what excites you dartmouth essay example

How to Write the Dartmouth Essays: Tips + Examples

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/26/24

Are you struggling with your Dartmouth essays? Read on to learn what the admissions committees are looking for and how to make your essays memorable!

According to Ernest Hemingway , “there is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” 

If only it were that easy! Supplemental essays help determine your candidacy for your dream school and ultimately your career trajectory, which can make writing them seem impossible! 

Students often struggle when it comes to the Dartmouth essays and wonder how to start their essays , what to write about, and most importantly, how to impress the judges. Fortunately, we have the tips and suggestions you need to sit down at your laptop, assuming you don’t have a typewriter, and bleed out the most compelling essays!

Dartmouth Essay Prompts

The first part of learning how to write the Dartmouth essays is reviewing the prompts themselves! Here are the first two mandatory prompts students must respond to:

1. 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 2027, what aspects of the College's academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? In short, Why Dartmouth? Please respond in 100 words or fewer.

2. "Be yourself," Oscar Wilde advised. "Everyone else is taken." Introduce yourself in 200-250 words.

For your final essay, you’ll be given the choice to answer any one of the following prompts:

A. 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 making—an impact?

B. What excites you?

C. In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, William Kamkwamba '14 reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power electrical appliances in his family's Malawian house: "If you want to make it, all you have to do is try." What drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you made?

D. Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth's Class of 1925, wrote, "Think and wonder. Wonder and think." What do you wonder and think about?

E. "Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced," wrote James Baldwin. How does this quote apply to your life experiences?

Your answer must be between 200-250 words.

How to Write the Dartmouth Supplemental Essays

Now that you know which essays you’ll be responding to, you can begin brainstorming experiences, abilities, talents, and goals to share with the committee. As you likely noticed, your responses should be short. You only have between 100-250 words to answer each prompt. 

While this may seem like a relief, it will be challenging to adequately answer the prompt while staying as clear and concise as possible. Follow these suggestions to ensure all of your answers pack a punch:

The number one tip to keep in mind as you answer the first prompt is to do thorough research. Do not be fooled by this prompt’s word count. You’re still expected to demonstrate your immense interest and enthusiasm to join Dartmouth.

To do so, you’ll need to research Dartmouth’s programs , community, and other unique attributes. Do not write a generic answer that could be used to apply to any college! Be specific, get straight to the point, and reflect on your choice to apply to Dartmouth. 

Go beyond Dartmouth’s prestige and Ivy standing . The committee knows students are drawn to their school for its status and esteem, so differentiate your essay by choosing another reason to attend Dartmouth. Ask yourself the following questions during the brainstorming process:

• Why am I applying to Dartmouth?
• What excites me most about going to Dartmouth?
• What programs or extracurriculars do I hope to join at Dartmouth?
• What is my ideal college experience? How does Dartmouth meet or exceed these expectations?
• How will I fit into the Dartmouth community?
• How can Dartmouth help me achieve my goals?

Focus on one or two main attributes of Dartmouth that you’re most excited about. 

The second prompt tends to be a little more challenging for students. So, to simplify it, your answer should revolve around key qualities, traits, and interests that make you, you. Do not start from your childhood and work your way up, there is simply not enough room for you to do this, and frankly, it’s unnecessary.

The committee is interested in learning more about the type of person that will be joining their community. Do not list your accomplishments or extensive extracurriculars, they will already have access to these through your Common Application .

Think about what makes you stand out, the experiences that have shaped you, and your future goals. There isn’t a right or wrong way to answer this question, so think outside the box! 

Maybe you’ll explain who you are through a narrative, by choosing three words to describe you and elaborating, or simply speaking directly to the committee.

Prompt Three

The final prompt to discuss when exploring how to write the Dartmouth supplemental essays offers you several options to choose from. Let’s breakdown how to answer each of these prompts to ensure you pick the best one:

The first option asks you to consider the impact you want to make on the world and how you’ve already begun working on these goals. Your impact does not have to be related to your academic interests. 

For instance, if you’re planning on pursuing a science degree in hopes of becoming a doctor, but spend your free time tutoring underserved students, you may want to mention your interest in continuing to serve underserved populations and ensuring education is accessible to everyone.

Choose a long-term goal you’re genuinely passionate about and ensure you demonstrate your enthusiasm to make the world a better place. Discuss how you plan to reach your goals, who they’ll impact the most, and how Dartmouth will aid you in your journey.

The second prompt you can answer is quite open-ended. You can take it whichever route you choose, but the safest option is to expand on your interests and passions. 

As difficult as it may be, stick to just one interest for this prompt. Do not submit a laundry list of all of your interests without developing them further. This question may ask you to simply state what excites you, but the admissions committee is expecting detailed elaboration. 

Consider the following questions as you craft an answer for this prompt:

• Why does this passion excite you?
• How have you developed your interest?
• How do you plan on further developing your interest?
• Does your interest relate to your career? If so, how?
• How can Dartmouth’s resources help facilitate this passion?

Remember to connect your answer to Dartmouth as much as possible to demonstrate how well you’d fit into their community!

Students often misunderstand this question, so let’s break it down part by part. The first step is to share your motivation to create. This creation does not have to be related to the arts; it can involve projects you pursued in or outside of the classroom or initiatives you started to bridge a gap in your community.

The next part of the prompt asks you to discuss what you’ve already created and what you hope to create in the future. Ensure you touch on both of these points to impress the committee. 

