Dartmouth Acceptance Rate: Complete Guide to Admissions, GPA, SAT, ACT & Requirements

Dartmouth Acceptance Rate: Quick Facts

Dartmouth’s official March 2026 admissions announcement confirms the Class of 2030 application and admission figures. Application plans and testing requirements are published on Dartmouth’s admissions website.

What Is Dartmouth’s Acceptance Rate for 2026?

Dartmouth’s acceptance rate for the Class of 2030 is approximately 5.8%.

The college received 28,863 applications and extended 1,687 offers of admission. In other words, Dartmouth admitted about 6 out of every 100 applicants during this admissions cycle.

The Class of 2030 acceptance rate is a useful measure of Dartmouth’s recent selectivity. However, it does not represent an individual student’s probability of admission. Applicants have different academic backgrounds, interests, accomplishments, and application materials.

Important: The 5.8% figure applies to the Class of 2030 admissions cycle. It should not be presented as a confirmed rate for future classes, because application volume and admission totals may change.

Dartmouth Acceptance Rate by Year

Dartmouth’s acceptance rate has remained low in recent admissions cycles. Here are several reported figures:

Sources: Dartmouth’s official admissions announcements for the Class of 2025, Class of 2029, and Class of 2030.

These figures show that Dartmouth continues to receive a large applicant pool relative to the number of students it admits. Even when the acceptance rate changes slightly, applicants should focus on preparing a complete and thoughtful application rather than relying on historical percentages.

Is Dartmouth Hard to Get Into?

Yes, Dartmouth is highly selective. Its approximately 5.8% acceptance rate for the Class of 2030 means that most applicants did not receive an offer of admission.

Dartmouth uses a holistic admissions process. The college considers an applicant’s academic preparation alongside other parts of the application, including recommendations, extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and individual experiences.

A strong GPA or high SAT score alone does not guarantee admission. Likewise, a student whose academic profile differs from the typical admitted-student range should not treat that difference as an automatic rejection.

The goal is to present a clear picture of your academic readiness, interests, contributions, and reasons for applying to Dartmouth.

Dartmouth GPA Requirements

Dartmouth does not publish a universal GPA cutoff that guarantees admission. The college reviews academic records in context, including the courses available at a student’s school and the rigor of the curriculum.

Dartmouth’s Class of 2030 early-admission announcement reported that 98% of students admitted at that stage were ranked in the top 10% of their high school graduating class. This statistic applies to early admits and QuestBridge students at that point in the cycle, not necessarily the complete admitted class.

What GPA Do You Need to Get Into Dartmouth?

There is no single GPA that guarantees admission to Dartmouth. Students should aim for strong grades in challenging courses, while considering the academic opportunities available at their high schools.

If your GPA is not where you want it to be, focus on demonstrating academic growth, taking appropriate challenging courses, and using the application to provide relevant context about your educational experience.

Dartmouth evaluates academic preparation as part of a broader application rather than relying on one number.

Dartmouth SAT and ACT Requirements

Dartmouth requires standardized testing as part of its undergraduate admissions process. For applicants attending high school in the United States, the college requires either the SAT or ACT. Dartmouth does not express a preference between the two tests and superscores eligible results.

Applicants attending high school outside the United States may fulfill the testing requirement through one of several options, including SAT or ACT scores, three AP exams, IB Diploma Program results, British A-Level results, or an equivalent standardized national examination. Applicants should review Dartmouth’s current testing guidelines to confirm which options apply to them.

Dartmouth SAT Score Range

Dartmouth’s 2025–2026 Common Data Set reports an SAT composite middle 50% range of approximately 1440–1550 for the relevant enrolled first-year student profile. This range provides context, not a minimum score requirement.

Dartmouth ACT Score Range

The same Common Data Set reports an ACT composite middle 50% range of approximately 32–35. These scores describe a recent enrolled-student profile and should not be treated as a guaranteed admissions threshold.

Does Dartmouth Require the SAT or ACT?

Yes. Dartmouth reinstated its standardized testing requirement beginning with applicants to the Class of 2029. U.S. high school students must submit SAT or ACT results. International applicants may use the alternative testing options outlined in Dartmouth’s official policy.

Dartmouth Admissions Requirements

First-year applicants apply to Dartmouth through the Common Application. The college requires several academic and supporting materials to review an application.

According to Dartmouth’s official application information, first-year application components include:

• Common Application
• Dartmouth Writing Supplement
• Secondary School Report
• High school transcript and school profile
• Counselor evaluation
• Two teacher evaluations
• SAT or ACT, or an accepted testing alternative for eligible international applicants

Dartmouth may also offer optional opportunities, such as an alumni interview or peer recommendation. Applicants should review the current application checklist to confirm all required and optional materials for their admission cycle.

Dartmouth Supplemental Essays

The Dartmouth Writing Supplement is an important part of the application. It gives applicants an opportunity to communicate their interests, experiences, and reasons for applying.

Rather than using generic statements about Dartmouth’s reputation, applicants should reflect on the academic, social, or community experiences that genuinely connect with their goals. Always check the current supplement prompts and word limits before drafting.

Dartmouth Application Deadlines

Dartmouth offers two primary first-year application plans: Early Decision and Regular Decision.

Dartmouth’s published application timeline lists November 1 for Early Decision and January 1 for Regular Decision. Early Decision applicants generally receive decisions in mid-December, while Regular Decision notifications are released in late March or early April. Confirm the dates for your specific application year on Dartmouth’s official website.

Dartmouth Early Decision Acceptance Rate

Dartmouth’s Early Decision plan is binding. Students who apply through this plan are committing to attend if admitted, subject to the college’s stated terms and applicable financial circumstances.

