Inside Dartmouth Admissions: What the Class of 2029 Got Right

 
 

If Dartmouth is more than just a name on your college list—if you’ve imagined yourself stargazing from the Green, sipping tea in Sanborn Library, or tackling The Fifty before your first midterm—then you’re already thinking like a future student.

But dreaming big isn’t enough. Getting in takes strategy, clarity, and a deep understanding of what Dartmouth values most. And the Class of 2029 offers a powerful window into just that.

The Stats (and the Story Behind Them)

This year, Dartmouth admitted 1,702 students from a pool of 28,230 applicants, bringing the acceptance rate to 6%. That includes 3,550 Early Decision applicants, tying last year’s record.

Admits came from all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 57 countries. California led all states, followed by New York. The U.K., Canada, and China topped the international cohort.

And this isn’t a one-time spike. Dartmouth’s application volume has grown 32% since 2020—and shows no signs of slowing down.

A Class Built on More Than Just Stats

Dartmouth became the first Ivy League school to reinstate required standardized testing this cycle—and still, students delivered:

  • 92% had scores in the top 25% at their high schools

  • 96% ranked in the top 10% of their class

  • Over 25% were on track to be valedictorian or salutatorian

But Dartmouth admissions officers made it clear: these numbers were just the starting point. What mattered more was context—how students used the resources around them, and how they pushed beyond what was expected.

What Dartmouth Really Looks For

According to Dean Kathryn Bezella, the strongest applicants weren’t just checking boxes—they were intentional.

They didn’t just write about Dartmouth in general terms—they showed why they belonged there specifically. They mentioned classes, professors, and programs that spoke directly to their goals. They made it easy for admissions officers to picture them on campus, contributing, exploring, thriving.

They didn’t just say they were excited. They proved it.

Thinking of Applying? Here’s What Matters

  • Show academic strength—but anchor it in purpose.
    Your test scores and GPA open the door. But it’s your why that gets you through it. What motivates you? What challenge do you want to solve? Dartmouth is drawn to students with clarity and direction.

  • Do your research—and connect the dots.
    Don’t just say, “I love Dartmouth.” Show them how your interests align with specific opportunities—like undergraduate research, government off-terms, or sustainability programs. Make it real.

  • Use your voice.
    Dartmouth values thoughtfulness over polish. Let your personality come through in your essays. What do you care about? What have you questioned? What do you want to learn next?

Waitlisted at Dartmouth?

Getting waitlisted can feel confusing and discouraging. But it’s also a sign that your application stood out—and you’re still in the running. What happens next is in your hands.

At Ivy Link, we help students approach this moment with calm, clarity, and confidence. That means reviewing your original application, offering honest feedback, and guiding you step-by-step through writing a thoughtful Letter of Continued Interest—one that reflects both who you are and why Dartmouth still feels like the right fit.

There’s still time to move forward with purpose. And there’s still a path worth pursuing.

EJ (Elden Joie) Gonzales