Dartmouth College stands as one of the more challenging higher education institutions to gain admission to, with an acceptance rate of just 6%. This demonstrates its status as a highly selective Ivy League school.
The college offers an Early Decision option, which can be an appealing choice for students certain that Dartmouth is their top choice. Unlike many of its peers, Dartmouth does not require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores, although providing them can strengthen an application.
The decision to apply test-optional emphasizes Dartmouth's holistic admissions approach, focusing on a prospective student's overall academic and extracurricular profile rather than just standardized test scores.
Recommended Score: 1500
| Score Type | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Total Score | 1440 | 1560 |
| Reading | 710 | 770 |
| Math | 730 | 790 |
Dartmouth College presents a competitive landscape for SAT scores among its applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1440 and 1560. This range indicates that at least 25% of enrolled freshmen scored above 1560, showcasing the high academic standards expected at Dartmouth.
Breaking down the SAT scores further, the Critical Reading section sees a 25th percentile score of 710 and a 75th percentile score of 770. This suggests that a majority of Dartmouth students possess strong reading and analytical skills, crucial for the rigorous liberal arts education offered.
For the Math section, scores range from 730 at the 25th percentile to 790 at the 75th percentile. These high scores reflect the aptitude in mathematical and analytical thinking required for many of Dartmouth's top programs, including those in engineering and physical sciences.
Dartmouth recommends a composite SAT score of 1500 to be competitive. This score is well-aligned with the overall selectivity and academic prestige of the college, underscoring the importance of strong preparation and excellence in high school coursework.
Applicants who choose to submit SAT scores should aim for the upper end of these ranges to bolster their applications, especially given the intense competition and low acceptance rate.
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Take a free practice testRecommended Score: 35
| Score Type | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Composite | 33 | 35 |
| English | 34 | 36 |
| Math | 31 | 35 |
The ACT scores for Dartmouth College also depict a highly competitive applicant pool. The 25th to 75th percentile scores range from 33 to 35, suggesting very high performance among admitted students.
In terms of specific sections, the English scores range from 34 at the 25th percentile to 36 at the 75th percentile. These figures emphasize Dartmouth's focus on strong verbal abilities and effective communication skills, which are essential for success in its demanding academic environment.
ACT Math scores show a wider range, from 31 at the 25th percentile to 35 at the 75th percentile. This indicates that while a strong aptitude in math is important, the college equally values a balanced skill set that includes strong verbal reasoning.
Dartmouth does not have current data on ACT Writing scores, but it recommends a composite ACT score of 35 for prospective students. This score is reflective of the overall academic excellence Dartmouth expects from its students.
Given these ranges, prospective students should aim for the higher end of the ACT score spectrum to enhance their chances of admission, especially if they are applying without SAT scores.
Overall Rating: Extremely Competitive
Here are the applicant and admissions numbers per year for Dartmouth College:
Total Applicants: 28356
Acceptance Rate: 6%
Dartmouth College's reputation as a highly selective Ivy League institution is well supported by the rigorous SAT and ACT scores of its admitted students. With an admission rate of only 6%, Dartmouth is undoubtedly competitive.
Prospective students should note the importance of achieving high scores on the SAT or ACT, even though these are not mandatory for application. Those who submit scores typically present figures that are significantly above average, aligning with the college's high academic standards.
Ultimately, Dartmouth's holistic admissions process seeks to identify applicants who are not only academically capable but also bring unique skills and perspectives to the campus community. High test scores, while beneficial, are part of a larger picture that includes academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal character.