Avoid choosing a topic you have yet to make any contributions to, because it will be harder to convince the committee you’re genuinely passionate about a creation you have not even attempted to begin. Connect your creations back to Dartmouth and explain how you hope to achieve your goals through them. 

Prompt D, like prompt C, is vague. Asking what you wonder and think about leaves a lot to the imagination. The possibilities for this prompt are endless and there isn’t a particular answer the committee is looking for. On the contrary, this answer should showcase your unique interests and personality.

Do not pose philosophical, worldly questions such as “what is the meaning of life?” or “is there an afterlife?” While you may genuinely wonder about these things, they are too cliche and broad. Think about more specific questions you have about the world. Consider places you want to see, careers you’re curious about, or even potential bucket list goals you have. 

This will offer the admissions committee a glimpse into your thought process! Be sincere and honest. Explain why you’re curious about your chosen topic and share any relevant anecdotes that can offer more insight into your interests. 

The final essay option asks you to share any challenge you may have faced in your life. This challenge could have occurred at any time of your life; it may even be a challenge you’re currently working through.

It does not have to relate to your academics; it can be personal as long as you avoid sharing highly personal information that could be considered TMI. Explain the challenge, the impacts it had on you or those closest to you, how you overcame it, and what you learned.

The traits you want to emphasize through your answer are resilience, problem-solving, perseverance, responsibility, and leadership!

Dartmouth Essay Examples

Now that you know the basics of how to write the Dartmouth essays, you may be curious to see how all of these tips look when combined. To ensure you leave this guide feeling as confident and prepared as possible, here are sample essays for you to draw inspiration from:

Prompt One:

Here’s an example to prompt one from a student that hopes to join Dartmouth’s mathematics program:

I have always appreciated the simplicity of mathematics. It has no grey area, is objective, and unambiguous. Its sense of certainty is why I took AP classes in mathematics and further developed my intrigue in complex mathematical models.

This sparked my desire to pursue a career as a mathematician. Majoring in mathematics at Dartmouth will provide me the skills to apply abstract mathematical theories to the real world. 

I am also highly interested in becoming one of Dartmouth’s Bryne scholars, so that I can work amongst distinguished experts to use mathematics to solve pressing challenges in today’s world. 

Prompt Two: 

Consider this example from a student that used a meaningful narrative to answer prompt two:

Ironically, I have been a huge fan of Oscar Wilde since I first read his poem “Requiescat.” I fell in love with the way he danced around such dark themes with beautiful imagery and hid tragedies behind perfectly poised phrases. 

For instance, I learned “Requisecat” was written about his sister who died at the age of nine. However, you do not get a sense of tragedy in his poem. Instead, there is beauty and tranquility in the way he depicts his sister at peace now, at rest where the daisies grow.

Oscar Wilde is who inspired me to write and turn my own tragedies into beauty. I lost my father at the age of 15. He fought a long and unfair battle with an enemy that never slept, had advanced weaponry, and absolutely no remorse. The doctors called it ​​cholangiocarcinoma. 

But, instead of letting this tragedy define me, I made it into something beautiful. I wrote a novella about the life my father lived before his sickness consumed him. About his upbringing in Sicily, his boyish wonder, and love for race cars. 

That was how I chose to remember my father. Through this experience, I learned to make the best out of everything, to always find tranquility in chaos, and to use it as my muse. A writer is who I am at my very core. I hope to continue honing my writing skills and ability to create life from death through Dartmouth’s Creativing Writing program. 

Prompt Three: Option A

Use this sample to guide you in your brainstorming process for option A:

Palliative. It’s an interesting word, when you don’t know the meaning of it. I was in the seventh grade when I heard the first whispers of this strange word. 

Then again in the eighth when the whispers grew to soft words spoken around the dinner table, and eventually screams as my parents argued over whether it was finally time to put my brother in palliative care. 

He had cystic fibrosis and had been waiting for a lung transplant for years. By his ninth birthday, he was in active lung failure and there was nothing else the doctors could do. So, we were introduced to palliative care; keeping my brother comfortable until he passed away—which he did, six months later.

After my brother’s passing, I made it my goal to ensure other kids did not meet the same fate as him. During my freshman year, I was able to set up a fundraiser stand at our local carnival for the few weeks it was in town. I was able to raise $11,000 that year for cystic fibrosis research, and continued fundraising each subsequent year. 

In the future, I plan to be more heavily involved by conducting the very research I am currently fundraising for. I hope to find more accessible and effective treatments for cystic fibrosis so fewer families have to encounter the dreaded “P” word, like I did.

I know the first step is obtaining a Biomedical degree and participating in extensive research at Dartmouth. 

Here’s a sample answer to option B:

I pushed my first piano key when I was six years old at a music shop my mother frequented often. She was an avid violinist and enjoyed spending her free time visiting different music shops. 

My mother saw my interest in the piano, as my eyes lit up at the sound that I thought came from my finger at the time. She enrolled me in lessons the next day and I have been playing the piano ever since. 

There were often nights I would play the piano from dusk till dawn, in complete delight at the sound of each key. Music became my full-time hobby, creating it and listening to it. Music is magical to me, the way it makes people move, brings them together, can soothe a broken heart, or open up unhealed wounds. 

Music has always been my therapy. It has been my comforting companion during the worst and best of times. It has added color to my life and has given me purpose. I hope to share my music with others and become a professional pianist in the future, so that I may broaden others’ horizons, help them heal, and unite them. 

I believe Dartmouth’s Music program will allow me to not only hone my piano skills, but to learn more about the roots and lineages of music traditions, how to become the best performer, and perhaps even how to play new instruments!

