Highly Selective6% Acceptance Rate

Chances of Getting Into Dartmouth College

Hanover, New Hampshire Private University • #13 National • Founded 1769

Dartmouth Admissions Statistics 2025–2026

6%
Acceptance Rate
3.94
Average GPA
1520
Average SAT
34
Average ACT
28,230
Total Applicants
1,150
Class Size
6:1
Student-Faculty Ratio

Dartmouth SAT & ACT Scores

SAT Scores (Middle 50%)

Score Range1480–1560
Average1520
10001600

ACT Scores (Middle 50%)

Score Range33–35
Average34
2036

About Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College is the smallest Ivy League school, offering an intimate liberal arts experience within a research university setting in New Hampshire's Upper Valley. Operating on a unique quarter system, Dartmouth emphasizes undergraduate teaching, close student-faculty relationships, and a strong sense of community — with 85% of students living on campus.

Top Programs

EconomicsGovernmentEngineeringComputer ScienceHistory

What Makes Dartmouth Unique

  • Smallest Ivy League school — only ~4,570 undergrads for unmatched faculty access
  • Unique D-Plan (quarter system) allows flexible study terms including off-campus programs
  • Reinstated SAT/ACT requirement — the first Ivy to do so after the pandemic pause
  • Strong outdoor culture with the Dartmouth Outing Club, the oldest in the nation
  • 100% of demonstrated financial need met with need-blind admissions

Dartmouth Cost & Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Tuition$69,207/yr
Total Cost$96,098/yr
Median Earnings (10yr)$97,434/yr

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Aid52%
Avg Aid Package$63,000+
School TypePrivate

Dartmouth Application Deadlines

Regular Decision
January 1
Early Decision
November 1
ED Acceptance Rate: ~17%

How to Get Into Dartmouth: Admission Tips

1

Dartmouth requires SAT/ACT scores — prepare thoroughly and aim for 1480+ SAT or 33+ ACT

2

ED acceptance rate (~17%) is nearly 3x the overall rate — strongly favors committed applicants

3

Show how you'd thrive in Dartmouth's close-knit, outdoorsy community in your essays

4

Interviews are 'Considered' — take advantage if offered to show personality and fit

5

Demonstrate leadership and depth in extracurriculars rather than surface-level involvement

The Brutal Truth About Dartmouth Admissions

The numbers are brutal. With a 6% acceptance rate, Dartmouth rejected over 26,536 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.

Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Dartmouth, having a 3.94 GPA and 1520 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.

The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Dartmouth doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.

Bottom line: Apply if Dartmouth genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 6%-acceptance-rate basket.

Dartmouth Admissions FAQ

What is the acceptance rate at Dartmouth College?

Dartmouth College has an acceptance rate of 6% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 28,230 applicants, approximately 1,150 students were admitted to the incoming class.

What GPA do I need to get into Dartmouth?

The average GPA of admitted students at Dartmouth College is 3.94. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.79, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.

What SAT score do I need for Dartmouth?

The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Dartmouth students is 1480–1560. The average SAT score is 1520. For ACT, the range is 33–35 with an average of 34.

Is Dartmouth hard to get into?

Yes, Dartmouth College is highly selective with an acceptance rate of just 6%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.

How much does Dartmouth cost?

Tuition at Dartmouth College is $69,207 per year, with total cost of attendance at $96,098. However, 52% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $63,000+.

What are my chances of getting into Dartmouth?

Your chances of getting into Dartmouth College depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 6% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.

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What Are Your Chances at Dartmouth?

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