How Competitive Is the Dartmouth Acceptance Rate?

Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, is one of the most competitive Ivy League schools. Discover Dartmouth’s admission requirements, eligibility criteria, recent trends, and expert tips to strengthen your application. Here’s your complete guide to boosting your chances of joining the Class of 2029.

When it comes to Ivy League schools, Dartmouth College often finds itself at the top of the list. Known for its stunning campus in Hanover, New Hampshire, rigorous academics, and close-knit community, Dartmouth has become a dream school for many ambitious students worldwide. 

But with an acceptance rate that hovers around 6.2%, the big question on everyone’s mind is: How competitive is the Dartmouth acceptance rate?

Dartmouth’s Acceptance Rate

Dartmouth acceptance rate is low, but this is expected for Ivy League institutions, which are known for their highly competitive admissions. The rate has fluctuated slightly over the years, but in recent cycles, it has generally hovered between 5% to 6%.

For the Class of 2025, Dartmouth College received a total of 28,357 applications and admitted 1,749 students, making the acceptance rate approximately 6.2%. This means that out of every 100 applicants, only about six are admitted. With such numbers, Dartmouth is undoubtedly one of the most selective universities in the United States and globally.

Why is Dartmouth so competitive?

1. The Ivy League Factor

Being part of the Ivy League brings a lot of prestige, and as expected, this increases the number of applicants. Students from all over the world are vying for a place at an Ivy League school, and Dartmouth, as one of the eight members, naturally attracts top-tier candidates.

The Ivy League is recognised for its academic excellence, rich history, and connections in various industries. When you’re applying to a school like Dartmouth, you’re not just competing with students from the U.S., but with talented applicants from all corners of the globe.

2. The Small Size and Personalised Education

Unlike larger universities, Dartmouth has a relatively small student body. It has an undergraduate enrolment of about 4,400 students, which makes it one of the smallest Ivy League schools. The college's commitment to providing personalised attention through small class sizes and close interaction with professors means it admits only a limited number of students each year.

This size fosters a more intimate academic environment, allowing students to engage deeply in their studies and form meaningful relationships with their peers and professors. However, it also means there are fewer spots available, increasing the competition.

3. Holistic Admissions Process

Dartmouth employs a holistic admissions process, which means that the admissions committee evaluates more than just academic achievements. While your grades, test scores, and academic rigor are essential, Dartmouth is equally interested in your personal qualities.

They seek students who show intellectual curiosity, strong leadership, and a commitment to the community. The holistic approach makes it harder to stand out unless you can showcase a balance of academic excellence and personal attributes that align with Dartmouth’s values. This is why even high-achieving students may face stiff competition.

A Look at Recent Trends

Let’s take a closer look at the numbers from recent years to see how the Dartmouth acceptance rate has evolved:

As we can see, Dartmouth acceptance rate has gradually declined over the years. The college received more applications for the Class of 2025 than ever before, yet the acceptance rate stayed within a narrow margin. This trend reflects the increasing competition among applicants as more students recognise Dartmouth’s academic prestige.

How to Stand Out in a Competitive Pool

Dartmouth is looking for students who will thrive in its challenging academic environment and contribute to the campus community. Here are some tips on how to improve your chances:

1. Academic Excellence

Dartmouth places a strong emphasis on academic performance. They want to see a high GPA, particularly in advanced courses like AP, IB, or honours classes. A competitive SAT score (typically between 1450 and 1550) or ACT score (33-35) is essential to get noticed.

But it’s not just about numbers—Dartmouth values students who have demonstrated intellectual curiosity and the ability to succeed in a challenging academic environment. So, go ahead and push yourself in high school, but make sure you’re passionate about the subjects you’re taking.

2. Strong Essays and Personal Statements

Your application essays are your chance to show who you are beyond the grades. Dartmouth places a significant weight on essays, particularly the “Why Dartmouth?” essay. This is your opportunity to show the admissions committee that you’ve done your research and that Dartmouth is the perfect fit for you.

Craft your essays thoughtfully, showing both your academic potential and your character. Be authentic and use this space to demonstrate how you’ll contribute to the Dartmouth community.

3. Extracurricular Activities and Leadership

Dartmouth is looking for students who have not only excelled academically but also demonstrated leadership and commitment outside of the classroom. Whether you’ve held leadership positions in clubs, volunteered for community service, or excelled in sports or arts, make sure to showcase these experiences in your application.

It’s not just about quantity, Dartmouth values quality and impact. Demonstrating a deep commitment to one or two activities is more impressive than simply participating in numerous clubs.

4. Apply Early Decision (ED)

If Dartmouth is your top choice, consider applying through the Early Decision (ED) route. The acceptance rate for ED applicants is typically higher than for Regular Decision (RD) applicants. For the Class of 2025, the acceptance rate for ED was 17.1% compared to 4.5% for RD.

Remember, Early Decision is binding, so make sure Dartmouth is your absolute first choice before committing to this route.

Final thoughts 

Dartmouth acceptance rate is undeniably competitive, with a small percentage of applicants being admitted each year. The selectivity of Dartmouth is a result of its academic excellence, holistic admissions process, and its commitment to fostering a diverse and talented student body.

While the process is challenging, it’s not impossible to get in. Focus on excelling academically, showcasing your leadership and extracurricular achievements, and crafting a compelling application that highlights your personal strengths.

If Dartmouth is where you see yourself thriving, then take the time to carefully craft your application, show them not only what you’ve achieved but who you are and why you’re a perfect fit for their community.