g., with anthropology or history) is a solid way to connect your interest to the underlying premise of a liberal arts education. Again, take time to read Dartmouth’s website - they tell you a lot of what you need to know about the school.

Lastly, when trying to reflect on this prompt, try writing down a step-by-step analysis of how you pursue your passion. For example, if you love astronomy, think about what causes you to sit outside on cold nights, staring at stars. What is going through your mind as you look through the telescope? These kinds of reflections will help you tease out the “ideals and values” that propel you to pursue your passions.

• C. During the 2016 Olympic Games, American runner Abbey D’Agostino ’14 collided with another athlete in the first round of the 5,000-meter event. Both fell to the track. Although injured, Abbey’s first instinct was to help the other fallen athlete so they could continue the race together. Their selflessness was widely praised as the embodiment of the Olympic ideal of sportsmanship. Share a moment when kindness guided your actions.

This one among  Dartmouth essay prompts offers as many traps as it does opportunities.

First, do not fall back on cliché accounts of foreign service trips or other brief interactions with developing countries. Unless that was the primary focus of your time in high school, it is not unique, and also rings hollow.

Second, this prompt says “kindness” but it also says “selflessness.” That’s the key to this prompt. If you choose this one, you need to have a great example of a time when you were truly selfless, not just kind.

Third, the best responses to this prompt will be capable of tying the answer back to a “core theme” of your application. For example, if the “theme” of your application is that you are interested in studying anthropology, it would be helpful to discuss an act of selflessness within the context of anthropological study. It should not be the focus of the essay, but in an ideal world, you could address how this central theme and your act of selflessness relate to one another. That being said, don't duplicate the content of your personal statement while trying to hit home your application theme!

Lastly, specificity is key. Try to find a specific moment or interaction, rather than a pattern of behavior. That is much more convincing.

• D. Twenty years ago, the world met Harry Potter and his companions. One of the more memorable lines from the J.K. Rowling series was spoken by Albus Dumbledore: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” What ideas or experiences bring you joy?

This is one of the more open-ended prompts. The best piece of advice I have for you, as with the prompt above, is that you should try your best to connect these “ideas or experiences” to the central themes of your application. If you’ve spent the remainder of your application talking about your love of biochemistry and all of a sudden the only thing you mention as bringing you pleasure is “travel and time with friends”, it will look very disjointed.

Furthermore, make sure you aren’t just restating things on your activity list. The admissions officers want to hear about the personal motivations and emotions that drive you to do whatever it is you do.

Finally, it will help you narrow the topic and ground the essay if you focus on one particular event or experience, rather than a broader set or pattern of experiences.

• E. “I have no special talent,” Albert Einstein once observed. “I am only passionately curious.” Celebrate your intellectual curiosity.

This is a great essay prompt, but again, one that’s very open-ended. The risk with this prompt is seeming like a bit of a dilettante. However, for those of you with very focused, specialized experiences, this will give you an opportunity to explain how those interests relate to a broader, more interdisciplinary curiosity. For instance, how your passion for debate relates to a more general curiosity about how policies are made (political science), why people make them (psychology/neuroscience), and how that has influenced the past (history) and possibly the future (scientology).

• F. “Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams,” television producer Shonda Rhimes ’91 told graduating seniors during her 2014 Commencement address. “It’s hard work that makes things happen. It’s hard work that creates change.” What inspires your hard work? What matters to you and how do you “make things happen” to create change?

This is a difficult prompt for most applicants. The key phrase to think about here is “creates change.” This Dartmouth essay is asking for you to answer: “how will you make the world better and what motivates you to do so?”

This prompt is great for students interested in policy, governance, sociology, public health, medicine, environmental science, etc. Basically, it’s great for students whose interests or dreams actually relate to improving the world. Again, if you feel like you’re stretching, you probably are.

Moreover, make sure the change you intend to create is something specific. Saying that you want to “make the world a happier place” will not impress admissions officers. If you say: “I hope to combat [specific disease] in [specific area of the world]” and the rest of your application supports this statement, then you are in good shape.

Finally, make sure your application supports whatever statements you are making. If your stated dream comes totally out of left field, then either pick another dream or pick another prompt. Your answer to this question should make sense when read along with the rest of your application.

Admissions Officers will closely look at how you respond to the Dartmouth essay prompts for the ambiguous concept of fit, but to also get a sense of your personality and passions. Do your goals align with Dartmouth’s ideals? Are you going to make the tight-knit community a better place? Will you inspire your classmates? Please stay tuned for more advice on secondary essays, and go Big Green!

Tags : college admissions , Dartmouth , college admissions essays , supplemental essays , college essays , Ivy league

Joel Butterly

Joel Butterly, Co-founder and CEO of InGenius Prep, is an experienced admissions counselor and entrepreneur. Joel comes from a rich educational background—his immediate family alone has 14 Ivy League Degrees—from Harvard, Yale, Cornell, and Dartmouth.

Joel attended Dartmouth College, where he studied Government, Geography, and the Philosophy of Ethics. He was inducted early into Phi Beta Kappa, and graduated Summa Cum Laude. He graduated with a double major in Government and International Studies, and a minor in Ethical Philosophy.

After Dartmouth, Joel attended Yale Law School, where he served on the executive board of the Journal on Regulation, as well as the Law School’s entrepreneurship society.

Joel currently resides at Yale in New Haven, Connecticut. He lives with his fiance – Emily – who teaches and is receiving her PhD in Medieval History from Yale.

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Dartmouth Essays 2023-24

Dartmouth Essays

Like many schools, Dartmouth College requires supplemental essays as a part of the admissions process. Through the Dartmouth essays , you can showcase elements of your application that may get lost otherwise. The Dartmouth supplemental essays can help admissions officers get to know you better. So, the more time and energy you dedicate to your Dartmouth essays, the more holistic picture you’ll paint for the Dartmouth admissions office. 

In total, students will submit three Dartmouth essays and can choose between several prompts. Selecting which Dartmouth essay to write can be a difficult choice. This guide will break down each of the Dartmouth College supplemental essays so that you can make the best choice for your Dartmouth application.

Dartmouth Supplemental Essays: Quick Facts

Dartmouth supplemental essays quick facts.

• Dartmouth College Acceptance Rate: 6% – U.S. News  
• One 100-word essay
• Two 250-word essays
• Dartmouth College Application : Students must submit their Dartmouth College application through the Common Application. Make sure to have all your Dartmouth College supplemental essays and other application materials ready before applying. 
• Early Decision: November 1 st  
• Regular Decision: January 2 nd  
• Dartmouth Essay Tip: Make sure you choose the right Dartmouth essay prompt for your responses – try writing an essay for each prompt to see which one connects with you the most! 

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website. 

Does Dartmouth have supplemental essays?

Yes, the Dartmouth supplemental essays are a required part of the Dartmouth application. The Dartmouth essays allow students to choose from several different prompts. In total, each applicant will submit three Dartmouth supplemental essays. 

The Dartmouth essay prompts are designed to add to your overall application. So, use them as a chance to demonstrate your interest in Dartmouth. The Dartmouth College supplemental essays are required for all applicants and can be submitted via the Common App. 

Overall, the Dartmouth essays form a key part of the Dartmouth requirements. Moreover, the Dartmouth essay prompts help admissions officers get to know you better. The Dartmouth essays can help the Dartmouth admissions team determine if you are a good fit for their campus, so it’s important to present your best work. This guide will walk you through the Dartmouth essay prompts to help you tackle the Dartmouth supplemental essays. 

How many essays does Dartmouth require?

The Dartmouth requirements include three separate Dartmouth supplemental essays. The first Dartmouth essay prompt is required for all applicants. The second and third Dartmouth essays allow students to choose between several prompts. With three separate Dartmouth essays, students have ample opportunities to shine in the Dartmouth application process. 

Additionallyy, it can help to read Dartmouth essays that worked to inspire your writing process. This can give you a sense of what the Dartmouth admissions team looks for. Overall, your Dartmouth essays should highlight your authentic voice and bolster your application narrative. 

The Dartmouth supplemental writing prompts help students showcase their unique perspectives to the admissions committee. So, make sure to dedicate time and energy to each of the Dartmouth essay prompts.

What are the Dartmouth essay prompts?

There are several different Dartmouth essay prompts. The first Dartmouth essay prompt is required for all applicants and is commonly referred to as the Why Dartmouth essay. 

The second Dartmouth essay has two prompt choices, and the third Dartmouth essay has 6 different prompts to choose from. We’ll go into each Dartmouth essay prompt later in this guide and provide some tips on how best to tackle the Dartmouth essays. 

With so many options, the Dartmouth essays give students the chance to showcase their talents, interests, and goals. The different Dartmouth essay prompts allow students to write essays that will highlight the best parts of their application. Keep reading for a deep dive into the different Dartmouth supplemental essays.

Why Dartmouth Essay

The first Dartmouth essay prompt is required for all applicants. Students must respond in 100 words or fewer: 

Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2028, what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? In short, why Dartmouth?

The Why Dartmouth essays help admissions officers understand your desire to go to Dartmouth. Specifically, the Why Dartmouth essays seek to determine if you would be a good fit at Dartmouth and to gauge your interest in the school. All applicants must complete this Dartmouth supplemental essay, so be prepared to explain why you’re interested in Dartmouth. 

The Why Dartmouth essays can be difficult to tackle—explaining why you want to go to Dartmouth in less than 100 words is a tricky task. So, think through why you’re interested in Dartmouth and pick 1-2 things to focus on. Consider researching a specific class or professor you’re interested in working with, or focus on the unique campus environment Dartmouth offers. You can also focus on the unique quarter system , any specific programs or majors you’re interested in, or a club you’re excited to join. 

Do your research

The Why Dartmouth essays require students to research the unique reasons why they’re interested in Dartmouth. As an Ivy League school, many students apply to Dartmouth each year. Your Dartmouth essays can help your application stand out, so it’s important to highlight the research you’ve done. So, spend some time on Dartmouth’s website . You can read about student life at Dartmouth and student stories – this can help inspire your Dartmouth supplemental essays. You can also read through Dartmouth’s student newspaper, The Dartmouth , for inspiration.  Envisioning your life at Dartmouth can help your Dartmouth essay shine. 

