Dartmouth College, located in Hanover, New Hampshire, is a beacon of thought leadership, excellence, and tradition. It provides students with an incredible environment to learn, grow, and excel in their fields. As one of the oldest universities in the country, Dartmouth paves the way for students to learn from top faculty and resources and carry on the legacy of academic and professional excellence spanning from the late 1700s. As one of the Ivy League institutions, Dartmouth College is a top choice for students to apply globally, but what does it take to get in? Today, we will explore the newly released Dartmouth acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 and provide you with information that can help you determine whether Dartmouth is the right fit for you!
Breaking Down the Dartmouth Acceptance Rate – Class of 2028
Total applicants – 31,657
Acceptance rate for Class of 2028 – 5.3%
With the college admissions landscape becoming increasingly more competitive, acceptance rates have dropped to all-time lows (and Dartmouth is no exception!). For the Class of 2028, Dartmouth accepted a mere 5.3% of students, one percent less than the 6.2% of students admitted last year. According to Dartmouth College, only 1,685 students were provided admission to the university out of the 31,657 applications received from this admissions season. Additionally, Dartmouth noted that 95% of accepted students were within the top 10% of their class, and more than a quarter of these students were projected to be the valedictorians or salutatorians of their high school graduating class.
Many students accepted to Dartmouth will benefit from the institution’s new middle-income affordability initiative that will double the current annual income threshold for a ‘zero parent contribution’ from $65,000 to $125,000. Additionally, the university notes that “together with the existing low-income threshold for a parent contribution of zero, … an estimated 19.3% of the admitted class of 2028 qualify to attend Dartmouth College without financial assistance from their parents.”
This year, applications were received from all 50 states and 68 other countries, with 55% of students living in the Southern or Western regions of the United States or outside the country. Additionally, California reportedly had the most accepted students, at 12%, and the USA, Canada, India, Turkey, and South Korea made up the five largest nationalities of admitted students in this year’s pool.
What Can Acceptance Rates Tell Us?
When applying to any university, acceptance rates can tell a lot about the university and what you can expect when gaining admission. For instance, many of the top universities have extremely low percentages of admitted students, meaning the students they are looking for are among the top thinkers in the world. The Dartmouth acceptance rate provides us with a deeper look into the true caliber of excellence the university upholds within the students who attend. Dartmouth College accepts students who have showcased the highest level of academic, extracurricular, and personal achievement and of the type of academic it expects students to strive to become.
Additionally, students who are accepted also fit the profile of what a university is looking for at a comprehensive level, including being a student who will enhance the university’s community, contribute to new ideas and new perspectives, and uphold the university’s values at all levels. According to Dartmouth, “Every student we admit brings something unique to the community: a combination of qualities, experiences, and point-of-view that isn’t duplicated by any other student. Our holistic selection process is grounded in the concept that the whole is more than merely the sum of its parts.” Students looking to attend should learn how to incorporate these principles into their student profiles, taking on academic and extracurricular roles and experiences during high school that show universities like Dartmouth why they will be a helpful addition to the institution’s community.
Is Dartmouth College a Good Fit For You?
Choosing the right university is an important decision that can help shape your future and set you up for your professional, academic, and personal life likely for years to come. But how do you know if Dartmouth is the right fit for you? There are several things to consider when adding Dartmouth to your college list, including but not limited to:
Academic Fit
Dartmouth College is a leading institution for academic and intellectual excellence. However, students should expect higher academic rigor, which they will need to adjust to succeed at this university. Dartmouth follows the quarter system, which comprises four academic quarters of 10 weeks each year. This means that courses move quickly, and students must be up for the challenge. Nonetheless, there are many benefits to this academic system, including the ability to take more courses than in a semester system. As a result, students can include different classes to enhance their experience, such as courses related to their interests or areas they would like to explore outside of their major. However, this entails the need for students to develop strong time management skills to keep up with their course load and to maintain a robust academic plan as they progress through their degree.
Campus Culture & Location
Another critical aspect of choosing a university is determining whether the campus culture fits you. As one of the oldest institutions in the United States, Dartmouth’s commitment to blending tradition and new innovation makes it a desirable place for students to learn and grow academically and personally. Students attending Dartmouth can enjoy a variety of student activities and groups, academic clubs, athletics, Greek Life, and much more, and create a robust experience in which they can grow and thrive. Additionally, students living on and around campus can enjoy beautiful nature, classic architecture, and a community that will support them throughout their academic and personal pursuits.
Additionally, Dartmouth’s location in New Hampshire allows students to enjoy a beautiful suburban campus with mild springs and summers, colorful falls, and snowy winters. Students attending enjoy hiking, skiing, camping, rock climbing, and exploring the great outdoors while still feeling connected to their university’s culture. It’s important to consider whether attending a university within this environment is where you see yourself thriving and whether the rural setting aligns with your lifestyle preferences and interests outside of academics.
Financial Fit
Finally, it’s important to consider financial fit when deciding whether a university is right for you. Attending Dartmouth can be expensive, even with the generous financial aid packages offered to eligible students. Therefore, evaluating your family’s financial situation and exploring available scholarship and financial aid options is essential to determine if attending Dartmouth is financially feasible for you. Moreover, it’s important to consider the long-term return on investment in terms of career prospects and earning potential. According to Forbes, on average, Dartmouth College early career alums earn a median compensation of $105,623 per year. Still, many students take on student debt and loans they must repay in the following years, so considering the pros and cons of investing in a Dartmouth education can be crucial to choosing whether it is the right choice for you.
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