COLLEGE PROFILE
How to Get Into Dartmouth in 2026
Smallest Ivy, known for tight-knit undergrad community and outdoor culture.
Quick Answer
Dartmouth College has a 6.4% acceptance rate with a middle 50% SAT range of 1500-1560 and average GPA of 4.11. Smallest Ivy, known for tight-knit undergrad community and outdoor culture. Founded 1769 in Hanover, NH.
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance Rate | 6.4%Extremely Selective |
| SAT Range (25th-75th) | 1500 - 1560 |
| Average GPA (Unweighted) | 4.11 |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 4,570 |
| School Type | Private |
| Location | Hanover, NH |
| Founded | 1769 |
| Test Policy | Required |
| Need-Blind | Yes |
| Meets 100% Need | Yes |
Data source: IPEDS College Navigator and institutional Common Data Set (most recent available year). Data lags approximately one year.
What Dartmouth Values Most (CDS Data)
Who Gets Into Dartmouth: 4 Composite Profiles
These are composite profiles based on publicly available admissions patterns. They do not represent real individuals.
The Academic Powerhouse
Near-perfect GPA and test scores. Strong in STEM or humanities. Multiple AP/IB courses with 5s and 7s. Research experience or independent project.
The Community Builder
Founded or led a significant student organization. Demonstrated measurable community impact. Strong essays connecting service to personal growth.
The Specialized Expert
Deep expertise in one field — national competition winner, published research, or professional-level skill. Clear spike that makes the application memorable.
The Versatile Contributor
Strong across multiple areas without being the best at any single one. Excellent writer who connects diverse experiences into a coherent narrative.
Dartmouth Essay Strategy
Dartmouth's supplemental essays are your chance to demonstrate genuine fit. The "Why Dartmouth?" essay must reference specific programs, professors, courses, or campus resources. Generic essays about prestige or location are immediately recognizable and ineffective.
Read the Dartmouth Essay GuideApplication Strategy: ED vs EA vs RD
At 6.4% overall acceptance rate, applying early can significantly improve your odds. Early round acceptance rates are typically 2-3x higher than Regular Decision.
Read our ED vs EA vs RD strategy guide →Use the Dartmouth Fit Worksheet
Score your profile against Dartmouth's admissions criteria. See where you stand across 7 dimensions calibrated to real CDS data. Free, no signup required.
Get Your Free Dartmouth Fit ScoreFrequently Asked Questions
What is Dartmouth's acceptance rate?
Dartmouth College's acceptance rate is approximately 6.4% based on the most recent Common Data Set. This rate can vary by year and by application round (ED, EA, RD).
What SAT score do I need for Dartmouth?
The middle 50% SAT range for Dartmouth is 1500-1560. Scoring above 1560 does not guarantee admission, and scoring below 1500 does not mean rejection — holistic review considers the full application.
What GPA do I need to get into Dartmouth?
The average unweighted GPA of admitted students at Dartmouth is approximately 4.11. Course rigor (AP/IB/dual enrollment) matters as much as the GPA number itself.
Does Dartmouth have Early Decision?
Check Dartmouth's admissions website at dartmouth.edu/admissions for the most current information on early application options. Policies can change year to year.
Is Dartmouth test-optional?
No, Dartmouth requires standardized test scores. Test policies can change each admissions cycle.
How many students attend Dartmouth?
Dartmouth College has approximately 4,570 undergraduate students. As a private university, class sizes tend to be smaller.
What is Dartmouth known for?
Smallest Ivy, known for tight-knit undergrad community and outdoor culture.
More Dartmouth Resources
Written by AdmitPath team
Data sourced from IPEDS College Navigator and Dartmouth's Common Data Set. CDS publication year noted — data may lag one year.
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