Dartmouth Admissions 2024-2025

Dartmouth College recently released their Common Data Set for 2024-2025, and the numbers tell a fascinating story about who gets into one of the world's most selective universities. Let's dive into the data to understand Dartmouth’s admission landscape.

Admissions Statistics: Extremely Competitive

Dartmouth's admissions process remains highly selective, with the numbers telling a compelling story:

• Total applicants: 31,656

• Admitted students: 1,710

• Acceptance rate: 5.4%

• Enrolled students: 1,182

• Yield rate: 69.1% (percentage of admitted students who chose to enroll)

These numbers reflect Dartmouth's standing as one of the most selective institutions in the country.

Geographic Distribution

One notable observation from this year's data is the geographical diversity of applicants. Of the 31,656 total applications:

• 468 were from New Hampshire residents (1.5%)

• 21,220 were from out-of-state students (67%)

• 9,968 were from international students (31.5%)

The enrolled class follows a similar pattern:

• 25 in-state students (2.1%)

• 988 out-of-state students (83.6%)

• 170 international students (14.4%)

This illustrates Dartmouth's truly national and global reach, with 98% of enrolled students coming from outside New Hampshire.

Academic Profile of Admitted Students

Dartmouth continues to admit academically exceptional students:

• 93% ranked in the top tenth of their high school class

• 99% ranked in the top quarter

• 100% ranked in the top half of their class

Dartmouth collected high school class rank information from 44% of their admits, so this data represents just under half of the admitted student population but provides a clear picture of the academic caliber expected.

Interestingly, for the Fall 2024 application cycle, Dartmouth was test-optional. However, the CDS notes that standardized testing will be required again for Fall 2025 admissions.

Factors in Admission Decisions

Dartmouth clearly outlines which factors matter most in their admissions process, categorizing them as "Very Important," "Important," "Considered," or "Not Considered."

Very Important Factors:

• Rigor of secondary school record: Taking the most challenging courses available at your school

• Academic GPA: Your grades in those challenging courses

• Application Essay: Your writing ability and personal story

• Recommendation(s): What teachers and counselors say about you

• Character/personal qualities: Who you are beyond academics

• Extracurricular activities: How you engage outside the classroom

• Talent/ability: Special skills or aptitudes you demonstrate

Important Factors:

• First generation status: Being the first in your family to attend college

• Volunteer work: Your commitment to service

• Work experience: Jobs and internships

Considered Factors:

• Class rank

• Standardized test scores

• Interview

• Alumni/ae relation

• Geographical residence

• State residency

• Level of applicant's interest

Not Considered:

• Religious affiliation/commitment

This breakdown reveals Dartmouth's holistic approach to admissions, with strong emphasis on academic excellence combined with personal qualities and extracurricular involvement.

Early Decision at Dartmouth

Dartmouth offers an Early Decision program with a November 1 deadline and mid-December notification. Early Decision is binding, meaning students commit to attending if accepted.

While the CDS doesn't provide acceptance rates for Early Decision versus Regular Decision, historically, applying ED has provided a strategic advantage for students who are certain Dartmouth is their first choice.

Class Sizes and Faculty Interaction

One of Dartmouth's strengths is its small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio:

• Student-to-faculty ratio: 6.5 to 1

• 44% of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students

This intimate academic environment allows for personalized attention and strong relationships with professors.

Financial Aid and Cost of Attendance

For the 2025-2026 academic year:

• Tuition: $69,207

• Required fees: $2,318 (first-year)

• Room and board: $20,920

• Total cost of attendance: approximately $92,445

However, Dartmouth offers significant financial aid:

• Average need-based scholarship/grant for first-year students: $69,466

• 100% of demonstrated financial need is met for all admitted students

Student Life and Campus Culture

A few interesting notes about life at Dartmouth:

• 100% of first-year students live in college housing

• 85% of all undergraduates live in college-owned housing

• 33% of men join fraternities and 33% of women join sororities

Success Rates

Dartmouth boasts impressive retention and graduation rates:

• First-year retention rate: 98.4%

• Six-year graduation rate: 95%

These high rates indicate both student satisfaction and the effectiveness of Dartmouth's academic and support systems.

What This Means For Applicants

If you're considering applying to Dartmouth, here's what you should focus on:

1. Academic excellence: Take the most challenging courses available at your school and excel in them.

2. Personal development: Dartmouth values character and personal qualities highly—develop and articulate what makes you unique.

3. Meaningful engagement: Rather than accumulating activities, pursue extracurriculars with depth and passion.

4. Compelling essays: With application essays rated as "very important," invest significant time crafting authentic, reflective writing.

5. Strong recommendations: Build relationships with teachers who know you well and can speak to both your academic abilities and personal qualities.

6. Demonstrated interest: While not among the most important factors, Dartmouth does consider your level of interest in the school.

7. Test prep strategy: Plan accordingly for standardized tests, especially with Dartmouth returning to requiring them for Fall 2025 admissions.

Conclusion

Dartmouth continues to be an exceptionally selective institution with a clear preference for academically outstanding students who also demonstrate character, passion, and engagement beyond the classroom. Their holistic admissions process considers a wide range of factors, with academic rigor, personal qualities, and extracurricular involvement at the forefront.

For prospective applicants, the message is clear: excellence across multiple dimensions—academic, personal, and extracurricular—is expected. However, Dartmouth's commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need makes this elite education accessible to qualified students regardless of financial circumstances.

At Cosmic College Consulting, we're here to help you navigate this competitive landscape and put your best foot forward in the application process. Feel free to reach out if you have questions about crafting your Dartmouth application strategy!