This student took an unconventional approach to prompt C:

I was always told to pick up a hobby whenever I complained of being bored. My mother would say “busy minds don’t have time for boredom” as she barely looked up at me from her knitting. 

I tried knitting, but found my mind wandering and yearning for more excitement as my hands robotically looped and pulled and looped and pulled. As I contemplated which hobby to try, my father called me outside to help him in the garden. 

He always sported a sunburn, had soil caked under his fingernails, and smelled of the earth. He needed me to help him sow some seeds to make a pumpkin patch.

I dragged my feet and questioned his ability to grow pumpkins. My father answered my doubt with a smile and urged me to follow along with his pumpkin project and see the “magic” for myself. That summer, I not only ensured the pumpkins received adequate water, were protected from squirrels and weeds, but I created my own garden. 

I grew lettuce, cucumbers, beans, and even cherries - which I learned have cancer curing properties. I fell in love with creating life with nothing more than my hands and a rake. I loved the feeling of the cool soil in my hands and was stimulated by the research required to grow plants to their optimal levels.

I hope to continue this journey of discovery and creation by researching the potential medicinal properties and abilities of natural ingredients, such as cherries, in the future.

This sample of a student who is interested in criminal psychology may help you option D:

The criminal mind has always been a topic of interest to me. I have watched all of the crime documentaries out there, read dozens of novels trying to explain why criminals commit the acts they do, and even listen to crime podcasts in the shower! 

I am intrigued by criminals’ backgrounds and wonder if they are made or born, and if there is a way to prevent the creation of criminals. After pondering the idea for years, I have yet to come to a definitive answer. 

What fascinates me the most about this topic is that its ambiguity does not stem from a lack of research. On the contrary, researchers and scholars have dissected the criminal brain for centuries. 

One of the earliest criminologists was Cesar Lombroso, who brought forth the idea of the born criminal and suggested they are a regressed form of human. I find his work utterly captivating and hope to explore his theories further in the modern age. 

To continue my own investigations and to hopefully contribute more concrete answers to this discussion, I plan on becoming a forensic psychologist. 

To do so, I will first major in biology and minor in psychology at Dartmouth. I know at Dartmouth I will have the chance to participate in faculty-mentored research where I can learn more about human behaviour in general and the factors that determine it. 

If you choose to write the last essay topic, here’s a sample to guide you:

I grew up in Punjab, where the air was always warm and welcoming and carried the scent of flowers and incense. Everywhere I went, I heard my beautiful language being spoken by people that greeted me with smiles as warm as the sun.

Then, I moved to America. My father wanted a better life for my siblings and I. So, we traded our tight-knit village for the bustling, large city of Chicago, where no one knew my name, and I rarely heard my beautiful language. 

Instead, I heard a foreign language that I struggled to learn. When I started school in the fourth grade, I was an easy target for bullies. I had an accent almost as thick as my glasses. I always said “present” during attendance, and my bullies were quick to notice I rolled my “r” for far too long.

But, I took ESL classes throughout middle school. I read in my free time and joined ESL summer programs every year. Chicago started to feel more like home. I started hearing a different beautiful language that I understood more and more everyday. 

By high school, English became my favorite subject. I understood even the most complex novels and wrote compelling essays on them. I am also no longer ashamed of my roots, in fact, I smile when I catch myself rolling my “r” on some words.

I also smile when I learn new English words, and am happy to say I am now the master of two beautiful languages.

FAQs: Writing the Dartmouth Essays

In case you have any remaining inquiries about how to write the Dartmouth essays, here are the answers to frequently asked questions about these supplemental essays.

1. How Do You Approach Dartmouth Essays?

To write a successful Dartmouth essay, you must first spend time brainstorming. Write out all of your ideas so that you can then fine-tooth them and determine which ones reflect your personality best. 

Once you’ve found the perfect topic or experience to discuss, be descriptive, sincere, and demonstrate your enthusiasm. Focus on aspects that make you unique and highlight your most valuable skills and traits throughout your answers.

Whenever it’s appropriate, ensure you also connect your response back to Dartmouth!

2. How Many Essays Do You Write for Dartmouth?

You will have to write three Dartmouth-specific supplemental essays and one Common Application personal statement to apply to this college.

3. How Long Should Dartmouth Essays Be?

Each essay has a word limit, so ensure your essays fall within them. If you pick a topic you’re passionate about, you should find it difficult to stay within the word count! The first prompt is only meant to be 100 words; you will likely need all 100 words to explain your interest in Dartmouth.

Similarly, the other two prompts are supposed to be up to 250 words. Aim for your answers to be at least 200 words. 

4. Are the Dartmouth Essays Required?

Yes, you’re required to complete the Dartmouth essays as part of the application process. These essays not only give the admissions committee more insight on your writing skills, but help humanize your application! 

Final Thoughts

With these tips and suggestions in mind, you may be able to heed Hemingway’s advice and easily write essays that capture your essence and core values, traits, and experiences! Remember to remain genuine, honest, and demonstrate your sincere interest in joining Dartmouth. Good luck!

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How to Ace the 2024-2025 Dartmouth Supplemental Essay Prompts

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Dartmouth is an Ivy League institution found along the scenic Connecticut River in Hanover, New Hampshire. Just like other Ivy League institutions, Dartmouth College is competitive–their acceptance rate is 6%. So, how do you become a part of the class of 2029? Writing stellar supplemental essays for your Dartmouth application is one way!