In addition to researching Dartmouth’s campus and programs, it can be helpful to read other Why Dartmouth essays. While your Dartmouth supplemental essays should be unique to you and your goals, reading other Why Dartmouth essays can give you a great place to start. Other Why Dartmouth essays can also help inspire you if you don’t know where to take your Dartmouth supplemental essays. You can read examples of “Why This College” essays here . 

Dartmouth Essays #2: Introduce Yourself

In addition to Why Dartmouth essays, the Dartmouth College supplemental essays have two additional requirements for students to complete. The second Dartmouth essay has two different prompts from students to choose from and should be no more than 250 words.

Here are the prompts: 

Dartmouth Essays #2

A. there is a quaker saying: let your life speak. describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today., b. “be yourself,” oscar wilde advised. “everyone else is taken.” introduce yourself..

Both of these Dartmouth essays ask you to introduce yourself to the admissions team. This essay should be slightly longer than the Why Dartmouth essays, giving you a little more room to write about yourself. This is one of the more challenging Dartmouth supplemental essays, as summarizing yourself in 250 words is difficult. 

Let’s break down each of these Dartmouth essay prompts and give you some tips for each one. 

Prompt A 

Both of these Dartmouth essays aim to introduce students to the admissions committee. However, they each have a slightly different way of doing so. 

Prompt A focuses on your environment and how it’s shaped who you are. You may want to reflect on your hometown, family structure, cultural environment, religion, or anything that you feel has contributed to your upbringing. Did you experience a change in any of these things at any point? How do you think that impacted you? Is there anything unique about the way you grew up or anything you want to reflect on? 

Try to focus on one or two elements—250 words is not a lot of room! You want to give the reader enough context to understand your upbringing. However, you should focus your essay on reflection and how your upbringing impacted you. Striking that balance can be tough and may take several drafts. 

Prompt B 

The second of these Dartmouth essays is a lot more general—it asks you to simply introduce yourself. With such a general prompt, many students may not know where to begin. It can be helpful to brainstorm what you want to focus on with a mentor or a teacher—what do you think are the top 3 facts about yourself that you would want Dartmouth to know? Focus on your passions and goals—and remember that the Why Dartmouth essay may have already captured your academic goals. So, is there something that you feel is not currently reflected in your application that you want the admissions committee to know? Moreover, what aspects of your identity feel the most central to who you are? 

While the Why Dartmouth essays can capture your academic goals, this prompt gives you a great chance to focus on your identity more holistically. Who are you outside of school? What are your core values? What extracurriculars are you involved with and why?

This Dartmouth supplemental writing prompt can be challenging, so spend some time brainstorming your topic. Additionally, try to write multiple drafts of this Dartmouth essay and share them with family and friends. They might help you decide which one represents you the best. 

Dartmouth Supplemental Essay #3: Choose one

The final Dartmouth essay has 6 different prompts to choose from. Students are required to pick one of the following prompts and compose a 250-word response: 

Dartmouth Supplemental Essay #3

A. what excites you, b. labor leader and civil rights activist dolores huerta recommended a life of purpose. “we must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “that is what we are put on the earth for.” in what ways do you hope to make—or are you already making—an impact why how, c. dr. seuss, aka theodor geisel of dartmouth’s class of 1925, wrote, “think and wonder. wonder and think.” as you wonder and think, what’s on your mind, d. celebrate your nerdy side., e. “it’s not easy being green…” was the frequent refrain of kermit the frog. how has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook, f. as noted in the college’s mission statement, “dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…” promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you.

Each of these Dartmouth supplemental prompts lets you paint a more holistic picture of who you are. It can be difficult to select which Dartmouth essay to pick, so we’ve broken down each prompt to help you.

Breaking down Dartmouth’s ‘Choose One’ Essay

Prompt A: What excites you? 

Prompt A asks what excites you. So, this Dartmouth essay can be a great place to discuss one of your passions that you haven’t highlighted elsewhere. Make sure to pick something that hasn’t come up in your other Dartmouth supplemental essays. The Why Dartmouth essays capture academic goals, so this may be a good place to elaborate on your passions outside of school. This is also a great Dartmouth essay to pick if you have a unique hobby or interest. 

Prompt B: Understanding your impact

Prompt B asks you to reflect on what impact you hope to make. Then, it asks you to elaborate on why and how you’ll make that impact. This Dartmouth essay is a great choice for students with a clear career goal in mind. Be sure to not repeat your Why Dartmouth essay, however. This essay should focus on what you hope to achieve on a larger scale. Moreover, it should explain why and how you hope to reach your goals. If you participated in a community service-oriented club in high school, this may be a great essay for you. 

Prompt C: Thinking and wondering

Prompt C focuses on wonder and asks you to reflect on what comes to mind when you’re wondering and thinking. This can be a great essay to reflect on possibilities for your future. However, you can also get really creative with this prompt. With such an open-ended question, this Dartmouth essay can really center around anything. You can take this essay as a chance to invite admissions officers into your thoughts and showcase your creativity. 

Prompt D: Your nerdy side

Prompt D asks you to celebrate your nerdy side. So, like many of the other Dartmouth supplemental essays, this is a great place to highlight your passions and interests. Be sure to focus on something that hasn’t come up in your other Dartmouth essays. Instead, take this as an opportunity to share something that hasn’t come up elsewhere in your application. What topic do you feel the nerdiest about? Try to pick something outside of school  – this will help admissions officers get to know you much better! 

Prompt E: What difference means to you

Prompt E asks you to reflect on difference and how it has impacted your identity and outlook. This can be a great Dartmouth essay to pick if you want to share something personal with the admissions office. In it, you can reflect on how difference has shown up in your life and how it’s shaped who you are. Additionally, out of all the Dartmouth essays, this prompt can be the most personal for students to pick. So, try to focus on the reflection part of the prompt. Then, think through how being different has made you who you are. 

Prompt F: Potential and promise

The final Dartmouth essay prompt asks you to reflect on your potential and promise. This can be a good essay for students with focused career goals or students with a clear sense of what they wish to accomplish at Dartmouth. While it can be similar to the Why Dartmouth essays, this prompt is a little more focused on what you may accomplish beyond Dartmouth. Be sure to include ways in which Dartmouth will help you meet your potential, but it’s important to paint a holistic picture. 

Overall, you should choose the Dartmouth College supplemental essays that speak to your accomplishments and highlight what you want your readers to know. 

The next section of our guide will focus on how to write the Dartmouth essays, so if you’re still feeling stuck, read on! 

How to write Dartmouth supplemental essays

The Dartmouth essays form a major part of the Dartmouth requirements for admission. So, if you’re wondering how to get into Dartmouth, make sure your Dartmouth supplemental essays reflect your personality and goals. The Dartmouth College supplemental essays offer the perfect chance to show the admissions team who you are and why they should admit you. 

The first step to writing your Dartmouth supplemental essays is to select your Dartmouth essay prompts. It can be helpful to write a draft for more than one prompt and see which essay fits the best. Try to pick Dartmouth supplemental essays that highlight your accomplishments the most. You should also select prompts that help explain aspects of your application you want to expand on. Additionally, you can change your mind on which Dartmouth essays to complete – just give yourself enough time to finish your drafts before the application deadline . 

Drafting the Dartmouth essays

Once you’ve chosen your prompts for the Dartmouth essays, it’s time to write your first draft. Try to outline each essay with the general topics you wish to cover. Research different programs, classes, and clubs at Dartmouth that you want to incorporate. Try to organize your Dartmouth supplemental essays around a central idea – this can help anchor your essays and make them feel cohesive. 

Your Dartmouth supplemental essays should represent an honest reflection of your interests, goals, and passions. For a first draft, it can help to just write the first things that come to your head. Then, edit your writing to suit the prompt and the word count. Additionally, make sure to share your Dartmouth College supplemental essays with a teacher or mentor for feedback—the more people who can read them, the better. You should plan to edit your Dartmouth supplemental essays at least 2-3 times before you submit them. This will help ensure your Dartmouth essays are the most polished they can be.

Dartmouth essays that worked

When starting your Dartmouth supplemental essays, it can help to read through essay examples. When you read Dartmouth essays that worked, you can learn what the admissions team typically looks for. You can find examples of Dartmouth essays in our guide to Dartmouth University essays that worked guide here . These Dartmouth supplemental essays are organized by prompt, so you can refer to the specific Dartmouth essays you plan to write.

For students researching how to get into Dartmouth, reading other Dartmouth supplemental essays can be key. With such a competitive admissions process and many highly-ranked programs, Dartmouth is one of the hardest schools to get into. So, reading successful Dartmouth supplemental essays can help you learn what kind of Dartmouth essays impress admissions officers. If you’re feeling stuck, read through different Dartmouth College supplemental essays—it may help spark some inspiration!  

Reading other Dartmouth College supplemental essays can also give you a sense of the grammar standards and general flow of a strong essay. However, while reading other Dartmouth supplemental essays can be helpful, be sure that your Dartmouth essays speak to your authentic passions and goals. 

Dartmouth Supplemental Essays: Final Takeaways

For students interested in how to get into Dartmouth, perfecting the Dartmouth College supplemental essays is key. So, here are some final takeaways as you prepare to write your Dartmouth supplemental essays: 

1. Pick the right prompt 

The Dartmouth essay prompts are designed to help admissions officers get to know the “real” you. So, choose the prompts that best highlight your skills, passions, and goals. 

2. Start early 

The Dartmouth essays can take some time to perfect, so start the writing process as soon as you can. The Dartmouth essay prompts are typically released in late summer, so plan to start your first draft once they’re available. 

3. Write multiple drafts 

In addition to writing multiple drafts for the prompts you select, try to write some drafts for other prompts—just to see which one works the best. Then, ask others to read your Dartmouth essays and incorporate their feedback through the editing process. 