Applicants sometimes compare Early Decision and Regular Decision acceptance rates to estimate whether applying early may improve their chances. However, differences between applicant pools, recruited athletes, and other factors make it difficult to draw conclusions from raw round-by-round percentages alone.

Early Decision is most appropriate for students who have carefully researched Dartmouth, consider it their first choice, and understand the binding commitment. It should not be treated as a guaranteed admissions advantage.

Dartmouth Transfer Acceptance Rate

Dartmouth transfer admission is a separate process from first-year admission. Transfer applicants are evaluated using their college coursework and other application materials, so the first-year acceptance rate should not be used as a transfer acceptance-rate estimate.

Dartmouth’s Common Data Set for 2025–2026 reports 689 transfer applicants and 68 admitted transfer students, an acceptance rate of approximately 9.9% for that reporting period. This is a historical figure and may not reflect future transfer cycles.

Transfer applicants should review Dartmouth’s transfer application instructions, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and credit policies before applying.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into Dartmouth

Dartmouth does not provide a formula that guarantees admission. However, students can take practical steps to make their applications more complete and informative.

1. Maintain Strong Academic Performance

Your transcript helps demonstrate your preparation for college-level work. Focus on consistent performance in core academic subjects and show growth where possible.

2. Take Challenging Courses

Choose rigorous courses that align with your interests and your school’s offerings. Dartmouth reviews academic preparation in context, so the opportunities available at your high school matter.

3. Prepare for Required Standardized Testing

Because Dartmouth requires standardized testing, plan ahead for the SAT, ACT, or an accepted alternative if you attend high school outside the United States. Review the official testing policy and leave enough time for scores to be available by the relevant deadline.

4. Write Thoughtful Supplemental Essays

Use the writing supplement to communicate your perspective, interests, and motivations. Specific examples and honest reflection can help admissions readers understand you beyond your academic record.

5. Choose Recommenders Who Know You Well

Ask teachers who can describe your academic work, curiosity, participation, and growth. Give them enough time and context to prepare meaningful recommendations.

6. Show Meaningful Involvement

Extracurricular activities can reveal your interests, initiative, leadership, and contributions. Focus on experiences that matter to you instead of trying to build an impressive-looking list.

7. Explain Why Dartmouth Fits Your Goals

Research Dartmouth’s academic programs, learning environment, and student opportunities. Be specific about the aspects that connect with your interests rather than relying only on its Ivy League status.

8. Submit a Complete Application

Review all requirements, deadlines, and supporting documents before submitting. Make sure your application reflects your most current academic and personal information.

Dartmouth Acceptance Rate for International Students

Dartmouth welcomes applicants from around the world. International applicants are considered through the same broad admissions process, but testing requirements may differ depending on where the applicant attends high school.

Students attending high school outside the United States can meet Dartmouth’s testing requirement through SAT or ACT scores or one of the accepted alternatives, such as AP exams, IB results, A-Levels, or qualifying national examinations.

International applicants should also review Dartmouth’s English-language proficiency guidance, financial-aid information, and application instructions for their educational system.

There is no single international acceptance rate that should be assumed to apply to every applicant or country. Applicants should use official college-wide admissions figures as context, not as a personal probability of admission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dartmouth’s acceptance rate?

Dartmouth’s acceptance rate for the Class of 2030 was approximately 5.8%. The college received 28,863 applications and admitted 1,687 students.

Is Dartmouth an Ivy League school?

Yes. Dartmouth College is one of the eight Ivy League institutions.

What GPA do you need to get into Dartmouth?

Dartmouth does not publish a universal GPA cutoff for admission. Strong grades and challenging coursework can help demonstrate academic preparation, but admission decisions consider the broader application.

What SAT score is needed for Dartmouth?

Dartmouth requires SAT or ACT scores for U.S. high school applicants. Its 2025–2026 Common Data Set reports an SAT composite middle 50% range of approximately 1440–1550 for the relevant enrolled-student profile. This is not a minimum requirement.

Does Dartmouth require the ACT?

Dartmouth accepts the ACT to fulfill its standardized testing requirement. U.S. high school applicants must submit either SAT or ACT results.

Is Dartmouth test-optional?

No. Dartmouth reinstated its standardized testing requirement for applicants to the Class of 2029. International applicants may fulfill the requirement through accepted alternatives listed in the college’s testing policy.

What is Dartmouth’s Early Decision deadline?

Dartmouth’s published Early Decision application deadline is November 1. Early Decision is binding, so students should understand the commitment before applying.

What is Dartmouth’s transfer acceptance rate?

Dartmouth’s 2025–2026 Common Data Set reports 68 admitted transfer students out of 689 applicants, or approximately 9.9%. Transfer admission figures can vary by year.

Is Dartmouth harder to get into than other Ivy League schools?

Acceptance rates vary by institution and admission cycle. A meaningful comparison should use the same admission year and consistent applicant definitions. Acceptance rates alone do not describe every aspect of an institution’s admissions process.

Final Thoughts on Dartmouth Acceptance Rate

Dartmouth’s approximately 5.8% acceptance rate for the Class of 2030 reflects a highly selective first-year admissions process. With 28,863 applicants and 1,687 admitted students, the college received many more applications than it could accommodate.

For prospective students, the acceptance rate is only one part of the admissions picture. Strong academic preparation, required standardized testing, thoughtful essays, meaningful activities, and a complete application all matter.

Use Dartmouth’s published admissions data as a reference, verify current requirements and deadlines through official resources, and build an application that accurately reflects your strengths, experiences, and goals.