To stand out on your application, you need to have stunning responses to the Dartmouth supplemental prompts. The Dartmouth supplemental essays offer the perfect opportunity to display pieces of your personality. This is your chance to prove that you are a better candidate than others by sharing the unique characteristics and interests you possess. 

So what are you waiting for? Read our guide below on how to make your Dartmouth supplemental essay responses flawless! 

The Dartmouth College supplemental essay prompts

Responding to the Dartmouth supplemental essay prompts allows applicants to share their unique characteristics and interests. After all, Dartmouth wants to admit students who are a good fit for their campus and community. Dartmouth requires three supplemental essays, with the third prompt offering five interesting options to choose from. Read our guide below on how to make your Dartmouth supplemental essay responses flawless! 

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 or fewer)

Although there are a lot of words included in this question, it is essentially just another “Why us?” essay question ! Therefore, do not overthink this one. 

With the 100 word limit, there is not a lot of room to go on about how amazing Dartmouth is (plus, they already know they are pretty amazing!). Therefore, you should brainstorm around two to three things about Dartmouth that you absolutely love. This can include anything about Dartmouth, such as its beautiful campus and location, any important traditions they have, the academic programs offered, any extracurriculars you are excited for, and much more. 

The key to responding to this prompt is to be specific . Show that you have done your research. Remember, you do not have a lot of words to write your response. Therefore, strive to make it short and sweet but also informative. Mention these two to three specific and detailed pieces and why you are interested in them. 

Be sure to spend time researching Dartmouth and what makes them unique compared to other colleges. Remember, you are applying to an extremely selective college, so you want to make sure you are choosing something that other applicants would not think about. It is all about thinking outside of the box and showing the “true you” through your responses. 

“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. (250 words or less)

Who are you, and how did you become who you are? That is the question Dartmouth is asking. As a student applying to Dartmouth, you have your own unique story to tell. While the description of the environment you grew up in is important, the ‘how” it impacted you is the true focus. Dartmouth wants to know how you made the most of whatever situation you grew up in. If you had privilege, what did you do with the opportunities presented? If you struggled, how did you triumph?

Take note of the word “impact” in the prompt, and think of the meaning of the word, which is “strong effect.” After you briefly describe the environment you grew up in (remember you only have 250 words!), ask yourself what your most positive qualities are. Then, ask yourself how your upbringing impacted, or had an effect, on one or two of those qualities. Even if your upbringing was less than ideal, perhaps you are all the more understanding and helpful to others who are less fortunate. 

“Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself . (250 words or less)

Dartmouth receives a lot of applications from students from around the world with impressive applications. Therefore, this is your time to prove how unique you are and how your individuality will flourish while at Dartmouth. Be sure to not restate items from your resume or detail your entire life story. Rather, be as concise as possible while revealing your identity. 

This is a very open ended question, which can be tricky to start. To help brainstorm, think of the following questions: 

• How would you introduce yourself to a complete stranger? 
• If you had to make a slideshow about yourself, what would you include? 
• What are your main interests? 
• What could you not live without? 
• How would someone close to you describe you? 

To format this response you can either: 

• Write as if you were introducing yourself to someone
• Create a more narrative and story-telling piece of writing
• Something more creative!

Ultimately, the formatting does not matter as long as you accurately introduce yourself and highlight your uniqueness. Just remember to be authentic and focus on what makes you stand out from everyone else. 

For the third Dartmouth supplemental essay, you’ll choose from a list of five potential prompts. Before making your choice, read through them carefully and determine which prompt most appeals to you. Remember to only select one prompt to answer and keep it under 250 words! 

What excites you? (250 words or less)

Although this question is short and sweet, it is extremely broad! This means that you can answer this question in a lot of different ways. However, just because the question is broad does not mean your answer should be too. Rather, your answer should be extremely specific and detailed. 

Before you start answering this prompt, you should sit down for a few minutes and list what excites you and makes you happy. Once you have a solid list of things that excite you, select whichever thing you are most passionate about. 

Remember, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. In fact, you can write about anything big or small. For example, you can choose to write about how each week a new episode of a TV show makes you excited because you get to watch it with your family. Or you can write about how going for a walk in new trails where you live excites you because you love seeing new nature scenes. You can write about how helping people less fortunate than you makes you excited for your dream job at a nonprofit organization. 

It does not matter what you choose to write about. What matters is how you justify your answer. The “why” is so important. Why does this particular thing excite you? How does it impact your life? Does it connect back to your future goals? 

In addition, do not forget that this essay is for Dartmouth. So, if possible, try to connect what you are excited by back to Dartmouth and its resources. For example, as stated before, maybe going for a walk around your neighborhood makes you happy and excites you because of the new nature scenes you are able to see. You can then connect this back to your excitement to be immersed in the beautiful trees and nature of New Hampshire. You might even want to connect it back to being excited about studying environmental studies at Dartmouth. 

This essay can be a good place to tie in a passion to your intended major to give the Dartmouth admissions officers an idea of how your major connects to your interests. 

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 making – an impact?” (250 words or less)

Essentially, this prompt is asking “What do you hope to achieve for the greater good?” or “What do you think your life’s purpose is?” 

This may seem like a daunting question to tackle, but Dartmouth understands that you are young and still figuring life out. Therefore, do not feel like you need to have a concrete answer to this prompt. 

Dolores Huerta is a prominent civil rights activist who dedicated her life to advocating for immigrant rights. Therefore, Dartmouth is looking for someone who is dedicating their time to make a long term positive change in their world and community. 

