Dartmouth Supplemental Essay: Top 10 Tips & Examples

One of the Ivy League schools, Dartmouth College, is located in Hanover, New Hampshire. Consistently ranked among the top 15 schools in the country, Dartmouth offers a unique academic environment combined with a close-knit community.

Sounds great, right?

Landing a spot in the incoming class is easier said than done. With an acceptance rate of around 5.3%, it's crucial to make your application stand out. In this guide, we’ll offer the top 10 tips and examples to help you craft compelling Dartmouth supplemental essays that can impress the admissions committee.

When applying, the Dartmouth supplemental essays are your opportunity to showcase the qualities that make you a perfect fit for this prestigious institution. Let’s get those wheels turning.

These are the instructions that accompany the Dartmouth College admissions essay prompts:

“Your essays should help us understand those intangibles that can't easily be reflected in a resume. Show us the qualities that make you, you. Your sense of humor, your passion, your intellectual curiosity, your self-awareness, or social awareness, or some mix of these. Your writing lets us get to know you and we read every word. Help us envision what you'll bring to Dartmouth.”

Given those directions, let's dive right into discussing the Dartmouth essays.

Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth's Class of 2028, what aspects of the College's academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? In short, why Dartmouth?

This is a classic “Why Us” essay, so if it looks familiar, you’re right! You may even have written another response like it—however, since each university is unique and different, your responses need to be distinct, as well. This is not one prompt where you can reuse any prior essays.

However, we’ll provide a few extra pointers on how to handle these kinds of questions to get you on the right track. Topics you can cover in this kind of essay include… 

1. What specific academic programs or departments at Dartmouth interest you the most?  Why do these programs stand out to you? How do they align with your academic interests and career goals? Suggestion: Include specific courses, research opportunities, or labs that intrigue you. Mention any unique interdisciplinary programs that Dartmouth offers.
2. Are there particular professors or researchers whose work excites you?  Have you read any of their publications or attended any of their lectures? How do you think working with them could benefit your academic journey? Suggestion: Name specific professors and their work. Explain how their research aligns with your interests and how you could contribute to or benefit from their expertise.
3. What unique academic opportunities does Dartmouth offer that you can’t find elsewhere? Think about programs like the Dartmouth Plan (D-Plan), study abroad opportunities, or interdisciplinary courses. Suggestion: Elaborate on the flexibility of the D-Plan and how it allows you to pursue multiple interests. Mention any unique study abroad programs that align with your academic goals.
4. How do you plan to take advantage of Dartmouth’s liberal arts education? What courses or areas of study outside your primary interest could you explore? Suggestion: Provide examples of how a liberal arts education can help you develop a well-rounded perspective. Mention specific courses in different disciplines that interest you.

1. What aspects of Dartmouth’s student community appeal to you? Consider student organizations, clubs, or cultural groups. Why do they attract you? Suggestion: Mention specific clubs or organizations you want to join. Explain how these groups will help you grow personally and professionally. To take it above and beyond, explain how these organizations may build on clubs or activities you already participate in—and how building on these skills will benefit from an environment like Dartmouth.
2. How do you see yourself contributing to Dartmouth’s community? What unique perspectives, experiences, or talents will you bring? Suggestion: Describe past leadership roles or community service experiences, but go beyond just describing. Show that you know what it means to really contribute to a community. Whichever story you choose to tell, show that you know how to learn. In other words, explain how these experiences have prepared you to contribute to Dartmouth!
3. What values do you share with the Dartmouth community? Think about Dartmouth’s commitment to inclusivity, service, and leadership. Suggestion: Provide examples of how you have demonstrated these values in your life. Explain why these values are important to you.
4. Have you interacted with current Dartmouth students or alumni? What insights did they provide that influenced your decision to apply? Suggestion: Share specific anecdotes from conversations with students or alumni. Explain how their experiences resonate with your goals and interests.

