How hard is it to get into Dartmouth?
With a 6.2% acceptance rate, Dartmouth College is extremely selective — one of the hardest schools in the country to get into. It enrolls roughly 4,500 undergraduates (rural setting) in Hanover, NH. At this level, strong grades and scores are the baseline, not the differentiator — your essays and what makes you distinctive carry real weight.
What it takes to get in
- SAT: admitted students land around 1470–1560 (middle 50%). Aim for the upper end to be competitive.
- ACT: the middle 50% is about 33–35.
- GPA: admitted students average around 3.93. Rigor (APs/IB/honors) matters as much as the number.
- Testing policy: Test required. Confirm on the school's site, since policies shift each cycle.
- Essays: at Dartmouth's selectivity, the application essays are often what separates similar applicants. Make them specific and authentically yours.
Cost
Published tuition is about $65,000 per year before aid. Many students pay less after financial aid — check the school's net price calculator.
Notable programs
D-Plan · Outdoor Programs · Engineering · Economics
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Try Halo freeDartmouth admissions FAQ
- What is Dartmouth College's acceptance rate?
- Dartmouth College's acceptance rate is 6.2%, which makes it extremely selective — one of the hardest schools in the country to get into.
- What SAT or ACT score do you need for Dartmouth?
- Admitted students typically score about 1470–1560 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 33–35 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.
- Is Dartmouth test-optional?
- Dartmouth College's current testing policy is: Test required. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.
Sources & official links
- Dartmouth official website
- Dartmouth on College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
- Admissions figures compiled from the Common Data Set and IPEDS.
Figures are the most recent available from Common Data Set, IPEDS, and public reports, and are approximate. Always confirm details on Dartmouth College’s official admissions site.