All the detailed information about the Dartmouth Acceptance Rate is readily available on this page, catering to both undergraduate and graduate applicants.
Dartmouth College’s acceptance rate has witnessed a remarkable decline over the years. In the 1990s, it ranged from 21% to 26%, but by the 2010s, it dropped to 12-13%. In 2023, the institution achieved an astonishing 6% admit rate for the third consecutive year, firmly establishing itself as an elite Ivy League school.
The high selectivity is evident from the stringent admission process that demands outstanding academic records, standardized test scores above the 95th percentile, and exceptional talents beyond the classroom.
With the growing reputation and allure of Dartmouth, the number of applicants has surged to over 28,000 annually.
Yet, the college remains steadfast in its commitment to admit only around 1,750 students each year, maintaining its reputation as an exclusive and prestigious institution.
Prospective applicants must conduct thorough research to gauge their competitiveness in the face of such formidable admission criteria.
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Where is Dartmouth College?
Dartmouth College is a renowned institution located in Hanover, New Hampshire, amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Upper Connecticut River Valley. With a small-town charm, Hanover boasts a modest population of around 11,000, half of which comprises the vibrant community of Dartmouth students.
The college stands as a beacon of academic excellence, offering a captivating blend of rigorous academics and small-town warmth. Students at Dartmouth are immersed in a nurturing environment that fosters intellectual growth and personal development.
Amidst the captivating natural beauty, Dartmouth College offers a wealth of academic opportunities and vibrant student life.
As students explore the verdant campus and engage in various extracurricular activities, they become integral parts of the dynamic tapestry that defines the unique ambiance of Hanover.
Dartmouth’s fusion with the town creates a harmonious and intellectually stimulating haven, providing students with a well-rounded educational experience. With a rich history and an impressive array of academic offerings,
Dartmouth College remains a coveted institution for students seeking a transformative college experience.
Is Dartmouth an Ivy League School?
Yes, Dartmouth is indeed one of the eight Ivy League schools. It was established in 1769 making it the second youngest of the Ivies–only Cornell was established later.
Dartmouth Acceptance Rate (Early Decision) – Class of 2027
Of the 3,000+ early decision applications received in the 2022-23 admissions cycle, Dartmouth accepted 578 students into the Class of 2027. This means that the Dartmouth ED acceptance rate was 19% for the Class of 2027.
Dartmouth Acceptance Rate – Class of 2027
There were 28,841 applications submitted for a place in the 2023-24 freshman class, higher than the previous year. For perspective, Dartmouth received just over 16,500 applications for a spot in the Class of 2012. The Class of 2027 Dartmouth acceptance rate was 6%, tied for the lowest total in the school’s history. This was the seventh time in the school’s history that the acceptance rate fell into single-digits.
Historical Dartmouth Acceptance Rates
- Class of 2026: 6%
- Class of 2025: 6%
- Class of 2024: 9%
Dartmouth Admissions – SAT, ACT, and Class Rank
According to the most recent statistics available, the median SAT score for enrolled freshmen was 1520; the ACT mean was 33. Ninety-four percent of the Class of 2025 had earned a place in the top 10%. In a typical year, more than 500 admitted students were either the valedictorian or salutatorian of their high school class.
Admissions Trends & Notes – (Class of 2027)
- Admits into the Class of 2027 included representatives from every U.S. state and 75 countries.
- Among U.S. citizens, 41% of ED admits identify as people of color.
- 15% of ED admits are the first in their family to attend college.
- 14% of ED admits are children of alumni.
- 56% of admitted students attended a public or charter school.
Being “Well-Rounded” is Not Enough
Dartmouth College seeks students who stand out and excel in their respective fields or have the potential to do so. The college values specialization and a deep level of expertise rather than a broad range of skills. Their ideal candidates are those who have the potential to become leaders and innovators in various domains. This is evident from the impressive list of accomplished Dartmouth alumni, including renowned politicians, celebrated writers, distinguished scientists, intellectuals, and talented actors and actresses. Dartmouth is committed to nurturing and empowering the next generation of exceptional individuals who will make significant contributions to the world.
How Dartmouth Evaluates Applicants
According to the Dartmouth Office of Admissions, each admitted student contributes a unique combination of qualities, experiences, and perspectives that set them apart from others.