1. What attracts you to Dartmouth’s location in Hanover, New Hampshire? Consider the natural surroundings, small-town atmosphere, and seasonal activities. Suggestion: Describe how the location will enhance your academic and personal life. Mention specific outdoor activities or local events you look forward to. For instance, are there local nonprofit organizations that you could see yourself partnering with or volunteering for?
2. How do you envision spending your time outside the classroom at Dartmouth? Think about outdoor activities, sports, or arts. What excites you? Suggestion: Detail specific extracurricular activities you want to participate in. Explain how these activities align with your interests and goals.
3. What facilities and resources on campus are you most excited about? Libraries, research labs, arts centers, athletic facilities, etc. Suggestion: Mention specific facilities and how you plan to use them. Describe how these resources will support your academic and personal growth.
4. How does Dartmouth’s sense of place inform its sense of purpose for you personally? Reflect on how the physical environment could shape your academic and personal growth. Suggestion: Connect Dartmouth’s location and atmosphere to your own values and aspirations. Explain how being in Hanover will help you achieve your goals.

1. When did you first become interested in Dartmouth? Was there a specific moment, visit, or interaction that sparked your interest? Suggestion: Share a personal story about how you first learned about Dartmouth. Describe what initially drew you to the college.
2. What stories or experiences have you heard about Dartmouth that resonate with you? Think about anecdotes from friends, family, or online forums. Suggestion: Mention specific stories and explain why they are meaningful to you. Connect these stories to your own experiences and aspirations.
3. How does Dartmouth’s mission and values align with your personal goals and values? Reflect on how Dartmouth’s ethos matches your aspirations. Suggestion: Provide examples of how your goals align with Dartmouth’s mission. Explain how attending Dartmouth will help you fulfill your personal and professional aspirations.
4. What do you hope to achieve during your time at Dartmouth? Consider both academic and personal growth. Suggestion: Outline specific goals you have for your time at Dartmouth. Describe how the college’s resources and community will help you achieve these goals.

By writing out answers to these questions, you can gather a wealth of ideas and details that will help you write a more nuanced and personalized essay explaining why Dartmouth is the right fit for you. Taking the time to brainstorm your ideas is worthwhile, even if it seems challenging at first. Your best essay topic probably won’t be the first one you think of—or even the second, or third! Keep refining your ideas until you’re happy with the final product. This applies to all your college essay writing.

A. There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today.

Example Topic: If it applies, a student could write about growing up in a multicultural neighborhood and how this experience shaped his or her views on diversity and inclusion. On the other hand, you could also definitely talk about your faith if that applies to your background. After all, Quakerism is a religion!

Why It Works: This example demonstrates your background and personal growth, emphasizing qualities that are valued by Dartmouth, such as inclusivity and cultural awareness. By illustrating how your environment influenced your values, you provide a narrative that showcases your adaptability and open-mindedness.

B. "Be yourself," Oscar Wilde advised. "Everyone else is taken." Introduce yourself.

Example Topic: Share a story about your passion for playing woodwind music, where it came from, and how it has influenced your personality and aspirations.

Why It Works: This example, if handled well, gives insight into your unique interests and personality, making you more memorable to the admissions committee. By connecting your love for music to your personal development, you offer a glimpse into what drives you, making your introduction more engaging and personal. Not to mention, there are all kinds of sensory details you can draw upon from playing instruments.

A. What excites you?

Example Topic: Describe your enthusiasm for robotics and how you’ve built and programmed your own robots for competitions. What’s your favorite robot you’ve ever built? What’s the weirdest or most seemingly useless, and why did you build it?

Why It Works: This example showcases your passion and dedication, highlighting your intellectual curiosity and hands-on experience. By detailing your involvement in robotics, you demonstrate both your technical skills and your commitment to learning, which are qualities highly valued by Dartmouth. Don’t be afraid to showcase your creativity and humor, as long as you stay clean.

B. Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. "We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things," she said. "That is what we are put on the earth for." In what ways do you hope to make—or are you already making—an impact? Why? How?

Example Topic: Discuss your volunteer work at a local animal shelter and your plans to advocate for animal rights through a career in veterinary medicine.

Why It Works: This example highlights your commitment to making a positive impact, aligning with Dartmouth’s values of responsible leadership and community service. By connecting your volunteer work to your future career goals, you show a clear sense of purpose and dedication to a cause.

C. Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth's Class of 1925, wrote, "Think and wonder. Wonder and think." As you wonder and think, what's on your mind?

Example Topic: Are you a STEM person? Perhaps, you break things down into smaller and smaller parts in order to understand how they work? If you love to think about molecules and atoms, about your fascination with quantum physics and the questions you ponder about the nature of the universe.