4. Be ready to edit 

The editing process is a crucial step in writing strong Dartmouth College supplemental essays. So, take the time to carefully reread and edit your work. This will help you write the best Dartmouth essay possible. 

5. Be yourself

Remember, this is an opportunity for the admissions officers to get to know you on a deeper level. So, make sure your Dartmouth essays reflect you and your personality! 

Looking for more support as you approach the Dartmouth supplemental essays? Click here to schedule a meeting with our team and learn how one-on-one college admissions support can help you succeed.

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How to Write Dartmouth's Essays (with Dartmouth Essay Examples)

Kate Sliunkova

AdmitYogi, Stanford MBA & MA in Education

14 min read

When it comes to college applications, writing an exceptional essay can be the key to standing out from the crowd. And for those aiming to join Dartmouth College, mastering the art of crafting compelling essays is crucial. But what exactly distinguishes a Dartmouth essay from the rest? In this article, we will delve into the insider tips and strategies for acing each of Dartmouth's essay prompts, accompanied by inspiring examples from successful applicants. Whether you're at the initial stages of brainstorming or adding the finishing touches to your essays, continue reading for expert guidance on how to captivate the admissions committee at one of the most esteemed institutions in the world. Prepare to unlock the secrets to making your Dartmouth application shine.

Dartmouth's Essay Prompts:

Dartmouth University requires its students to write three supplemental essays.

"Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth's Class of 2027, what aspects of the College's academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? In short, Why Dartmouth? Please respond in 100 words or fewer."

"'Be yourself,' Oscar Wilde advised. 'Everyone else is taken.' Introduce yourself in 200-250 words."

Choose one of the following prompts:

"Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. 'We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,' she said. 'That is what we are put on the earth for.' In what ways do you hope to make—or are you making—an impact?"

"What excites you?"

"In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, William Kamkwamba '14 reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power electrical appliances in his family's Malawian house: 'If you want to make it, all you have to do is try.' What drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you made?"

"Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth's Class of 1925, wrote, 'Think and wonder. Wonder and think.' What do you wonder and think about?"

"'Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced,' wrote James Baldwin. How does this quote apply to your life experiences?"

How to Write Dartmouth's Essays:

How to approach dartmouth's "why dartmouth" essay.

The Prompt: "Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth's Class of 2027, what aspects of the College's academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? In short, Why Dartmouth? Please respond in 100 words or fewer."

When approaching the Dartmouth essay prompt that asks why you are interested in the College's academic program, community, or campus environment, it's crucial to demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm and understanding of Dartmouth's unique characteristics. Remember, you only have 100 words or fewer to make your case, so it's important to be concise and impactful. Here are a few tips to guide you:

• Research and specificity: Take the time to research Dartmouth's academic programs, campus community, and environment. Identify unique aspects that resonate with you. Whether it's the interdisciplinary approach, the tight-knit community, or the stunning natural surroundings, be sure to highlight the elements that truly attract your interest. Be specific!
• Personal connection: Connect your own aspirations, interests, or experiences to Dartmouth's offerings. How do you envision yourself thriving academically or contributing to the community? Share personal anecdotes or examples that demonstrate your alignment with Dartmouth's values and opportunities.
• Show, don't tell: Use vivid and concise language to paint a clear picture of why Dartmouth stands out to you. Instead of making general statements, provide concrete examples or specific details that illustrate why Dartmouth is the perfect fit for your academic and personal growth.

Remember, brevity is key in this response, so choose your words wisely. Craft a compelling and authentic answer that showcases your passion for Dartmouth and conveys your potential contributions to the college community.

Here's a great example of the "Why Dartmouth" essay from Ellie, who got into Yale and Dartmouth.

"Hidden below Hanover sits Base Camp, a Nepalese restaurant and home of the spiciest, most delicious noodles I’ve ever had. At Dartmouth, I’ll spend my time as I did during that meal: with a fire in my gut and a smile on my face. Under the instruction of Dr. Katie Hixon, I will continue my fascination with tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Biomedical Engineering for Global Health is the perfect class for me to pursue my passion of the intersection of science and social work. No matter what, I’ll work with passion, smiling ear-to-ear."

How to Approach Dartmouth's "Introduce Yourself" Essay

The Prompt: "'Be yourself,' Oscar Wilde advised. 'Everyone else is taken.' Introduce yourself in 200-250 words."

When approaching the Dartmouth essay prompt that asks you to introduce yourself, think of it as an invitation to paint a vibrant portrait of your true self. Embrace your quirks, passions, and idiosyncrasies that make you who you are. Instead of presenting a generic laundry list of achievements, focus on sharing the experiences and interests that ignite a fire within you. Whether it's the adrenaline rush of scaling mountains or the magic of capturing moments through your camera lens, reveal the unique facets of your personality that set you apart from the crowd.

In particular, consider highlighting pivotal moments that have shaped your worldview. Perhaps it was a transformative trip that exposed you to different cultures or an unexpected encounter that sparked a deep curiosity within you. Dive into these formative experiences and explore how they have influenced your aspirations, values, and sense of purpose. Then, showcase how these experiences tie into your broader desire for intellectual growth, collaborative learning, or making a positive difference in the world.

Here's an awesome example of Dartmouth's "Introduce Yourself" essay from Sophie. Beyond Dartmouth, Sophie's profile also includes the stats, essays, and awards that got her into Yale, Columbia, Cornell, and Brown.

"My orchestra in Boston is like a flock of flying geese, circling back whenever someone makes a mistake and moving toward our shared destination. With the conductor at the forefront of the V, we are one hundred independent geese paying rapt attention to each other so we can fly together harmoniously. Every Saturday when I see New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall with its tall glass windows, I walk faster in anticipation to join my flock inside as if I were coming home. Before rehearsal and during breaks we chat and laugh about topics ranging from Tchaikovsky to chai tea. Our strong connections arise from communicating in a language deeper than words during rehearsal. When we play, our charged moments of eye contact to coordinate entrances and the smiles we give to each other when we finish a solo are magical.

In one of my flute solos I remember crafting my interpretation in the moment. The freedom made me feel like a flying bird, yet I was in a comforting flock supporting my interpretation. I realized orchestra provides a rare balance between freedom and support. If we have too much freedom, it is hard to synchronize the parts, but if we conform exactly to everyone else, the music feels restricted and lifeless. This balance is why I feel so emotionally connected to orchestra, willing to spend seven hours traveling every Saturday to go to rehearsal. I am a free-thinking explorer, whether in my academic interests, political beliefs, artistic preferences, or any other area of my life. Yet I always look for a nurturing community to belong to, whether it is an orchestra, study group, volunteer group, or college. When I find a community with this rare balance, the excitement drives me to push boundaries and bring others with me."

Strategies for Dartmouth's Final Supplemental Essay

There are so many essay prompts for Dartmouth's final supplemental essay. To ensure you know how to approach each potential option, we recommend you check out our page with a full list of supplemental essay examples from Dartmouth!

Writing Dartmouth's "Dolores Huerta" essay.

The Prompt: "Approaching Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. 'We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,' she said. 'That is what we are put on the earth for.' In what ways do you hope to make—or are you making—an impact?"

When tackling the prompt about making an impact, draw inspiration from Dolores Huerta's powerful words and reflect on how you aspire to contribute to the world. Share your vision for creating positive change, whether it's through activism, community service, or pursuing a career that addresses pressing issues. Be specific about the causes or areas you are passionate about, and provide examples of how you have already started making a difference. Discuss any projects, initiatives, or organizations you are involved in and highlight the impact they have had. Additionally, explore your long-term goals and how you envision utilizing your skills, knowledge, and resources to bring about meaningful change on a larger scale. Convey your genuine commitment to making the world a better place, demonstrating your determination to leave a lasting and positive impact on society.

Writing Dartmouth's "What Excites You" essay.

The Prompt: "What excites you?"

When tackling the Dartmouth essay prompt that asks "What excites you?", it's an opportunity to showcase your passions, interests, and what truly ignites your enthusiasm. Dig deep and reflect on the activities, subjects, or experiences that bring you joy and fuel your curiosity. It could be a particular field of study, a hobby, a social cause, or an extracurricular pursuit. Be specific and provide examples that demonstrate your genuine excitement. Explain why these interests captivate you and how they have influenced your personal growth or worldview. Moreover, consider sharing any experiences where your excitement led you to take action, such as participating in research, leading a club, or engaging in community service. Use this essay as a platform to convey your authentic enthusiasm and showcase your motivation to pursue these exciting passions further. Ultimately, let your genuine excitement shine through your words and demonstrate how it aligns with Dartmouth's dynamic academic environment and vibrant community.

Writing Dartmouth's "William Kamkwamba" essay.

The Prompt: "In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, William Kamkwamba '14 reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power electrical appliances in his family's Malawian house: 'If you want to make it, all you have to do is try.' What drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you made?"

The Dartmouth essay prompt referencing William Kamkwamba's inspiring story in "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" invites you to delve into your personal drive to create and the impact you aspire to make. Reflect on the motivations that fuel your desire to bring ideas to life. Explore the sense of curiosity, passion, or purpose that compels you to innovate and create something meaningful. Discuss the areas where you have already exercised your creative abilities, whether it's in the realm of art, science, entrepreneurship, or any other domain. Share specific examples of projects or initiatives you have undertaken and the impact they have had on others or on your own growth. Additionally, articulate your aspirations for the future and the creations you envision making. Whether it's a technological invention, a work of art, a social initiative, or a solution to a pressing problem, explain how you aim to contribute to the world through your creative endeavors. Convey your determination to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and persist in the pursuit of your creative visions. By showcasing your unique drive to create and make a difference, you can demonstrate your potential to contribute to the vibrant community at Dartmouth and beyond.

Writing Dartmouth's "Dr. Seuss" essay.

The Prompt: "Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth's Class of 1925, wrote, 'Think and wonder. Wonder and think.' What do you wonder and think about?"

