Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
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Founded in 1769 and steeped in Ivy League tradition, Dartmouth College blends the close-knit community of a liberal arts college with the resources of a top research university. Set in the picturesque town of Hanover along the Connecticut River, Dartmouth offers stunning natural surroundings that encourage outdoor adventure and introspection alike. Student activities spill onto the campus green whether for casual frisbee tosses or traditional bonfires. Here you’ll find intellectual rigor, school spirit and a deep sense of community
QUICK STATS
• Private University
• Undergraduate enrollment: ~4,500
• Admit rate: ~6%
• Financial Aid forms required: FAFSA and CSS Profile
• Retention rate: 98%
• Average class size: 20
• Student to faculty ratio: 7:1
CURRICULUM
• Strongest/Popular majors: Economics, Government, Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, Psychology, and Environmental Studies
• Unique/Specialty majors: Native American Studies, Modified majors (students can design interdisciplinary combinations)
• What makes Dartmouth unique: The D-Plan, Dartmouth’s year-round quarter system academic calendar allows students to design their own schedules for study, internships, and travel; strong undergraduate focus with all faculty teaching undergrads
• Curriculum: Highly flexible and exploratory; emphasizes research, global engagement, and small seminar-style learning
• Cross over schools: Brown, Princeton, Yale, Williams, Amherst, Middlebury
STUDENT BODY
• Type of students who thrive: Curious, outdoorsy and sporty who enjoy both intellectual challenge and community traditions
• Criteria looking for: Academic excellence, leadership, authenticity, and a sense of purpose; Dartmouth looks for students who will “contribute to the community and take advantage of it fully”
• Weekend life: Vibrant mix of outdoor recreation (skiing, hiking, kayaking – they own 2 mountains!), arts and performances, and traditional social life; strong sense of campus loyalty
• Types of students looking for: Those seeking close faculty relationships, a strong alumni network, and a blend of academic intensity with campus camaraderie
• Percentage draw outside of area: Roughly 90% out-of-state
• LD Support programs: The Student Accessibility Services office provides academic and housing accommodations; personalized advising and tutoring also available
• Geographic diversity: Students from all 50 states and over 70 countries
• Greek Life: Prominent social role—about 60% of upperclass students participate, but campus culture remains inclusive
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
• How applications are read: Holistic review with emphasis on intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, character, and community engagement
• Fit to major considered: Less of a focus, more about general alignment with the overall learning environment
• Interview: Strongly encouraged; conducted by alumni volunteers
• Apply to school in general or to a specific major: Apply to Dartmouth College as a whole; majors are declared later in sophomore year
• Consider Demonstrated Interest: No formal tracking, but genuine engagement (e.g., interviews, visits, essays) can strengthen an application
FINANCIALS
• Merit and Need-based aid: Need-based only; Dartmouth meets 100% of demonstrated need with no loans for families earning under $125,000