Why It Works: Find an anecdote that is unique to you. No matter the example, illustrate your deep intellectual curiosity and your interest in exploring complex, abstract concepts. By delving into your thoughts on quantum physics, you demonstrate a profound level of thinking and a passion for scientific discovery.

D. Celebrate your nerdy side.

Example Topic: Share your love for comic books and how they’ve inspired your creativity and storytelling abilities. Talk about what you’ve learned from studying different comic creators and storylines as they change over the years.

Why It Works: This example allows you to express a fun and personal aspect of yourself, showing your ability to find inspiration in unconventional places. Go ahead and get nerdy: explain why everyone else should be obsessed with comics, too. By discussing your true enthusiasm in the world of comic books, you highlight your creativity and unique excitement, making your essay stand out with vibrance.

E. "It's not easy being green…" was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook?

Example Topic: If it applies to you or your family, you could discuss your experiences as an immigrant and how embracing your cultural heritage has shaped your identity and resilience.

Why It Works: This example provides a personal narrative about overcoming challenges and embracing diversity, resonating with Dartmouth’s commitment to an inclusive community. By sharing your journey, you offer a powerful story of growth and resilience.

F. As noted in the College's mission statement, "Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…" Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you?

Example Topic: This is an instance you’ll want to showcase one of your personal qualities that don’t show up elsewhere on the application. For instance, if you want to emphasize leadership, write about a leadership role you took in a community project and how it demonstrated your ability to inspire and organize others. Don’t just stop there, though—connect the dots for the reader. Explain that your example of awesome leadership is a “proof of concept” for the future leadership you know you will be able to achieve on Dartmouth’s campus.

Why It Works: This example showcases your leadership potential and your ability to take initiative, qualities that Dartmouth seeks in its students. By describing a specific instance where you led a project, you provide concrete evidence of your leadership skills and potential.

1. Keep It Focused and Concise: Especially for the 100-word prompt, ensure your response is clear and directly addresses the question. Avoid unnecessary details and stay on topic to make every word count.
2. Be Authentic and Reflective: Use anecdotes and personal stories to illustrate your points, reflecting on how your experiences have shaped you. Authenticity resonates more with readers than generic statements, every time!
3. Showcase Your Intellectual Curiosity: Dartmouth values intellectual engagement. Highlight your passion for learning and exploring new ideas. Mention specific interests and how you pursue them.
4. Be Specific and Detailed: Provide detailed examples to make your narrative more engaging and memorable. Specificity helps your essay stand out by giving a vivid picture of your experiences.
5. Demonstrate Passion and Insight: Convey your enthusiasm and deep understanding of the topics you discuss. Passionate writing is more engaging and can leave a lasting impression on the reader.
6. Be Analytical and Introspective: Reflect on the underlying reasons behind your interests and decisions. Show depth in your thinking and how your experiences have influenced your outlook.
7. Highlight Your Unique Perspective: Discuss what sets you apart from other applicants and how your background will contribute to Dartmouth. Unique perspectives can add valuable diversity to the campus community.
8. Research Dartmouth Thoroughly: This one is also mandatory. Mention specific programs, professors, or aspects of Dartmouth that attract you. Demonstrating knowledge about Dartmouth shows genuine interest and helps you tailor your essays.
9. Reflect on Your Experiences: Show personal growth and lessons learned from your experiences. Admissions officers look for candidates who demonstrate development and self-awareness.
10. Proofread and Seek Feedback: Carefully proofread your essays and seek feedback from trusted sources. Clear, error-free writing reflects your attention to detail and commitment to presenting your best self.

Crafting your Dartmouth supplemental essays is an opportunity to present your unique voice and experiences to the admissions committee. By following these tips and strategies, you can write essays that are authentic, detailed, and compelling.

Here’s the bottom line: The key is to be yourself and to showcase the qualities that make you a perfect fit for Dartmouth. 

Ready to work on the rest of your application? College admissions counselors like Empowerly can provide the final review you need to put your best application out there. Of course, if you would like to review the basics of essay writing, we recommend downloading our Essays guide and completing some of the exercises. Beyond that, remember that Empowerly loves to help students with writing! You can book a consultation free of charge to learn more about our program whenever you’re ready to take the next step.