When contemplating the prompt inspired by Dr. Seuss's words, "Think and wonder. Wonder and think," you have the opportunity to explore the topics that ignite your curiosity and engage your thinking. Reflect on the areas of knowledge, ideas, or phenomena that captivate your mind. What subjects, concepts, or mysteries do you find yourself pondering? It could be scientific phenomena, philosophical questions, social issues, artistic expressions, or anything else that sparks your intellectual curiosity. Dive deep into your wonderings and share the thoughts that occupy your mind. Discuss why these topics are important to you and how they have shaped your perspective or influenced your personal growth. Furthermore, consider how your wonderings and thoughts have led you to take action, whether through research, discussions, creative projects, or community engagement. Explain how your curiosity fuels your desire to seek knowledge, challenge assumptions, and explore new frontiers. By sharing your genuine wonderings and thoughtful reflections, you can provide insight into your intellectual curiosity and demonstrate your potential to contribute to the academic community at Dartmouth and beyond.

How to Write Dartmouth's James Baldwin Essay

The Prompt: "'Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced,' wrote James Baldwin. How does this quote apply to your life experiences?"

This prompt forces deep reflection on the application of this wisdom to your own life experiences. Consider moments when you confronted challenges, obstacles, or difficult truths. Reflect on how facing these situations influenced your growth, perspective, and ability to effect change. Share personal anecdotes that demonstrate your willingness to confront difficult realities and take action. Discuss how this quote has shaped your approach to personal development, relationships, or societal issues. Acknowledge that while not everything can be changed, the act of facing and acknowledging the truth is a catalyst for transformation. Highlight instances where you have embraced this mindset, whether it's initiating tough conversations, advocating for justice, or pursuing personal growth despite adversity. Ultimately, by illustrating how you have applied Baldwin's quote to your life experiences, you can showcase your resilience, introspection, and commitment to effecting positive change in yourself and the world around you.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the essay prompts from Dartmouth University provide a platform for you to express your passions, values, and aspirations. Crafting standout essays that capture the attention of the admissions committee requires genuine introspection and thoughtful reflection. Here at AdmitYogi, we understand the significance of these essays and aim to provide valuable resources to enhance your application process. We offer a vast collection of successful college essays , including examples from Dartmouth students and admitted students at other prestigious institutions like the Ivy League, MIT, and Stanford.

By exploring these examples, you can gain insight into effective storytelling, personal expression, and impactful writing techniques. Reading these essays not only serves as a source of inspiration but also allows you to grasp the nuances of successful applications. We believe that learning from the experiences of others who have navigated the college admissions journey can be instrumental in shaping your own unique approach.

Remember, Dartmouth values authenticity and a genuine connection with their applicants. Utilize the prompts as opportunities to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations. Whether you are discussing your passions, reflecting on your personal growth, or sharing your commitment to making a difference, strive to convey your true self in a compelling and engaging manner. The road to Dartmouth and other esteemed institutions is filled with opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Embrace the challenge, trust in your abilities, and confidently present your unique voice and experiences. Good luck!

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Admissions Essay Guidelines

Following the Supreme Court Affirmative Action decision our essay policy has changed: The Guarini School requires two personal statements and the MALS supplemental form allows applicants to submit two optional essays as well. Please reach out with any questions you may have regarding this change. 

Guarini School Required Essays

These are your required personal statments.

Statement 1 The Guarini School values intellectual curiosity and passion for discovery. Please write a brief essay describing your motivation and preparation for pursuing a graduate degree at Dartmouth, what research interests or advanced topics excite you the most, and how a graduate degree will further your career goals. Be sure to describe any relevant research experience(s) and/or academic preparation that might not be detailed elsewhere in your application.  (1000 words max)

Statement 2 The Guarini School is committed to a climate that acknowledges and embraces diversity of perspectives and backgrounds, supporting a culture that fosters inclusion and actively pursues equity. Our commitment is driven by a belief that differences of opinions, experiences, identities, and perspectives are essential to building a stronger community. We encourage you to share how your personal perspectives and unique life experiences will contribute to Dartmouth and the Guarini School community. Please feel free to share how any life experiences may have adversely affected your academic history.  (500 words max)

MALS Supplemental Form Essays

In the MALS supplemental form there are two optional essays you can add to your application. One is the statment of academic purpose, where you can let us know what you are interested in studying while in the program. The other is where you are able to share any additonal information that you feel will explain to the committee what factors in your life outside of academics may have contributed to your academic successes or failures. 

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50 Dartmouth Application Essays That Worked : Crafting a Compelling Ivy League Admissions Essay Kindle Edition

Unlock the Door to the Ivy League with “50 Dartmouth Essays That Worked”

Assembled by the seasoned staff of The Dartmouth, America’s oldest college newspaper, this collection presents fifty successful application essays that paved the way for students admission into the prestigious halls of Dartmouth College.

Each essay in this meticulously selected anthology not only secured its writer a coveted spot at Dartmouth, but also showcases the unique blend of personality, ambition, and creativity that the admissions committee values. From personal narratives to insightful analyses, these essays serve as models for students striving to craft their own memorable application pieces.

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Survey reveals student opinions on College admissions

The dartmouth polled students on college admissions, also comparing and analyzing past admission data..

On March 28, the College admitted 1,685 students to the Class of 2028, according to past reporting by The Dartmouth. Students admitted during regular decision joined 606 early decision admits and 74 students accepted through QuestBridge. In light of the 2028 admissions cycle coming to a close, The Dartmouth surveyed current undergraduates on their views of the College’s admissions practices. 

The Application Process

Surveyed students were first asked whether they understand the College’s methods to evaluate applications. Three-fourths indicated that they understand the College’s admissions process, while one-fourth indicated confusion. More specifically, 14% claimed they had a strong understanding, while 61% reported that they understood the process only “somewhat.” Of the 25% of confused respondents, 20% were “somewhat” confused about Dartmouth’s evaluation methods, and 5% were “strongly” confused.

Undergraduates were then surveyed about the fairness of Dartmouth’s admissions process. The majority of respondents, 59%, agreed that the College uses fair practices, while a notable 21% disagreed. The remaining 20% held a neutral position.

When asked about the College’s admissions trajectory, 52% responded that Dartmouth admissions is moving in a positive direction, while 20% indicated the opposite. Twenty-nine percent of all surveyed students reported that undergraduate admissions is neither moving in a positive direction nor negative direction.

Dartmouth students were fairly divided on the strength of College classes. A majority, 58%, reported that Dartmouth’s classes are stronger than peer institutions, while 42% indicated that the College’s classes are either on par or weaker than peer institutions.

While Dartmouth’s admissions rates are steadily declining amid growing applicant pools, almost half of all surveyed students, 49%, do not believe lower acceptance rates correlate to an improving student body. Only 31% believe Dartmouth’s admitted classes are improving over time, while 23% did not express an opinion in either direction.

Diversity on Campus

When asked about the admissions process’s role in promoting a diverse community on campus, 75% of surveyed undergraduates said that the process fosters a diverse community, 20% thought it fosters a uniform community and roughly 5% claimed admissions do not foster diversity at all. Moreover, 79% of respondents indicated that Dartmouth should consider diversity in admissions, despite the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down affirmative action in June 2023. Twenty-one percent disagree, saying diversity should have no bearing on the decision process. 

Legacy Admissions

While the majority of students support emphasizing diversity in the admissions process, most do not support giving special consideration to legacy applicants. Forty-two percent of respondents believe Dartmouth should continue legacy admissions, while 58% do not. Despite general opposition to legacy admissions, 59% of respondents indicated that legacy admissions benefit the College. Thirty percent believe legacy practices have a negative impact on the College, while roughly 11% claim preferential treatment to legacies has no impact on the College.  More specifically, 18% indicated “significant” benefits, while 41% reported only “somewhat” positive impacts on Dartmouth.

Through the years: Admission rates, competition and popularity

Using common data sets from the Dartmouth Office of Institutional Research, The Dartmouth analyzed admissions rates and demographics from 2006 — when the Class of 2010 matriculated — to 2024, the most recent cycle. 

Over the past two decades, Dartmouth admissions have become increasingly competitive. Acceptance rates for first-year students have decreased by 57% over the period measured — from 16% for the Class of 2010 to the record-low of 5.3% for the Class of 2028. Early decision rates — historically one of the highest in the Ivy League — have also substantially decreased, from 30% in 2006 to 20% in 2024. Getting into the College during the regular decision cycle is even harder: the Class of 2010 had a regular decision admissions rate of 13%, which has decreased nearly every year and culminated at 4% for the Class of 2028. The data does not include if some of these regular decision applicants were deferred from the early decision pool.

Average standardized test scores have also increased. From 2006 to 2020, when Dartmouth instated a test optional policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic — the twenty-fifth percentile of ACT and SAT scores from admitted students changed dramatically. Although both the seventy-fifth percentile of admitted students ACT and SAT scores saw minimal change, the first quantile of ACT scores saw a more than 14% increase (28 to 32), while SAT scores saw a 6% increase in the reading section (670 to 710) and 7% increase in the math section (680 to 730). 

Dartmouth has also witnessed a sharp increase in admissions. The total number of applicants increased by nearly 127% since 2006 — the Class of 2010 saw 13,946 applicants, while the Class of 2028 saw 31,657 applicants. The number of early decision applicants have seen an even steeper increase: 170% from 2006 to 2024 (1,316 applicants to 3,550 applicants). 

In recent years, the number of first-year women who applied to Dartmouth has remained higher than the number of first-year male applicants. From 2006 to 2023, the average acceptance rate for men was 5.5%, while the average acceptance rate for women was 5.1%. When analyzing 2015 to 2023 — years in which applications from women were consistently greater than applications from men — the acceptance rate for men averaged 4.6% and the acceptance rate for women averaged 4.1%. 

