How hard is it to get into Dartmouth?

I've been looking into Ivy Leagues and Dartmouth caught my eye. What are the typical admission requirements for Dartmouth? Could someone give me an idea of what GPA, test scores, and other factors they tend to consider?

Dartmouth College is a highly selective Ivy League institution, and gaining admission is quite competitive. For the class of 2025, Dartmouth's acceptance rate was around 6.17%, which underscores the difficulty of getting in. To better understand what it takes to be a competitive applicant, consider the following factors that Dartmouth evaluates:

1. GPA: Applicants are expected to have a strong academic record. While Dartmouth does not publish a minimum GPA requirement, most admitted students have a high school GPA in the upper range, typically around 4.0 (unweighted) or higher (weighted).

2. Test Scores: Dartmouth is test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle, meaning submitting SAT or ACT scores is not mandatory. However, if you choose to submit scores, aiming for a strong performance is advisable. For the class of 2024 (before test-optional was implemented), the middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students were between 1440 and 1560, while the middle 50% ACT scores ranged from 32 to 35.

3. Course Rigor: Dartmouth expects applicants to have taken a challenging curriculum, including AP, IB, or Honors courses when available. Demonstrating success in these rigorous courses will show your ability to handle a demanding college workload.

4. Extracurricular Activities: Admissions officers look for students who are deeply involved in a few activities rather than being moderately involved in numerous activities. They are particularly interested in applicants who demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a strong commitment to their interests, especially if those interests align with Dartmouth's offerings and values.

5. Essays: Your essays play a crucial role in showcasing your personality, values, and unique perspectives. Dartmouth's application includes a few supplemental essays in addition to the Common App or Coalition App essay. Make sure your essays are well-written, convey your passion, and illustrate how you would contribute to Dartmouth's community.

6. Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters from teachers and counselors can bolster your application by highlighting your strengths, personal qualities, and accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom.

7. Demonstrated Interest: While not a key factor, Dartmouth is one of the few highly selective schools that does consider demonstrated interest to some extent. Attending events or engaging with admissions officers can indirectly help you by providing information that you can incorporate into your essays.

Ultimately, gaining admission to Dartmouth is difficult, but a strong application showcasing excellent academic performance, involvement in meaningful extracurriculars, impressive essays, and glowing recommendations can greatly improve your odds.