Try to think of passions you have and what you have done to act on these passions. Have you ever volunteered anywhere? Have you created a business that donates money to charity? Have you created a club at your high school to help those who are less fortunate than you? 

Once you have identified your passions and purpose in life, detail what you want to continue to do to make an impact on this community. 

In “Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” Dr. Seuss invites us to “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” Imagine your anticipated academic major: How does that course of study sync with Dr. Seuss’s advice to you? (250 words or less)

This prompt is the perfect opportunity for applicants who find themselves constantly asking questions and wanting to learn more about anything and everything. Try to think of the last time you went down an internet rabbit hole researching or bombarding someone with a million questions about a particular subject. What was it and why did this topic interest you? 

The great thing about this particular prompt is that there are no restrictions! You can talk about literally anything that you think and wonder about. Ultimately, you want to discuss something that truly fascinates you and makes you “nerd” out! 

Some examples of topics you could discuss are: 

• Time travel
• A bucket list trip
• Going to space
• How Bluetooth works

The possibilities are endless! Do not feel like you need to make up a dramatic narrative in order to impress Dartmouth. Rather, just be true to yourself and write from your heart. This will show Dartmouth how you spend time wondering and what truly interests you. 

“Celebrate your nerdy side.” (250 words or less)

Ultimately, this prompt is asking you to explain what brings out your inner nerd! “Nerd” is being used as a very positive description, so be honest!  

First, you should ask yourself the following:

• What does being a nerd mean to you? 
• Who do you do things that you consider “nerdier” with?

Next, describe in detail what you do when feeling your utmost nerd urge! Choose one specific thing, and make it sound like it is not to miss! Do you enjoy putting jigsaw puzzles together, playing role-playing games, or vintage board games? Share how your nerdy side helped shape you into who you are today and how celebrating your nerdy side continues to help you grow (hopefully at Dartmouth!).

“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?” (250 words or less)

Do not worry if you feel that you don’t have so much to write about with this prompt. If you do not think that that sounds like you – do not choose this prompt! 

This question has two parts that you should address in your response. The first piece asks you to share what it is about you or your life that is “different.”  Essentially, what is the difference, and why is it seen as different by the world around you?

The second part of this question straightforwardly asks how embracing your “differentness” helped shape you and your view of life. Perhaps you are more empathetic to others and go out of your way to make all people feel more comfortable about being outside the mainstream. 

Once you have written about what your difference is, be sure to connect it back to who you are. For example, let’s say you were an only child raised by elderly grandparents. You should then connect this back to how you are totally comfortable with older people and know how to entertain yourself in the best of ways. Take this prompt as an opportunity to reflect on what may seem “different” helped shape the person (you!) who is applying to Dartmouth! 

Buddy Teevens ’79 was a legendary and much-beloved coach at Dartmouth. He often told parents: “Your son will be a great football player when it’s football time, a great student when it’s academic time, and a great person all of the time.” If Coach Teevens had said that to you, what would it mean to be “a great person”?

Basically, this prompt is asking you how you personally define a “great person.” What does being “great” mean to you? While it may seem like a challenge to put this in words, think about the people that you consider to be “great.” Most likely, they are honest, kind, generous, loyal, etc.

Think about the qualities you admire most about yourself as well–your very best self. Buddy Teevens’ quote makes clear that being overall “great” as a person supersedes other worldly labels that fluctuate throughout a person’s life. While it will take some reflection to answer this prompt, it will be satisfying to respond.

Final thoughts on responding to the Dartmouth supplemental essays

After reading our guide for responding to the Dartmouth supplemental essays, it is time to write your responses! 

Be sure you are outlining and brainstorming prior to writing your responses. Remember, this is Dartmouth you are applying to! You want to ensure that every piece of your essay responses are well-thought out. Do not repeat yourself, and be sure to evenly distribute bits of personality and interests throughout your responses. 

You are more than equipped to answer the Dartmouth supplemental essay questions! Good luck during the writing process! 

Next steps after applying to Dartmouth

When you are finished writing your Dartmouth supplemental essays – it is time to submit your application!

Now, you should have celebrated your accomplishment of submitting your Dartmouth application! Well done!  Be sure to check: 

• Dartmouth portal
• Any Dartmouth social media accounts

For any updates to your application status! Once again best of luck to you! 

Additional supplemental essay guides

• Cornell University (Ithaca,NY)
• Amherst College (Amherst, MA)
• University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)

Additional resources

Now that you are done with the Dartmouth supplemental essays, double check that your Coalition Application and Common Application essays are perfect! Also, make sure you check out our guide on how many schools to apply to . 

Have you completed the ACT or SAT ? If you are wondering about whether or not to send your SAT/ACT scores to test optional schools, check out our guide!

Most importantly, check out our free scholarship search tool to help you finance your education. Best of luck in the college admissions process, and remember that Scholarships360 is here to help you! 

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Madeleine Karydes

Lead admissions expert, table of contents.

Stay up-to-date on the latest research and college admissions trends with our blog team.

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.

Directions for the Dartmouth Supplemental Essays

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.

Q1: Required of all applicants. Please respond in 100 words or fewer:

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… 

Academic Programs

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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!
• 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.
• 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.

Campus Environment

• 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?
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Personal Connection

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Q2: Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:

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.

Q3: Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:

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 .

Top 10 Tips for Writing Dartmouth Essays

• 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.
• 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!
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Reflect on Your Experiences: Show personal growth and lessons learned from your experiences. Admissions officers look for candidates who demonstrate development and self-awareness.
• 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.

