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Dartmouth College

Overview

Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College is an esteemed Ivy League institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Situated in the charming town of Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth has stood as a beacon of intellectual curiosity since its founding in 1769. Each year, Dartmouth College attracts a remarkable influx of over 25,000 applications from bright and aspiring students worldwide. However, with a highly selective acceptance rate hovering around a mere 6%, gaining admission to Dartmouth is a competitive endeavor reserved for the most exceptional and promising individuals. In this overview, we’ll delve into the distinctive features that set Dartmouth apart, from its rigorous academic programs and renowned faculty to its vibrant campus life and commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

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Dartmouth College Academics

Dartmouth College offers an expansive academic landscape, boasting close to 70 majors and minors along with 11 interdisciplinary programs spanning areas such as medicine, the arts, engineering, and business. Moreover, students are empowered to self-design majors, enabling them to tailor their academic journey to align with their intellectual passions. Dartmouth stands as a distinctive blend of a prestigious liberal arts college and a top-tier research university, where students and faculty collaborate to tackle global challenges head-on. With a commitment to excellence, Dartmouth attracts faculty who are leaders in their respective fields and who are excited to foster close partnerships with undergraduates through classroom interactions, independent studies, and research opportunities. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, Dartmouth ensures small class sizes and personalized attention, facilitating one-on-one engagement with professors renowned for their dedication to teaching and mentorship.

The student/faculty ratio at Dartmouth College is 7:1 and 61% of classes have 20 students or fewer.

Dartmouth Undergraduate Colleges:

  • Arts and Sciences
  • Thayer School of Engineering

Dartmouth Popular Majors:

  • Biology
  • Engineering (various disciplines)
  • Computer Science
  • Political Science
  • Economics
  • History
  • Psychology

Dartmouth Notable or Distinct Majors:

  • Native American and Indigenous Studies
  • Quantitative Social Science
  • Human-Centered Design

Unique Academic Opportunities at Dartmouth:

  • Dartmouth follows a modified version of the quarter system (called the D-plan), which consists of three terms of ten weeks (usually fall, winter, and spring).
  • The Dartmouth Investment and Philanthropy Program (DIPP) provides hands-on experience in investment and philanthropy.
  • The Dartmouth Undergraduate Research Association (DURA) supports and promotes undergraduate research across different fields.

Dartmouth College Admissions

Dartmouth College Application Details:

  • Dartmouth College has reinstated its standardized testing requirements. According to recent reports, the 75th percentile SAT score of an admitted student was 1580, and the 75th percentile composite ACT score was 35.
  • The Common Application is accepted at Dartmouth.
  • Dartmouth attempts to offer alumni interviews to as many applicants as feasible, yet limitations in alumni availability and geographic constraints will impact their ability to accommodate all requests. The absence of an interview will not adversely impact your chances in the admissions evaluation.
  • A personal statement or personal essay is part of the Common App.
  • In the most recent Admissions cycle, Dartmouth required supplemental responses to three short-answer questions.
  • Students must submit a counselor recommendation, mid-year report, and school report.
  • First-year applicants must submit two teacher recommendations with their application.

Application Deadlines:

Early Decision
Nov 1
Regular Decision
Jan 2
Fall Transfer
Mar 1

Dartmouth College Class Profile

Undergraduate Demographics (2023-2024):

  • Asian students: 14%
  • Black students: 6%
  • Hispanic students: 10%
  • White students: 48%
  • International students: 13%
  • First-generation college students: 14%
  • 49% women; 51% men

Life in Hanover

Nestled in the picturesque Upper Valley of New Hampshire, Hanover offers a charming backdrop for students at Dartmouth College, seamlessly blending small-town allure with academic rigor for an enriching college journey.

  • Enveloped by the breathtaking landscapes of New Hampshire, Hanover provides students with ample opportunities for outdoor exploration. Whether it’s hiking the trails of nearby Mount Moosilauke, skiing at the renowned Dartmouth Skiway, or enjoying a stroll along the Connecticut River, there are endless ways to embrace the region’s natural beauty.
  • Hanover is adorned with verdant parks and green spaces like Occom Pond and Mink Brook Nature Preserve, inviting students to unwind, connect with nature, and partake in community events such as outdoor concerts and farmers’ markets.
  • Woodstock is a charming destination to visit from Dartmouth, offering convenient access to local ski resorts, making it an ideal spot for winter sports enthusiasts.

With its blend of natural splendor, cultural vibrancy, and academic excellence, Dartmouth immerses students in a dynamic college experience amid the scenic wonders of New England.

