10 08, 2023

GPA and Test Score Requirements to Get Into Dartmouth

By |2023-08-13T09:16:27-04:00August 10th, 2023|Dartmouth|0 Comments

What are the test score requirements to get into Dartmouth? Applying to one of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions, Dartmouth, can be a rigorous process. Understanding the academic standards and test score expectations can make your journey smoother. Let’s explore these requirements.

GPA Expectations for Dartmouth

As an Ivy League school, Dartmouth holds its applicants to high standards. While there’s no minimum GPA, an unweighted high school GPA of 3.9 to 4.0 can increase your chances of admission. Remember, the top 10% of high school graduates comprised 95% of Dartmouth’s admitted freshmen for the Class of 2026.

Seek Help When Needed

If you struggle with a subject, don’t hesitate to seek help. Maintaining your GPA is paramount, and assistance from tutors or teachers can help you understand difficult concepts and improve your grades.

Dartmouth SAT and ACT Requirements

Though Dartmouth doesn’t enforce a minimum required SAT or ACT score, it’s crucial to perform exceptionally well. Based on the Class of 2024, the 25th and 75th percentile SAT EBRW scores were 710 and 770 respectively, while SAT Math scores were 730 and 790. For the ACT, the composite scores were 32 and 35.

Choosing Between SAT and ACT

Dartmouth doesn’t favor one test over the other. Take practice tests to determine which format suits you best. Once you’ve made your choice, practice diligently and start taking the actual test early in your junior year.

Hiring a Test Prep Tutor

If your scores need a boost, consider hiring a test prep tutor. They can provide insights into problem-solving strategies and guide you to improve your scores.

Dartmouth’s Test-Optional Policy

Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dartmouth adopted a test-optional policy for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores, they will be considered in the holistic review process. 

The Value of PSAT/NMSQT and SAT Subject Tests

To further strengthen your application, consider taking the PSAT/NMSQT and two SAT subject tests. Being recognized as a National Merit Scholar can enhance your application and potentially offer scholarship opportunities.

Your Dartmouth Application: More Than Just Numbers

Despite Dartmouth’s rigorous GPA and test score expectations, remember they seek more than just academic achievers. Your personal essays, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles contribute significantly to your overall application.

Take the Next Step with Expert Ivy League College Consulting

Navigating your college application journey can be daunting, but with expert guidance, you can confidently stride toward your Ivy League college dream. As a former Harvard interviewer and Harvard grad, I can help you craft standout essays and refine your applications. 

Are you ready to take the next big step toward Dartmouth? Contact me today for a free consultation at IvyCollegeEssay.com and make your Ivy League college goal come true!

You might also like these articles below:

How to Transfer to Harvard University

How to Get In To Columbia

How to Get In to MIT



7 12, 2015

Do You Need to Know Your Major When Applying to College?

By |2022-10-04T07:54:38-04:00December 7th, 2015|Harvard, Ivy League Advice, Princeton, Yale|1 Comment

It’s a legitimate question: do you need to know what you want to major in before applying to college?  It’s a question many high school seniors have on their mind this time of year as college admission deadlines approach, especially if you’re a student applying to the most competitive Ivy League Colleges.

So, how strongly do you really need to know  what you want to major in and/or possibly do for a living while you’re still just a senior in high school?  After all, isn’t that what college is all about?  To expose oneself to all kinds of different academic fields, intellectual interests and possibilities.  What if you really don’t know what you might want to do for a living down the road?  In other words, what if you’re working on your college admission essays and applications. You’re an excellent student, you have strong grades, strong test scores, great extracurriculars, your teachers love you, and you express yourself well in writing (via your college admission essays) so…is not knowing your potential major really going to be a problem?

My answer is this:  yes. Colleges like to see some kind of direction, again especially when talking about the more competitive programs like the Ivy League.  The strongest college applicants are those who know what they’re interested in and the path they want to pursue. And think of someone who has known they wanted to be a doctor since they were five, a classical musician, or a high school student, knowing she has always wanted to be an engineer.

Everyone understands that interests change and people grow intellectually. Especially young people when exposed to all the new ideas on experiences their first college year. But when talking about straight college admissions facts and advice, I will say that the stronger college applicants have both a passion that’s reflected in their academic pursuits and interests. And an intense drive that – even if it changes – at least points them in a very focused direction. So they can speak with conviction in their college applications and interviews. At least start making a case for what they *might* want to do even if it changes down the road.

It is always better to present yourself as someone who has focus and drive and confidence. Then someone who is all over the place and unsure of who they are and where they’re going.  You come across much stronger if you pick something and build your essays and interests around that idea.  It really shows a level of confidence, and confidence is what college admissions officers like.

Once you have your major, make sure it fits with the rest of your application.  Do your extracurriculars fit with your interest?  Does your summer work experience?  What about your achievements and awards?  The strong college applications are those which present a strong and unified story.

Again, college admissions officers know that many students don’t know what they want to do. But even if you’re undecided, your strongest bet is to pick something. Even if you change your mind down the road.

[I’m a former Harvard interviewer and a Harvard graduate, and currently run the New York based Ivy League College admissions firm: www.IvyCollegeEssay.com  Contact me today for a free initial consultation and get into the school of your dreams!}

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