Final Thoughts

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.

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Go back to all articles

How To Answer Dartmouth's Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023/24

What's New in 2022/23

What Are Dartmouth's Essay Prompts

Why Dartmouth Question

Dartmouth's Deep Dive Questions

Dartmouth's "Exploratory" Questions

General Guidelines

Dartmouth is an Ivy League research university in Hanover, New Hampshire. It has an acceptance rate of around 6%, making it one of the most prestigious and selective schools in the United States. The Supplemental Essays offer you a unique opportunity to showcase your motivations for being a Dartmouth student. These essays are also a great opportunity to provide insights into your journey of self-awareness, your values, and aspirations. This blog serves as a comprehensive guide to each of the prompts in the Dartmouth Writing Supplement for 2023/24. Use the tips and insights below to craft strong responses that will help you stand out from other applicants.

How Julian Got Into Dartmouth

Dartmouth College's 2023/24 Supplemental Essay Updates: What's Changed?

Gaining admission into Dartmouth College, an Ivy League institution with an illustrious history, is no small feat. Among the diverse components of the college application, the supplemental essays play a pivotal role in presenting your unique story and illustrating how you resonate with Dartmouth's values.

Elite universities like Dartmouth continually adapt their application requirements each year, seeking a holistic grasp of their potential students' backgrounds, aspirations, and values.

This year, similar to last year, Dartmouth applicants have three required “writing supplements” to complete. For the 2023/24 admissions cycle Dartmouth has made some limited but notable modifications to essay prompts.

1. Modification of Existing Prompts

The foundational prompt about Dartmouth's distinctive sense of place and purpose remains largely unchanged, with minor tweaks in phrasing for clarity.

2. Introduction of New Topics

Dartmouth's second required essay now offers a choice between introducing oneself, in line with Oscar Wilde's famous quotation, or describing the environment in which one was raised, inspired by a Quaker saying. This presents applicants with the opportunity to either present a personal introduction or delve deeper into their upbringing and its influence.

3. Expanded Choices for the Third Prompt

Previously, Dartmouth gave applicants five options to choose from for their third essay. This has been expanded to six, including a chance for applicants to "celebrate their nerdy side", discuss embracing differences, or share about their promise and potential in line with Dartmouth's mission statement. These additions seek richer insights into applicants' personalities, values, and potential contributions to the Dartmouth community.

4. Rephrased Prompts for Clarity and Depth

Several of the essay options have been reworded to invite deeper reflection. For instance, the Dolores Huerta inspired prompt now adds "Why? How?" to drive applicants to think more about their motivations and methods.

5. Inclusion of Diverse Themes

The newly introduced prompts encompass diverse themes like embracing differences and individual promise, showcasing Dartmouth's commitment to nurturing a varied and dynamic student body.

These alterations underline Dartmouth's ever-evolving admissions perspective, spotlighting a more profound comprehension of applicants' diverse experiences, aspirations, and the intrinsic values they might bring to its vibrant academic community.

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What Are Dartmouth's Supplemental Essay Prompts for 2023/24?

For the 2023/24 application cycle, Dartmouth College has thoughtfully designed supplemental essay prompts that delve deeply into the perspectives, backgrounds, and aspirations of its applicants. These prompts aim to illuminate your personal growth, understanding of Dartmouth's ethos, individuality, and potential contributions to the Dartmouth community.

1. Dartmouth's initial prompt is the “Why Dartmouth” prompt.

This prompt revolves around the institution's essence and its impact on your educational pursuits. Note, this first supplementary essay is only 100 words or fewer, making it shorter than the remaining two essays.

Dartmouth's Unique Ethos : 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? (100 words or fewer)

For the remaining two essays (each 250 words or fewer), Dartmouth offers several creative prompts. Choose ONE from each list.

2. Deep Dive Questions

Pick one prompt from two offered. These essay options are crafted to provide a window into your character, upbringing, and thought processes.

• Personal Background and Upbringing : 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.” (250 words or fewer)
• Introducing You : "Be yourself," Oscar Wilde advised. "Everyone else is taken." Introduce yourself. (250 words or fewer)

3. Exploratory Prompts

Pick one prompt from the six offered. These prompts are diverse, encouraging you to showcase various facets of your personality, aspirations, and beliefs:

• Passions and Interests : What excites you? (250 words or fewer)
• Purposeful Living : 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? (250 words or fewer)
• Inner Thoughts: 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? (250 words or fewer)
• Embrace Your Quirks: Celebrate your nerdy side. (250 words or fewer)
• Celebrating Otherness: "It's not easy being green..." was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has the difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook? (250 words or fewer)
• Unearthing Potential: 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? (250 words or fewer)

Requirements

Ensure your response to the initial question does not exceed 100 words. For the deep dive and exploratory questions, maintain a word count of 250 words or fewer.

Dartmouth's admissions process is exceptionally competitive, but these essay prompts offer candidates a golden chance to shed light on their unique experiences, aspirations, and the richness they'd contribute to the Dartmouth mosaic.

How to Answer Dartmouth's Supplemental Essay Questions?

How to answer the “why dartmouth” question, “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”, - 100 words or fewer.

This prompt seeks to understand your motivations behind choosing Dartmouth. It's an invitation to dive deep into your reasons and showcase how Dartmouth aligns with your academic and personal aspirations.

Reflect on Dartmouth's Essence

Think about the distinct attributes of Dartmouth that appeal to you.

• Is it a specific academic program?
• The close-knit community feel?
• The rich traditions and serene campus environment?