Dartmouth has also seen an increasing yield, or the percent of students who accept an offer of admission. The College’s yield has increased by more than  40%  (49% to 67%) since 2006. The average yield in the 17 years measured is 55%. Although the total number of students enrolled has increased by around 11% from 2006 to 2023 (1,081 to 1,206), the number of admitted students has decreased by 23% from 2006 to 2024 (2,184 to 1,685).

Type of students attending Dartmouth through the years

The number of enrolled white students has decreased by nearly 16% in the last 17 years, while the number of Hispanic and nonresident students has increased by 77% and 177%, respectively. The number of Asian enrolled students fluctuated between the Classes of 2010 and 2026, with a slight increase of 14% (155 to 177) in the number of Asian students attending. By race, the number of white students enrolled remains substantially higher than Asian, Black, Hispanic, multiracial, Native American and nonresident students. 

The stagnation in Black and Native American enrolled students may stem from the introduction of “multiracial” as an identifier for race in 2010. Moreover, unknown or unidentified races are not included in this sample, which may skew results.

By gender, the enrollment rate has stayed relatively even between male and female students. Meanwhile, the percentage of students in the top 10th of their high school class who choose to attend has increased from 90% in 2006 to 94% in 2023. 

Methodology Notes:

From March 27 to April 9, The Dartmouth fielded an online survey of Dartmouth students on their opinions about the College’s admissions process. The survey was sent to 4,447 undergraduate students through their school email addresses. Two hundred and seventy-five responses were recorded, resulting in a 6.2% response rate. All data reflected in the article’s text is approximate. Using administrative data from the College’s Office of Institutional Research, responses were weighted by class year, gender and race/ethnicity. Weighting was done through iterative post-stratification (raking). Survey results have a margin of error ± 5.1 percentage points.

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How to Write the Dartmouth College Supplemental Essays 2018-2019

Tucked away in the idyllic greenery of Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth College has long been a sought-after institution of higher education since its founding in 1769. At the center of this community is its small, tight-knit group of 4,400 undergraduates, who enjoy the resources of over 40 departments and 60 majors.

Due to the bucolic nature of its location, approximately 70 percent of undergraduates participate in Greek life, as it serves as the hub of social interaction. Athletics and outdoor activities are also extremely popular – 75 percent of students are involved in a varsity, club, or intramural sport. Besides playing in NCAA Division I in 34 sports, such as basketball, football, and lacrosse, Dartmouth is also home to the largest collegiate excursion club in the U.S.; with roughly 3000 student and non-student members, it serves as the coordinating organization for many outdoor winter activities, notably skiing, mountaineering, ice climbing, canoeing, and kayaking.

Dartmouth College currently sits at #11 in U.S. News and World Report’s National Universities Ranking , its selectivity maintained by its low acceptance rate of 11%. Admitted students typically score 750, and 760 on SAT Reading, and Math, respectively. For those taking the ACT, accepted candidates scored, on average, in the 30-34 range. 1,217 undergraduates enrolled out of 20,035 applicants for the Class of 2021.

It is the alma mater of a host of notable alumni, including Robert Frost, Daniel Webster, and Mindy Kaling. Additionally, Dartmouth is also the 22nd richest college in the U.S., with an endowment of $4.95 billion as of 2017.

To apply to Dartmouth College, candidates may submit either the Common Application, or the Coalition Application. The college does not prefer one or the other. Candidates may apply through the Early Decision process (due November 1st), or the Regular Decision process (due January 2nd). In addition to the required essay in the Common Application or Coalition Application, Dartmouth requires two supplemental essays: applicants are all required to complete the first prompt, but may choose from 6 different options for the second prompt. Read on to find out how to tackle them!

Want to learn what Dartmouth College will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take?  Here’s what every student considering Dartmouth College needs to know.

How to Write the Dartmouth College Admissions Essays

Every essay you write in this college application process, including the Common App, is a component of your candidate profile. To help maximize the admissions committee’s understanding of you, for each school’s essay portfolio, be sure to choose topics that complement each other.

For example, if you wrote about a personal geology project in your Common App, don’t also write about your aspiration to solve a geological crisis in the second prompt, or only concentrate on the geology program in the first prompt.

Dartmouth asks for two supplemental essays – one in 100 words, and the other in 300 words. Since these essays are so short, you need to jam-pack your Common App essay with even more personal information, which will allow room for you to focus more on Dartmouth-specific academic, professional or extracurricular programs in these supplements.

Your response to prompt 1 needs to be tailored to Dartmouth specifically. If in your prompt 1 essay, it is possible to switch out the name “Dartmouth” for another school’s name, with the essay still making sense, then you probably need to dive into greater detail.

Since Dartmouth is a more academically-oriented school than its counterparts, it is critical to explain why you would like to pursue the major you choose in at least one of the supplemental essays.  

Prompt #1:  Please respond in 100 words or less:

While arguing a dartmouth-related case before the u.s. supreme court in 1818, daniel webster, class of 1801, delivered this memorable line: “it is, sir…a small college. and yet, there are those who love it” as you seek admission to the class of 2023, what aspects of the college’s program, community or campus environment attract your interest.

This is essentially the classic “Why X School?” essay . With only a meager 100 words available, the goal of this is not to mention every program or component of Dartmouth that attracts you, or give an elaborate praise of those programs. Rather, you have to demonstrate why the essence of Dartmouth resonates with you . Here are some dos and don’ts to get you thinking in the right direction:

Pick one aspect of Dartmouth that you feel deeply connected to. For example, if your academic love is environmental science, consider writing this essay on Dartmouth’s prioritization of sustainability through emphasis on programs like beekeeping, ethical fish farming, and proper extraction of maple syrup from sugar maple trees.

That said, keep in mind that ultimately, you need to present a holistic candidate profile to the school. That means showcasing as many aspects of yourself as possible – if you focus on an academic interest in this prompt, make sure to hone in on your favorite aspects of campus life and extracurricular offerings in the next prompt.

Do not, however, dive into a detailed dissertation of why the program you choose to write about is so necessary in our world today. Whichever reason attracts you to Dartmouth, chances are, someone else wants to attend the college for the same reason.

The admissions committee is not interested in reading the 1052nd essay on why the school made the right choice to implement these sustainability initiatives — the admissions officers likely know the school well enough to understand why Dartmouth initiated those programs. Instead, what admissions want to know is why these are deciding factors for you to choose Dartmouth.

For example, perhaps you lived in an area that was affected profoundly by a catastrophic natural disaster, and since then, you have been hyper-aware of the interactions between people and their habitats, and want to devote your energy towards decreasing the likelihood of a natural disaster happening to someone else.

Focus your essay on one core theme. For example, if you choose to write about Dartmouth’s unique outdoor-centric student life, structure the entire essay around this topic. 100 words do not provide you with enough leeway to cover multiple topics well. That said, if there is a tangential factor relevant to your core theme that attracts you to Dartmouth, do add it in to spice up your essay.

Do not write a list of everything you love about Dartmouth. Don’t try to expound on your love of the college’s vibrant Greek life while attempting to describe your passion for sustainability and your appreciation for the school’s flexible curriculum. Doing so would only allow you to mention each element in passing without connecting it to you personally.

Prompt #2:  Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 250-300 words:

Option a: “i have no special talent,” albert einstein once observed. “i am only passionately curious.” celebrate your curiosity., option b: the hawaiian word mo’olelo is often translated as “story” but it can also refer to history, legend, genealogy, and tradition. use one of these translations to introduce yourself., option c: you can’t use up creativity,” maya angelou mused. “the more you use, the more you have.” share a creative moment or impulse—in any form—that inspired creativity in your life., option d: in the aftermath of world war ii, dartmouth president john sloane dickey, class of 1929, proclaimed, “the world’s troubles are your troubles…and there is nothing wrong with the world that better human beings cannot fix.” which of the world’s “troubles” inspires you to act how might your course of study at dartmouth prepare you to address it, option e: in the bingo palace, author louise erdrich, class of 1976, writes, “…no one gets wise enough to really understand the heart of another, though it is the task of our life to try.” discuss., option f: emmy and grammy winner donald glover is a 21st century renaissance man—an actor, comedian, writer, director, producer, singer, songwriter, rapper, and dj. and yet the versatile storyteller and performer recently told an interviewer, “the thing i imagine myself being in the future doesn’t exist yet.” can you relate.

Here, you select one of the 6 options below to answer the question in 250-300 words. Though precision and conciseness are hallmarks of quality essays, you are not recommended to go below the 250 word benchmark. These are all open-ended questions that could elicit a much longer response – if you find yourself dipping below the minimum by more than 50 words, you probably are not optimizing your opportunity to showcase your personality.

Some tips on prompt selection:

Tip #1: Read through each of the 6 prompts.

Tip #2: Immediately categorize them into 3 segments: “likely,” “possible,” and “unlikely”.

(a) Under “likely” are all of the prompts that you have an immediate answer for upon first read

(b)  Under “possible” are all prompts you find interesting and would be open to

(c) Under “unlikely” are prompts that you find are prone to cheesy answers, or those that you simply cannot relate to at all

Tip #3: Jot down an idea or anecdote for each topic under “likely” and “possible”.

Tip #4: Review them and select the topic with the most unique story, or one that best showcases your wit and intellectual prowess.

Though this may appear like an “analyze the quote” prompt, you do not actually have to make any reference to it. The Albert Einstein quote is only a way for the prompt writers to frame this topic. Focus instead on an anecdote in which your curiosity produced a tangible result.

For instance, you may describe the time when after hearing about a friend’s horrifying experience with a violent teacher, your curiosity urged you to investigate the school’s protocol for managing these type of complaints, only to find that a standard procedure does not exist. After realizing that cases like your friend’s are evaluated on an individual basis that downplayed the seriousness of the issue, you started a widespread petition among the student body and parents’ association to pressure the school into establishing a safe channel for students to express their concerns.

If the example you are thinking of using did not necessarily produce a distinct change in a public setting, that is completely fine. It does not preclude you from this prompt.

For example, you can also write about your curious fascination with electronics – how you tirelessly disassemble every device in your house, sometimes leaving a trail of scattered parts around your room. Though you were not able to fix any of the devices you dismantled, this determination to understand the components of every machine piqued your interest in mechanical engineering, and encouraged you to devote your academic career to understanding, improving, and inventing more machines.

