Dartmouth Supplemental Essay Prompts for 2024-2025

If your child is applying to Dartmouth, these supplemental essays are a meaningful opportunity for them to showcase their character and share what makes them unique. Dartmouth’s core values—academic excellence, independence of thought, collaboration, diversity, and integrity—form the foundation of its community. By weaving these values into their responses, your child can show Dartmouth how they’ll be an active, positive part of the campus.

A Guide to Each Prompt

1. Dartmouth Fit

Prompt: “As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2029, what aspects of the college’s academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? How is Dartmouth a good fit for you?” (100 words)

Guidance: Encourage your child to research Dartmouth’s unique offerings and connect them to their own interests. For example, if they’re interested in environmental science, they could mention the Dartmouth Sustainability Office or student-led environmental initiatives like the Big Green Energy Club. If they enjoy outdoor activities, they might highlight the Dartmouth Outing Club and discuss how being in a community that values nature aligns with their lifestyle and goals. These specific details show Dartmouth they’ve done their research and envision a meaningful role on campus.

2. Choose One Prompt (250 words)

• Option A: "Let your life speak" – Describe your upbringing and its impact.
  Encourage your child to reflect on formative experiences that shaped their perspective. For example, if they grew up in a multicultural household, they might discuss how celebrating both Diwali and Christmas taught them to value diversity. Or, if they moved frequently, they could share how adapting to different schools helped them become open-minded and resilient. These stories connect with Dartmouth’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, showing how your child brings unique insights.

• Option B: “Be yourself” – Introduce yourself.
  This prompt lets your child showcase their personality, quirks, or passions. For instance, if they’re a musician, they could share how composing music helps them express emotions and connect with others. If they’re passionate about photography, they might describe capturing moments that tell people’s stories. These details help Dartmouth see their authentic self, reflecting the school’s appreciation for individuality and independence of thought.

3. Choose Another Prompt (250 words)

• Option A: “What excites you?”
  Encourage your child to pick a passion that truly drives them. For example, if they’re fascinated by physics, they might describe the thrill of solving complex equations and how it makes them feel like they’re uncovering the universe’s mysteries. Or, if they love public speaking, they could talk about how engaging audiences energizes them and aligns with their goal of studying political science. This response demonstrates Dartmouth’s emphasis on academic excellence and curiosity.

• Option B: “A life of purpose” – How do you hope to make an impact?
  Help them focus on a cause that matters deeply to them. For example, if they’re dedicated to mental health awareness, they could discuss how volunteering at a crisis helpline taught them the importance of empathy and inspired them to study psychology. This prompt aligns with Dartmouth’s value of public service and community engagement, showing your child’s commitment to making a difference.

• Option C: “Think and wonder” – How does your academic interest connect with Dr. Seuss’s advice?
  If they have a specific major in mind, encourage them to explore it with curiosity and imagination. For example, a student interested in neuroscience could describe how studying the brain is like solving a puzzle, one that has implications for understanding human behavior. Or, an aspiring writer might discuss how reading literature helps them see different perspectives, aligning with Dartmouth’s value of intellectual exploration and independence of thought.

• Option D: “Change happens by listening” – Describe a time you engaged with differing views.
  Encourage your child to share a time when they constructively navigated a difference of opinion. For instance, if they disagreed with a friend on a political issue, they could discuss how they listened to understand rather than argue, finding common ground and broadening their perspective. This response resonates with Dartmouth’s values of collaboration and respect for diverse perspectives.

• Option E: “Celebrate your nerdy side.”
  This prompt is perfect for your child to highlight a unique passion. If they’re a fan of ancient history, they might talk about their fascination with Greek mythology and how it fuels their desire to study archaeology. Or, if they love tinkering with electronics, they could share their latest DIY project and how it challenges them creatively. Dartmouth values individuality and passion, and this prompt allows them to share what makes them stand out.

• Option F: “It’s not easy being green” – How has difference shaped you?
  Encourage your child to reflect on times when they felt different or faced challenges related to identity. If they’ve navigated being the only non-native speaker in a class, for example, they could share how it taught them resilience and empathy. Dartmouth values diversity and inclusivity, and sharing these experiences helps convey how they’ll contribute to a welcoming, diverse community.

• Option G: “What does it mean to be ‘a great person’?”
  This is an opportunity for your child to define greatness in their own terms. They could talk about how they admire qualities like kindness and honesty, and share a specific instance when they helped a friend through a tough time, embodying those values. Dartmouth values character and ethical leadership, and this prompt allows them to illustrate how they strive to live up to these ideals.

Dartmouth’s essay prompts invite students to reflect on their character, aspirations, and interests. Starting early gives your child the time to consider their responses thoughtfully, draft multiple versions, and refine each essay. This approach ensures that each response is clear, authentic, and resonates with Dartmouth’s values of academic excellence and integrity.

For more strategies to help them craft compelling narratives that are polished and impactful, check out Ivy Link’s Beat Ivy League Odds With an Engaging & Effective College Essay. 

At Ivy Link, we understand that the admissions process can be both exciting and challenging. Drawing on our experience with Ivy League admissions, we help students share their unique stories in ways that are both authentic and impactful. Our Ivy Link advisors are dedicated to working closely with each student, helping them express their individuality and strengths to truly stand out. If you’re looking for guidance to help your child present their best self to their chosen university, reach out to Ivy Link. We’re here to support your family on this important journey.