What combination of features like these, and others, make Dartmouth appealing to you and why?

Be Specific

Avoid vague statements. Instead of saying you're attracted to Dartmouth's "strong academic reputation," mention a particular program, research opportunity, or professor that aligns with your interests.

Personalize Your Answer

What personal experiences or goals make Dartmouth the right fit for you? Maybe you're drawn to Dartmouth's unique D-Plan or its emphasis on undergraduate teaching. Relate these aspects back to your own journey and aspirations with authentic and genuine insights into your unique interests, aspirations, and values and how they fit with specific campus attributes.

Stay Concise

With only 100 words, every sentence must be purposeful. Ensure each word contributes meaningfully to your response, and avoid redundancy.

• Drawn to Dartmouth's renowned Engineering program, I'm excited about its interdisciplinary approach, blending liberal arts and technology. Additionally, the Dartmouth Outing Club aligns with my passion for outdoor leadership.
• The intimacy of Dartmouth's community and its emphasis on undergraduate research in the sciences resonate deeply with my aspirations. Coupled with the picturesque Hanover setting, Dartmouth embodies my ideal learning environment.

Dartmouth's first essay prompt provides a canvas to illustrate your unique connection with the college. By being specific, personal, and concise, you can effectively convey why Dartmouth's academic program, community, and environment align seamlessly with your aspirations.

How to Answer Dartmouth's "Deep Dive" Questions?

“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.”, - 250 words or fewer.

Dartmouth, like many elite institutions, values a diverse student body, recognizing that every individual's background shapes their perspectives, values, and contributions. This prompt is an avenue to shed light on the influences that have shaped your character, beliefs, and aspirations.

Exploring Your Roots  

Begin by painting a vivid picture of your upbringing:

• Physical setting: Were you raised in a bustling city, a rural village, a suburban neighborhood, or a tight-knit community?
• Cultural influences: What traditions, customs, or rituals were integral to your family or community?
• Key figures: Who played pivotal roles in your formative years? How did they influence you?

Reflecting on the Impact

Moving beyond mere description, analyze how these elements of your background molded your beliefs, values, and aspirations:

• Challenges and Triumphs: Did certain experiences, perhaps dealing with adversity or celebrating triumphs, particularly influence your growth?
• Evolution: How have the cultural and familial lessons from your upbringing influenced your worldview, values, and future aspirations?

Crafting a Cohesive Narrative

While 250 words might seem restrictive, focus on weaving a concise yet impactful story that encapsulates your upbringing and its influence on you.

Dartmouth's first "Deep Dive" prompt seeks to understand the fabric of your background and how it has sculpted your character and aspirations. Dive deep, be introspective, and craft a narrative that offers a genuine glimpse into your world.

“'Be yourself,' Oscar Wilde advised. 'Everyone else is taken.' Introduce yourself.”

Dartmouth's prompt resonates with the essence of individuality. Every student brings their unique narrative, beliefs, experiences, and quirks. Through this prompt, Dartmouth seeks to understand *you*, beyond academic achievements and extracurriculars.

Embracing Your Uniqueness

While it's tempting to present an idealized version of oneself, Dartmouth is looking for authenticity. Reflect on:

• Personality: Are you introspective, outgoing, witty, or analytical? What qualities define you?
• Passions and Hobbies: What do you love doing in your free time? How do these activities reflect your character or aspirations?
• Personal Stories: Share an anecdote or experience that captures your essence.

Moving Beyond the Resume

Avoid reiterating what's already in your application. This is a chance to share aspects of your life and personality that don't fit neatly into traditional application boxes.

Be Genuine and Introspective

While keeping your introduction relevant and the tone appropriately formal, consider how you can also incorporate some touches of intimacy and vulnerability with some deeper introspection and with some authentic and genuine sharing about who you are.

Using Your Voice

Sometimes an introduction is formal. But for this essay, also consider using elements of your authentic personal voice to help convey unique features of your personality. Be it a streak of humility or a sense of humor, use an authentic voice to reveal meaningful insights into your individuality.

Crafting a Personal Statement

Given the brevity of the prompt, every word should contribute to your narrative. Be concise yet compelling, ensuring the introduction offers a genuine reflection of who you are.

Dartmouth's second "Deep Dive" prompt is a canvas for you to paint a portrait of yourself. This isn't about showcasing achievements but about presenting an authentic, holistic image of who you are. Dive deep into introspection, embrace your uniqueness, and introduce yourself in a way that remains memorable and genuine.

How to Answer Dartmouth’s “Exploratory" Questions?

Navigating Dartmouth's exploratory essay prompts requires a blend of introspection and a clear understanding of what the college values. While each question is a chance to spotlight a distinct facet of your character, they collectively serve to convey your fit for Dartmouth's vibrant community.

“What excites you?”

Genuine enthusiasm.

Share what genuinely excites you, not what you think Dartmouth wants to hear.

Make it Compelling

Don't only skim the surface or introduce sources of excitement that are superficial in nature. Connect what excites you with deeper passions and aspirations.

• Look for more profound topics. For example, going to a baseball game may be exciting for you, but does it connect to deeper experiences, reflections, or aspirations? That said, maybe going to a baseball game with a specific family member was exciting because of the relationship and the opportunity these baseball outings presented to deepen it.
• Emphasize sources of excitement that truly reflect or shape your personality and which connect with things you care deeply about.