Try to keep the timeframe of your anecdotes to your high school career – though the chocolate volcano you engineered in 5th grade may have been cool, the more recent your example is, the easier it is for the admissions committee to get an accurate picture of who you are now.

This prompt cannot be immediately categorized as one of the “classic” essay questions and requires a bit more creativity for effective execution. It also adds yet another layer of decision-making to essay-writing – choosing the translation to continue with.

A few tips on which interpretation to choose and how to write your essay:

Tip #1: Out of all available translations, the term “story” is the most generic of the five. It is easy to argue that your story encompasses your history, your family’s legends, your genealogy and your culture’s traditions. If you do not have an instinctive response to this prompt, but still prefer this question as a whole, then choose this interpretation. The broad scope of this translation will allow you to take your essay in whichever direction you see fit.

In regards to writing the essay, you can choose to narrate a defining moment of your life that does not easily fit under any of the other four headings: perhaps on a family hike on Chirico Trail during winter break in your sophomore year, you witnessed the majesty and freedom of paragliders and became fascinated by this extreme sport ever since. You can then expand on how the sport has changed your perspective on the feeling of existence, of your resoluteness to live every moment to the fullest, etc.

Tip #2: History here can refer to family history, academic history, employment history, recreational history, etc. Choose this translation if there is a chronology in a certain aspect of your life that you want to highlight, a more or less linear process through which you matured.

Perhaps your illustrious history in competitive chess is especially important to you, and was critical in shaping your attitude towards work. Then use this opportunity to delineate your competitive history, and delve into the intellectual, and emotional impact it has imprinted on you.

Tip #3: Legend is one of the trickier ones, and will likely be a less popular selection. If you are particularly confident in your creativity, and prefer to distinguish yourself from the onset, then this is the one for you.

One way to interpret this is to relate a folktale important to your culture, and use it as a segue to introduce your culture and the role it has played in shaping your values and character. The same thing could be done with a “bedtime story” that you grew up on – you could use the fable as an entry point to describe your upbringing and the continued impact it has on your personality today.

Tip #4: Genealogy is also an interesting one – similar to “legend,” you could leverage the anecdote of your family lineage to depict important family members, or even family heirlooms, and the significance of their role in shaping how you feel about your culture.

Perhaps you share an unique bond with your grandmother, who was your primary caretaker while you were growing up. Her lineage could be traced back to Edinburgh, Scotland, where generations before, her ancestor braved the extreme weather and fed their community as hardy wheat farmers. Though you had previously hated your ginger hair, and purposefully distanced yourself from Scottish culture because you were teased, you feel more grounded and closer to your origins through the family tales passed through generations.

Tip #5: Tradition can be approached in a very similar manner to genealogy, or legend. Choose this translation if the topic you wish to discuss is more a custom than a linearly chronological account of a cultural phenomenon.

Option C: “ You can’t use up creativity,” Maya Angelou mused. “The more you use, the more you have.” Share a creative moment or impulse—in any form—that inspired creativity in your life.

This prompt asks you to impress the admissions committee with a dazzling example of your creativity, but don’t forget the underlying premise – you would really be indulging this prompt’s true purpose if you address how that inspiring moment fostered a greater, more extended flow of ingenuity, and associated examples.

Creativity comes in all forms, shapes, and sizes – you don’t have to have invented the next iPhone to call yourself creative. It could have been an internship project that none of your colleagues could find the solution for, but you viewed the conundrum from a different angle that ultimately allowed you to hone in and resolve the root of the issue instead of trying to address insignificant details.

Sometimes, the ability to shift mindsets and concentrate on the bigger picture is a form of creative thinking too. In time, this experience trained you to metaphorically step away from the present dilemma and approach puzzles with fresh eyes, which translated into your analytical skill in academics as well as your strategic plays in soccer.

This prompt alludes to two routes: one is the classic “why X program of study?” route, the other  invites you to elaborate more on your extracurriculars, especially if they happen to pertain to an advocacy issue of some sort. If you decide on this prompt, the route you proceed with should consider your overall candidate profile – if your first essay on Dartmouth focused more on the college’s alignment of academic offerings with your own interest, choose an anecdote that pertains more to you personally or to your extracurriculars, and vice versa.

Keep in mind, we are trying to depict you in as holistic a manner as possible. Each individual essay needs to dive deep into an aspect of yourself, and should not cover too wide a variety of topics, especially given the brevity of available word count. However, there should be variety between each essay in your profile, to highlight the multiplicity of your passions.

The split between answering the two questions in this prompt should be 30-70, respectively.

Use 30% of the essay to explain why you feel personally connected to the “trouble,” with a brief anecdote if possible. The less generic the problem you choose is, the easier it is to bring out your personality. Try to avoid generic topics like “gender equality,” “global warming,” and “refugee crisis.” There are many people who genuinely care about these issues, but each of these topics are so incredibly broad that it is near impossible to discuss them thoroughly and explain how Dartmouth’s course of study helps you address the problem. Instead, pick a specific sub or sub-sub topic within these sweeping subjects and focus on showing your attachment to it on a personal level.

70% (the majority) of the writing should focus on how specific programs, activities, courses, or even professors at Dartmouth can help you understand the nuances of this problem better. Remember to explain how you would then leverage these resources to galvanize more activists to contribute to a solution.

For example, you may be interested in remedying the antagonizing political climate in which there is a trend of labeling dissenting opinions as untrue and fake. To better understand why this is an increasingly prevalent phenomenon, you are intrigued by Professor Meghan Meyer’s research on the neuroscience behind our self-centered bias, and believe that grasping the scientific explanation behind our selfish tendencies could allow us to consciously combat it, and stop thinking of ourselves as the only righteous ones.

This is another unconventional, open-ended question that lends itself to a very personal piece. Though the prompt dictates, “discuss,” it is not suggested that you treat this as a literary analysis question. Your SAT essay is already an example of the aptitude of your academic writing, so there is no need to do that again here.

One way to respond is to chronicle the progression of your relationship with an important family member, friend, mentor, or even adversary in your life, and how, as you mature and play different roles in other people’s lives, you start to understand more of his/her perspective. Remember to always jump back onto the big picture, and explain how this journey has influenced your continued quest to try and “take a walk” in someone else’s shoes.

As an example, you may choose to detail the turbulent relationship with your mom growing up – you thought the way she was overprotective was absolutely crazy, and you didn’t understand why she would be so easily hurt or upset by your minor actions and words. However, as you grow up and experience hurt through the unintentional words or gestures of your close friends or significant other, you begin to realize how your similar expression could deeply upset your mom.

You could then go on to discuss how through the assumption of different parts in other people’s lives, you emotionally feel and comprehend the mindsets of those you care about much more. Then, bring the focus back to the big picture – how did this particular experience change the way you view human interaction, your relationship with those you initially dislike, and your attitude toward people going forward?

The key to an effective response here is to not get too carried away by the infinite directions you could take this in, and make sure to develop the essay around a key idea. Here are some ideas:

(1) This could be an especially advantageous prompt for you if you are the typical “well-rounded” candidate, without an incredibly clear direction or passion in one specific area. You could use this prompt to laud the virtues of having pursued several different interests – only through exhausting all possible options of what you could love can you be sure that whatever passion you follow is the most optimal option.

(2) Alternatively, you could use this prompt to discuss how you relate to this sentiment because you never want to be limited to a label, a reputation, or other people’s perception of you. As an example, you could write about how liberating it felt when you branched out from your usual STEM focused activities to write poetry instead, and enter in the Scholastic Arts Contest, and how this first breakthrough to a different realm catalyzed your pursuit of the arts.

(3) Or, you could interpret this prompt as meaning that one can pursue multiple passions and play multiple roles and be multiple people at the same time. You could share the multifariousness of your intellectual endeavors, as well as the depth and range of your mental capacity in reconciling different aspects of you and your variety of passions.

All in all, to respond to each of these prompts effectively, you will need to reach deep into your treasure trove of memories and truly reflect on the defining experiences that changed the way you view yourself, your work, and others. Never fear though, these guidelines will get you started thinking in a good direction! Good luck!

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Class of 2028 Draws Record Number of Applicants

Nearly 20% qualify to attend Dartmouth without a parental financial contribution.   

Class of 2027 Selected From Record Application Pool

Having completed its review of a record 31,657 applications for the undergraduate Class of 2028, Dartmouth extended offers of admission to 1,685 students, many of whom will benefit from expanded financial aid.

The overall admission rate of 5.3%, a record low, is nearly a percentage point below the 6.2% rate of selectivity for the Class of 2027. Applications to Dartmouth rose by 10% from last year.

Students who applied for admission in this year’s regular decision round received their decisions through the Admissions Office’s digital portal on Thursday evening.

Those offered admission will be in the first incoming class eligible for a new middle-income affordability initiative— announced on Monday by President Sian Leah Beilock —that will enable Dartmouth to nearly double its current annual income threshold for a “zero parent contribution,” from $65,000 to $125,000 for families of AB undergraduates with typical assets. That threshold is the most generous of any college or university in the nation. 

Coupled with the existing low-income threshold for a parent contribution of zero, which had been adopted last year, an estimated 19.3% of those offered admission for the Class of 2028 qualify to attend Dartmouth without financial assistance from their parents. Additionally, nearly 1-in-2 accepted applicants will qualify for a need-based scholarship. 

At the time of decision release, the average aid award is $69,152, an all-time high. The full cost of tuition, housing, meals, and fees for a Dartmouth undergraduate education in the 2024-25 academic year is $87,768, and this year’s average scholarship covers 79% of that cost. 

Lee Coffin , vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid, says that he and his admissions colleagues were struck by the “remarkable depth of quality” in the record pool of this year’s applicants. “The pool was bigger, and it was also holistically deeper,” he says.