Dartmouth Campus Life:

Campus life at Dartmouth College is vibrant and diverse, offering students a dynamic environment for personal and academic growth. Nestled in the picturesque setting of Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth boasts a tight-knit community where students form lasting bonds through shared experiences. With approximately 4,400 undergraduate students and over 2,100 graduate students, the campus exudes energy and vitality. From bustling academic halls to lush green spaces, the campus provides a backdrop for intellectual exploration and social engagement. Students can participate in a range of extracurricular activities, including more than 350 student organizations, intramural sports, and community service initiatives. Whether it’s attending a lively debate, exploring the outdoors with the Dartmouth Outing Club, or collaborating on research projects with esteemed faculty, there’s never a shortage of opportunities to learn and connect. With its rich traditions, spirited events, and inclusive atmosphere, Dartmouth College fosters a sense of belonging and empowers students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Dartmouth College Social Activities:

  • Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC): The DOC is the oldest and largest collegiate outing club in the United States. The DOC provides over 1,500 student members with opportunities to explore the great outdoors through activities such as hiking, skiing, climbing, and kayaking. Dartmouth provides reservable cabins and rental gear and aims to make the outdoors accessible to all.
  • Close to 50% of Dartmouth’s student body actively participates in Greek life, which encompasses 28 active Greek chapters on campus.
  • The Dartmouth College Radio (WDCR) provides opportunities for students to create and broadcast their own radio shows.
  • The Rockefeller Center for Public Policy provides leadership programs, public policy research, and civic engagement opportunities.

Dartmouth College Traditions:

  • Winter Carnival: The Winter Carnival is another cherished tradition, dating back to 1910, where students celebrate the beauty of the New England winter with elaborate ice sculptures, ski races, and festive events.
  • Big Green Bonfire: Dartmouth’s bonfire tradition is iconic, where students gather annually to build a massive bonfire before homecoming weekend to celebrate the incoming Freshman class the spirit and camaraderie of the Dartmouth community.
  • Green Key: Over this exciting weekend, emerging national artists and talented student bands will grace the stage at the Collis Patio, offering students a taste of their very own intimate music festival experience, all completely free of charge.

Dartmouth Housing and Dorms:

Dartmouth housing provides students with a variety of options designed to accommodate diverse preferences and needs, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community on campus. Here’s an overview:

  • Dartmouth requires undergraduates to live on campus for their Freshman and Sophomore years.
  • Residence Halls: Dartmouth offers traditional dormitory-style living arrangements in residence halls, providing students with shared common areas and facilities such as lounges, kitchens, and study spaces. These halls often host a mix of first-year and upperclassmen students, promoting interaction and community building across different class years.
  • Residential Houses: Residential houses provide a smaller, more intimate living environment centered around specific themes or interests. Students can choose to live in houses that focus on language immersion, special interest communities, or other shared passions. This setup encourages deeper connections among residents who share common interests.
  • Affinity Housing: Dartmouth offers affinity housing options that allow students with shared identities or interests to live together in designated housing communities. These communities provide a supportive environment for students to explore and celebrate their cultural heritage, identity, or shared interests while building meaningful connections with their peers.
  • Greek Organizations: For students interested in Greek life, Dartmouth also offers housing options within fraternity and sorority chapter houses. These houses provide members with a supportive and social living environment, fostering camaraderie and leadership development within the Greek community.

Dartmouth housing aims to create inclusive and supportive living environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Whether students prefer traditional dormitory living, themed residential communities, affinity housing, or Greek organizations, Dartmouth offers a range of options to suit their individual preferences and foster a strong sense of community on campus.

Dartmouth College Cost of Attendance

This estimate takes into account tuition and fees, housing and meals, books and supplies, and personal expenses for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Total tuition costs

$91,312
  • There are multiple opportunities to receive financial aid assistance including grants, work study programs, loans, and outside scholarships.
  • Approximately $136 million dollars’ worth of need-based scholarships were granted to Dartmouth students this past year.

Get Into Dartmouth with Spark Admissions

Don’t let the increasingly competitive admissions landscape or daunting acceptance rates dissuade you! If Dartmouth College is the beacon of your collegiate aspirations, strategic planning during your high school years and mastering the nuances of the college application process are essential. Whether you’re seeking guidance in crafting a compelling college essay or navigating the intricacies of Dartmouth’s admissions criteria, Spark Admissions stands ready to be your trusted ally. Our seasoned team of college admissions consultants possesses a nuanced understanding of Dartmouth’s unique admissions terrain, and we’re committed to empowering you to realize your dream of joining the Dartmouth community. Reach out today for a complimentary initial consultation and discover how Spark Admissions can propel you toward success at Dartmouth College!

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