Dartmouth places significant importance on several factors during the admissions process, considering them “very important.” These factors include the rigor of the applicant’s secondary school record, class rank, GPA, standardized test scores, application essay, recommendations, extracurricular activities, and personal character and qualities. “Talent/ability” is also rated as “important” while interviews, first-generation status, legacy status, geographic residence, racial/ethnic status, volunteer work, work experience, and the applicant’s level of interest are “considered.”
Beyond academic achievements, Dartmouth seeks genuine excellence in one or more extracurricular activities. They are particularly impressed by significant accomplishments, such as winning prestigious international math competitions, being a top cellist in the United States, publishing original scientific research, or starting a charitable organization with a substantial impact.
Exceptional athletic achievements are also valued, as 25% of the undergraduate population participates in the university’s 35 Division I sports teams, giving recruited athletes an advantage in the admissions process.
Who Actually Gets Into Dartmouth?
Let’s look at the demographics of the Class of 2026.
Geographically, the Class of 2026 hailed from the following regions:
- Mid-Atlantic States: 20%
- Southern States: 18%
- Western States: 19%
- Midwestern States: 8%
- New England States: 17%
Admission competition at Dartmouth College is most intense for applicants from highly populated states like those in the Northeast and the West Coast, where there is a continuous flow of highly qualified candidates. On the other hand, students from the Deep South or less-populated states such as Montana or Idaho may have a slightly better chance of gaining admission due to their geographic location, which provides a competitive advantage in the admissions process.
Additionally, 15% of Class of 2026 members were international students. The countries that are most represented on campus are:
- Canada
- China
- U.K.
- India
- Brazil
Looking at ethnic identity, the breakdown of current undergrads is as follows (percentages do not add up to 100% as applicants can list multiple races):
- White: 55%
- Asian: 22%
- Hispanic: 11%
- African American: 11%
- Native American: 4%
- Two or more races: 17%
Type of Secondary School:
- Public School: 56%
- Independent Schools: 32%
- Religious Schools: 12%
- Total Number of High Schools: 910
Dartmouth Yield Rate
Dartmouth’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted is 62%. This number is on the high side even compared to other highly-selective colleges and universities. For comparison, elite schools such as Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon, Vanderbilt, Rice, Emory, and Georgetown all have yield rates under 50%.
Tips for Applying to Dartmouth
If you plan on joining the 28,000+ Dartmouth hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:
- The school will remain test-optional for those applying to enter the Class of 2027.
- Dartmouth does schedule alumni interviews for its applicants. Dartmouth interviews for early decision candidates are scheduled in November and interviews for regular decision applicants are scheduled between December and mid-February.
- Dartmouth does consider “demonstrated interest” so, if possible, it is a good idea to make a campus visit, contact an admissions officer, connect with the college on social media, and/or attend any local presentations by admissions officials at college fairs.
- Make sure to dedicate sufficient time and effort to the supplemental essays and short answers required by Dartmouth. In the 2021-22 cycle, they are as follows:
Dartmouth’s writing supplement requires that applicants write brief responses to two supplemental essay prompts as follows:
1. Please respond in 100 words or fewer:
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 2026, what aspects of the College’s program, community, or campus environment attract your interest?
2. Please 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?
B. What excites you?
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?
D. Curiosity is a guiding element of Toni Morrison’s talent as a writer. “I feel totally curious and alive and in control. And almost…magnificent, when I write,” she says. Celebrate your curiosity.
E. 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?
F. “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?
The Summary of Dartmouth Acceptance Rate
Supposing you possess the necessary academic qualifications, there is certainly no harm in embarking on the Dartmouth application process. However, it’s important to acknowledge that even for exceptionally strong applicants, like those vying for admission to other ultra-elite colleges in 2023, having a well-rounded and diversified college list comprising both “Target” and “Safety” schools is imperative.
This strategic approach ensures that candidates have multiple options available and increases their chances of securing admission to a suitable institution that aligns with their academic and personal aspirations. Therefore, while Dartmouth is undoubtedly a prestigious and sought-after institution, prospective applicants should adopt a prudent approach by considering a range of alternative options to bolster their overall college application strategy.