“Accepted students demonstrate a striking degree of alignment with our institutional strengths and priorities,” he says. “They express strong interests in sustainability, in dialogue and, more broadly, in using their intellect to make a difference. It comes through loudly and clearly.”

“When we asked them, ‘Why Dartmouth?’ ” he adds, “many cited specific faculty, as well as their courses and research. There was a strong and palpable pull toward our community, with students from around the world telling us they were drawn to Hanover not just for its natural beauty but its profound sense of place and purpose.”

What else do we know about those offered spots in the incoming first-year class?

They live in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, as well as 68 other nations. Continuing a recent trend, 55% live in the Southern or Western regions of the United States or outside the U.S.

California once again leads all U.S. states, with 12% of all acceptances. The United Kingdom, Canada, India, South Korea, and Turkey comprise the five largest international cohorts in the accepted class.

When ranked, 95% are in the top 10% percent of their high school graduating class, and more than a quarter are projected to graduate as their valedictorian or salutatorian.

Also of note: 17% are in the first generation in their families to attend a college or university; 57% attend a public high school; and 15% live in a rural environment, a record figure that follows the rollout this year of a recruitment initiative targeting students from rural communities. 

But, Coffin notes, those figures only hint at the lives and sensibilities, to say nothing of the sense of self, of those invited to enroll at Dartmouth this fall. The Class of 2028 is the first admitted to Dartmouth since the U.S. Supreme Court imposed limits on the consideration of race as a factor in college and university admissions. As a result, Coffin and his colleagues are prohibited at this stage of the process from identifying and tallying the accepted applicants by racial or ethnic background.

The Court did permit institutions to continue the practice of holistic admissions , in which students’ personal narratives—including their reflections on their accomplishments and experiences within the classroom and far beyond it, as well as their values and priorities—are taken into account.

“They’re smart and curious, and they’re kind,” Coffin says of this year’s admitted applicants. “They’re collaborative and creative.”

“We look for students who can animate a small class in Dartmouth Hall with dialogue, and who can help people think about lessons and issues in new and nuanced ways,” he adds. “And, ultimately, we look for students who can enhance and contribute to the community we are building here in Hanover.”

The Office of Communications can be reached at [email protected] .

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Harvard reinstates testing requirement for admissions

• KirkCarapezza

In a surprising reversal, Harvard said it will reinstate its standardized test requirement for new applicants, a post-pandemic trend initiated by Georgetown, Yale, and MIT.

Harvard first waived the SAT and ACT requirements in 2020 during the pandemic, when in-person testing was impossible. Initially, it indicated that the tests would be optional for at least two years, but the college said Thursday that it will now require exam scores from all applicants in the fall of 2025.

“Standardized tests are a means for all students, regardless of their background and life experience, to provide information that is predictive of success in college and beyond,” said Arts and Sciences Dean Hopi Hoekstra said in a statement. “In short, more information, especially such strongly predictive information, is valuable for identifying talent from across the socioeconomic range.”

Recent research suggests the absence of standardized testing overlooked high-achieving, low-income students. A study by Dartmouth economists and a sociologist last year underscored the value of standardized testing in undergraduate applications. It showed that test scores were a better predictor of college success at Dartmouth than high school grades, essays or teacher recommendations.

The researchers also learned that many lower-income students did not submit their SAT and ACT test scores to Dartmouth because they thought they were too low, but actually would have benefitted from doing so.

Harvard is following its Ivy League peers, including Dartmouth, Yale and Brown, which have also made the change.

“The timing of this decision did surprise me,” said Natasha Warikoo, a sociologist at Tufts University who studies race and admissions.

“I'm not sure this was the right decision but it sure looks like Harvard is following in the footsteps of peer institutions that have recently reinstated the SAT.”

Critics of standardized testing said the vast majority of colleges in Massachusetts and across the country have been test optional for decades and will likely remain so, in part, because the number of 18-year-olds is set to plummet by 2026.

Some student advocates hoped test-optional policies would continue at selective colleges like Harvard, arguing that test scores say more about a student's wealth than smarts. For example, rich families have the means to hire college coaches and tutors.

“The SAT and ACT correlate fabulously to family wealth income. They also have discriminatory impact against racial minorities,” said Harry Feder, Executive Director of the National Center for Fair & Open Testing. “To use [tests] as a required part of the college admissions process does real damage to any notion of equity.”

Harvard economist Raj Chetty acknowledged biases are inherent in standardized testing but argued that measures like recommendation letters and extracurricular activities are also susceptible.

“Considering standardized test scores is likely to make the admissions process at Harvard more meritocratic while increasing socioeconomic diversity,” Chetty said.

Others, like Tufts' Warikoo, worried that low-income students might be deterred from applying to selective colleges after learning about the range of SAT scores from previously admitted students.

“It’s going to take a lot of outreach to convince students to apply and convince them it’s okay not to have high SAT scores,” she said.

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Updated April 11, 2024, at 3:25 p.m.

Harvard College will reinstate its standardized testing requirement in admissions beginning with the Class of 2029, a surprise reversal that could leave some students scrambling to take SAT or ACT tests ahead of application deadlines in the fall.

The decision comes in the face of Harvard’s previous commitments to remain test-optional through the admitted Class of 2030, a policy that was first instituted during the pandemic.

Harvard had faced mounting criticism from both academics and admissions experts for continuing its test-optional policies, even as its peer institutions returned to requiring standardized tests . In recent weeks, Yale, Dartmouth, and Brown have announced returns to required testing.

All applicants to the Class of 2029 — due to apply in the fall and winter of 2024 — will be required to submit SAT or ACT scores, barring specific cases in which they may be unable to access such exams, according to the College’s announcement. In such cases, scores from exams such as Advanced Placement or the International Baccalaureate will be accepted as substitutes.

Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Hopi E. Hoekstra wrote in a statement that “standardized tests are a means for all students, regardless of their background and life experience, to provide information that is predictive of success in college and beyond.”

“More information, especially such strongly predictive information, is valuable for identifying talent from across the socioeconomic range,” she added. “With this change, we hope to strengthen our ability to identify these promising students.”

The majority of undergraduates entering Harvard in the past four years have submitted standardized test scores, according to the release, which did not specify an exact percentage.

Harvard officials have recently hedged on whether the College would reinstate its testing requirement. In early March, Hoekstra told The Crimson that Harvard was “in the midst of analyzing” its policy .

Harvard College Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid William R. Fitzsimmons ’67 said in an interview in late March that the College had “nothing new to report” on whether its testing policy through the admitted Class of 2030 would be changing.

In its press release, Harvard referenced a study from Harvard-affiliated initiative Opportunity Insights, led by Brown University economist John N. Friedman ’02 and Harvard economists Raj Chetty ’00 and David J. Deming, which found that SAT scores are a particularly strong predictor of college success – much more so than a student’s high school grade point average.

Some experts also said that a return to requiring standardized test scores could help universities like Harvard increase the racial and socioeconomic diversity of its student body.

Deming, a finalist to serve as dean of the Harvard Kennedy School, wrote in a statement that the requirement of standardized test scores provides the “fairest admissions policy for disadvantaged applicants.”

“Not everyone can hire an expensive college coach to help them craft a personal essay. But everyone has the chance to ace the SAT or the ACT,” Deming wrote.

When Yale and Dartmouth reinstated their testing policies, both institutions referenced the predictive power of standardized testing as a key incentive for its return as a mandatory component of the admissions process.

Still, the College’s announcement — made exactly two weeks after it released admissions decisions for the incoming Class of 2028 — has exposed it to criticism.

The Generational African American Students Association, a student organization at Harvard, posted a statement on Instagram Thursday afternoon blasting the College’s return to required testing.

The policy change “strikes at the very heart of the progress made toward achieving true equal opportunity within higher education institutions such as Harvard,” the group wrote.

“This decision also compounds the challenges already faced by low-income and minority students in the wake of affirmative action being overruled,” they added.

A College spokesperson declined to comment on the criticism of the policy reversal.

Harvard’s reversal of its commitment to stay test-optional through the next two admissions cycles came with little warning to applicants for the Class of 2029, who have six sittings of the ACT and the SAT left before Harvard’s regular decision application deadline on Jan. 1 — and even fewer before its early action deadline of Nov. 1.

—Staff writer Elyse C. Goncalves can be reached at [email protected] . Follow her on X @e1ysegoncalves or on Threads @elyse.goncalves .

—Staff writer Matan H. Josephy can be reached [email protected] . Follow him on X @matanjosephy .

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No doubt about it. applying to dartmouth has the potential to change your life—but also the lives of the students and faculty you will interact with here on campus. every student we admit brings something unique to the community: a combination of qualities, experiences, and point-of-view that isn't duplicated by any other student. so come to dartmouth. be extraordinary here. you'll fit right in., information regarding testing for applicants to the class of 2029., information regarding testing for applicants to the class of 2028..

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Dartmouth has been a proud QuestBridge partner for the past ten years.

QuestBridge is a platform that connects motivated and bright high school students from low-income backgrounds with some of the nation's leading colleges and universities. We encourage you to explore the QuestBridge Program's website to learn more and discover if this is the right application process for you.

All QuestBridge Finalists, regardless of participating in the National College Match, can use their QuestBridge application in the Early and Regular Decision programs at Dartmouth College. If you apply to the National College Match, feel free to check out our resources and our FAQs .

You can also find this information on Dartmouth's QuestBridge page .

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All candidates applying for transfer admission to dartmouth must use our transfer application. the deadline to apply for 2024 transfer admission has passed..

Transfer is an admission round in which current college students submit their application by March 1 and receive an admission decision mid-May. Learn more about the Transfer admission round .

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Learn more about the process if you:.

• Are a QuestBridge Finalist
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You can also find this information on the QuestBridge website .

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You are able to apply as a Regular Decision applicant to Dartmouth using your QuestBridge application if you do not receive a binding match.

If you would like to apply as a Regular Decision applicant to Dartmouth, you must request to forward your application to Dartmouth using the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form by early-December. This way, your entire QuestBridge application, including your recommendations and essays, will be sent to us and you do not have to submit the Common Application. As an applicant to Dartmouth, you must also fill out the Dartmouth Writing Supplement , which will be available on your Dartmouth Applicant Portal once we have received your QuestBridge application. We also encourage you to submit the Peer Recommendation (also found on your Dartmouth Applicant portal) and to participate in an Alumni Interview should you be contacted for one by a Dartmouth alum.

If you have any other application updates (new essays that you want us to see and/or awards and achievements), you may upload those through your Dartmouth Applicant Portal.

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QuestBridge Finalists who opt out of the National College Match (i.e. do not rank any colleges) may apply to Dartmouth for consideration in our Binding Early Decision round using their QuestBridge application .

If you choose to apply Early Decision, please email   [email protected]   for information about how to apply to Dartmouth using your QuestBridge application. Please note that Early Decision applicants must complete the Dartmouth Writing Supplement and the Early Decision Agreement by November 1.  

Regular Decision QuestBridge Finalists who opt out of the National College Match completely (i.e. do not rank any colleges) may apply to Dartmouth in our Regular Decision round using their QuestBridge application or the Common Application. Students should submit only one application.

If you choose to apply Regular Decision using your QuestBridge application, you must request to forward your application to Dartmouth using the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form by early-December. You will also need to fill out the Dartmouth Writing Supplement , which will be available on your Dartmouth Applicant Portal. We also encourage you to submit the Peer Recommendation (also found on your Dartmouth Applicant P ortal) and to participate in an Alumni Interview should you be contacted for one.

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Students who are not named QuestBridge Finalists may still apply to Dartmouth for Binding Early Decision or Regular Decision . In order to do this, you must submit the Common App . Students who are not named QuestBridge Finalists may not share their QuestBridge National College Match Application with Dartmouth. Dartmouth has no preference for one application option over another, and all students are eligible for the same need-based financial aid, regardless of how or when they apply. For more information about applying to Dartmouth, revisit the   Apply page   and select Regular Decision instead of QuestBridge in the "Start Your Process" section.

The Binding Early Decision deadline is November 1 and the Regular Decision deadline is January 2.

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• The Dartmouth Writing Supplement is required for QuestBridge Finalists during the National College Match process. After your QuestBridge Application has been forwarded to Dartmouth, you will receive instructions via email to access your Dartmouth Applicant Portal. Once you have access to your portal, complete the Dartmouth Writing Supplement and QuestBridge Addendum   located there.
• If you would like to send new information to the Dartmouth Admissions Committee that was not available when you completed your QuestBridge Application (e.g. new honors and awards), you may submit those by uploading them to your Dartmouth Applicant Portal.
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• Additional transcripts are not required for consideration in the National College Match, but Dartmouth welcomes quarter grades or midterm grades if available in November.
• Two Teacher Evaluations
• We will use the teacher recommendations that your teachers submitted to QuestBridge. You do not need to resubmit these.
• Dartmouth College is test optional for applicants to the Class of 2028 . If a student has taken standardized testing, we encourage the student to submit scores regardless of how they may compare to scores on historical Dartmouth class profiles . Students who rank Dartmouth can indicate which, if any, scores they would like considered in Dartmouth's review of their application. For students who would like to submit test scores, Dartmouth asks that you send us official score reports. However, if you cannot send official test scores to Dartmouth in time, your school counselor or teacher should email a copy of your score report to the  Dartmouth Admissions Office . Applicants who do not take the SAT or ACT tests will not be disadvantaged in the application process. 
• Students are welcome to submit SAT Subject, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate scores to illustrate academic strengths. Not submitting these scores will not prevent a candidacy from receiving a full review by the Admissions Committee.
• Interviews are not required for any first-year applicant to Dartmouth. Because of the condensed timeline of the QuestBridge National College Match process, we are unable to offer interviews to QuestBridge applicants .
• However, if you move into our Regular Decision process you may be contacted for an interview and we encourage you to take this opportunity to interview with a Dartmouth alum.

Dates, Deadlines, and Forms

We’re excited to learn about you, your talents, and your potential. Start here to see important dates and deadlines, and to find links to the forms you need to complete.

0. About Early Decision

Early Decision (ED) is an early admission round in which students submit their application by November 1 and receive an admission decision by mid-December. ED admission is binding: students who apply through this process are committing to attend Dartmouth if admitted (barring extenuating circumstances such as unforeseen financial hardship). Learn more about the Early Decision admission round .

0. About Regular Decision

Regular Decision (RD) is an admission round in which students submit their application by January 2 and receive an admission decision by late March or early April, and, if admitted, have until May 1 to either accept or decline their offer. Learn more about the Regular Decision admission round .

1. Dartmouth Admission Applications Go Live

All candidates applying for first-year admission to Dartmouth must use the Common App . Add Dartmouth to the "My Colleges" section and you will be on your way. Check our Eligibility Guidelines to help guide what type of applicant you are.

1. Transfer Timeline

All candidates applying for transfer admission to Dartmouth must use our Transfer Application.

Last date for testing Information regarding testing for applicants in the 2023-2024 application cycle

Transfer Application due

Application Fee or Fee Waiver due

Financial Aid application materials due

Transfer admission notification. Financial aid award notification for admitted financial aid applicants

Admitted financial aid applicants review and appeal (if necessary) financial aid packages.

Intent to enroll deadline

Final spring term college transcript, including end-of-year grades, due (required for all admitted students and applicants on the Wait List)

Assemble transcript and course syllabi for review by the Dartmouth Registrar and academic departments   to determine transferrable credits (required for all enrolling students)

2. Early Decision Timeline

Early Decision Application due

Last date for testing.

Respond to (optional) Alumni Interview   invitation

Quarter grades/progress reports that include grades from the senior year due

Early Decision admission notification. Financial aid tentative award notification for admitted financial aid applicants.

Mid-Year Report  due.

Early Decision deferred applicants should submit a brief update regarding recent notable academic, extracurricular, and/or personal accomplishments; some applicants may wish to submit other material, such as new standardized exam scores and/or an additional letter of recommendation.

Admission notification for Early Decision deferred applicants. Financial aid award notification for admitted financial aid applicants.

Admitted financial aid applicants review and appeal financial aid packages (if necessary).

Intent to enroll deadline for recently admitted Early Decision applicants

Final Secondary School Report and transcript due

Deadline to request a Gap Year

2. Regular Decision Timeline

Regular Decision Application due

Mid-Year Report due

Respond to (optional) Alumni Interview invitation

Regular Decision admission notification. Financial aid award notification for admitted financial aid applicants.

Final secondary school report and transcript are due

2. Required Transfer Application Components

• Application Fee or Fee Waiver
• Dartmouth Application with essays
• Final Secondary School Report with Transcript
• College Official's Report with College Transcript, updated in May/June with final Transcript and end-of-year grades
• Dartmouth requires two evaluations from college instructors.
• If admitted, year-end college transcript and course syllabi for all college courses will be needed for review by Dartmouth Registrar and academic departments to determine credits
• Note: Interviews are not available for Transfer applicants.

2.1. Additional Application Components

• SAT   or   ACT (encouraged) Information regarding testing for applicants in the 2023-2024 application cycle . If a student has taken standardized testing, we encourage the student to submit scores regardless of how they may compare to scores on historical Dartmouth class profiles.
• College Course Syllabi (strongly recommended)

3. Required Application Components

• Dartmouth Writing Supplement

For applicants to the Class of 2029

3.0 Additional Application Components

Encouraged Application Component Dartmouth College is test optional for applicants to the Class of 2028 . If a student has taken standardized testing, we encourage the student to submit scores regardless of how they may compare to scores on historical Dartmouth class profiles.

Recommended Application Component

Optional Application Component

• Art Portfolio

3.1. Required for International Students

Additional standardized testing options for students who attend school outside the U.S.

TOEFL or IELTS or the Duolingo English Test or Cambridge C1/C2 unless English is your first language or the language of instruction at your current secondary or post-secondary school .

Eligibility

Transfer eligibility.

Students who have matriculated at a college and who have completed two years or less of college coursework at the date of application are eligible for transfer admission.

Students who have previously earned a bachelor's degree or its equivalent are not eligible for admission to Dartmouth.

Students who have taken college coursework that is counting towards their high school graduation must apply for first-year admission. This includes students pursuing an associate's degree while finishing high school.

Students who are not currently enrolled in school, or whose education has been interrupted, may apply for admission and often use the "Additional Information" portion of the application to provide background on their experiences and their educational path.

An applicant's anticipated year of graduation or the number of credits completed within the guidelines stated above will not have an impact on the outcome of an application. Because Dartmouth enrolls such a small number of transfer students each year, the Admissions Committee does not need to balance the numbers of students entering as new sophomores or juniors.

After the Match

Finalists who do not match.

Students who rank Dartmouth and don't match at any partner school will automatically roll into Dartmouth's Regular Decision pool and also have the option of being considered for Early Decision. Please   review the information on   this page of our website   and visit the QuestBridge website for more information about your options following the National College Match.

If you no longer wish to be considered in Dartmouth's applicant pool, you should complete the "Application Withdrawal Request Form" available through your Dartmouth Applicant Portal .

Finalists Who Do Not Match, Do Not Rank Dartmouth

Students who do not rank Dartmouth and don't match at any partner school have the option to add Dartmouth to their QuestBridge Regular Decision Form. Please look at the   QuestBridge website   for more information about your options following the National College Match.

Finalists who Match to a Non-binding School

Congratulations on matching with a non-binding QuestBridge partner college! Because this is non-binding, you are still eligible to apply to Dartmouth through the binding Early Decision process or the non-binding Regular Decision process .

Finalists who Match to another Binding School

Congratulations! If you have been matched at another QuestBridge partner college with a binding match agreement, you must attend that school. We will automatically withdraw your QuestBridge application.

Finalists Who Match to Dartmouth

Congratulations! The QuestBridge Match process at Dartmouth is binding. You will be attending Dartmouth in the fall – we can't wait to welcome you to campus!

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