Personal Anecdote

• Illustrate your passion through a personal story, giving a genuine glimpse into what drives you.
• Highlight anecdotes that will help the reader appreciate the contexts that make your insights compelling for you.
• Craft vivid narratives that cast light on people, events, or circumstances that shaped your feelings of excitement and to make your response more memorable.

Connect with Dartmouth

Maybe there's a Dartmouth program or club that aligns with your passion or with what excites you. Showing that connection can demonstrate both your genuine interest and how you'd immerse yourself on campus. Reveal how what excites you will shape your contributions to campus life and specific goals or aspirations you have for college and beyond.

• Discovering the world of computational biology during a summer program transformed my view of computer science, from merely app development to solving biological mysteries. Dartmouth's interdisciplinary courses promise further exploration into this thrilling intersection.
• Art, for me, isn't just a hobby; it's a lens through which I see the world. Every brush stroke or sketch is a reflection of my interpretations. At Dartmouth, I'm excited about the potential of integrating art with academic studies, enriching my perspectives further.

The first "Exploratory" prompt is very open ended. Try to home in on a source of excitement that offers insights into your more profound passions, motivations, and perspectives on life. Be genuine and be sure to connect what excites you with larger aspirations.

“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?”

This prompt calls for a profound understanding of your own commitment to betterment and change. Dartmouth values students who are not just achievers in the academic sense but also those who aspire to make a meaningful impact on society through commitment, conviction, and courage.

Genuine Motivations

Deeply reflect upon the driving forces behind your actions. What inspires you to create change? Whether it's a personal experience, someone you look up to, or a broader vision for society, share the root of your motivations.

Link to Dartmouth's Values

Show that your vision aligns with Dartmouth's ethos. Perhaps there's a Dartmouth initiative, club, or program that corresponds with your efforts to create positive change.

Narrative Engagement

Use storytelling to bring your experiences to life. Instead of simply stating facts, walk the reader through your journey, the challenges you faced, and the lessons learned.

Vision for the Future

Expand on how Dartmouth can be the platform for furthering your initiatives or supporting your drive for societal improvement.

• Driven by witnessing educational inequalities in my community, I initiated a tutoring program for underprivileged students. Dartmouth's Tucker Center, with its extensive community service programs, inspires me to scale my initiative to broader horizons.
• Ever since participating in a local environmental cleanup, I've been motivated to promote sustainable living. At Dartmouth, I see an opportunity to engage deeply with the Dartmouth Organic Farm, expanding my understanding and driving larger community initiatives.

Dartmouth's second "Exploratory" prompt offers an avenue to express your genuine commitment to pursuing a purpose-driven life and enacting positive change. Through a combination of personal storytelling and a forward-looking mindset, this is your chance to showcase how your life's purpose aligns with Dartmouth's values. Share how you can contribute positively to campus life and reflect on how Dartmouth can help you further your impact on the world.

“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?”

This unique prompt from Dartmouth encourages you to introspect and share your musings, highlighting how deep reflection forms an integral part of your character. It offers a window into your mindset, showcasing how you engage with the world around you.

Venture Beyond the Superficial

While it might be tempting to discuss a recent event or popular topic, delve deeper. Reflect on those bigger questions or thoughts that linger in your mind. It could be something philosophical, societal, or even a personal revelation.

Relate to Dartmouth’s Legacy

Given the mention of Theodor Geisel, an illustrious Dartmouth alumnus, consider ways in which your reflections might connect to Dartmouth’s storied history, its emphasis on liberal arts, or its commitment to fostering critical thinkers.

Just as with the previous prompt, storytelling can be a powerful tool here. Walk the reader through your thought process, the genesis of your musings, and the conclusions or further questions they led to.

Consider Dartmouth’s Environment

Dartmouth's unique setting, amidst the serene landscapes of Hanover, provides the perfect backdrop for reflection. Consider weaving in how such an environment can further fuel your introspection and quest for answers.

• Contemplating the ever-evolving nature of language, I often wonder about the next phase of human communication. Dartmouth’s rich linguistic courses and its diverse community provide the ideal setting for such explorations.
• In today's digital age, I ponder the balance between connectivity and genuine human interactions. Dartmouth’s tight-knit community offers a compelling environment to explore this, bridging the traditional with the contemporary.

Dartmouth’s third “Exploratory” prompt is an opportunity to provide insights into your deeper reflections and how you process the world around you. By delving into genuine thoughts and connecting them with Dartmouth's ethos and environment, you can craft a compelling narrative that underscores your fit for the institution.

“Celebrate your nerdy side.”

Dartmouth recognizes that it's often our quirks, those distinctive characteristics and passions, that make us uniquely interesting. This prompt invites you to showcase a side of yourself that might not be immediately evident but is an intrinsic part of who you are.

True Colors

It's vital to ensure your response is genuine. Highlighting an authentic quirk or passion can create a more memorable and personal essay. Whether it's a hobby, a talent, or a particular mindset, delve into something you truly identify with.

Narrative Storytelling

Consider using anecdotes or personal stories to illustrate your point. A short narrative about a time when your "nerdy side" played a significant role can effectively showcase your personality and make your essay more engaging.

Relate to Dartmouth

While discussing your quirks, find a way to connect it to Dartmouth's environment or ethos. Perhaps there's a club, organization, or course at Dartmouth that aligns with your quirky side. Demonstrating how your unique traits would fit into and benefit the Dartmouth community can add depth to your essay.

Deep Reflection

Go beyond just describing your quirks. Reflect on why they matter to you, how they've shaped your perspectives, and the role they've played in your life.

• Ever since I started collecting antique calculators, I've been dubbed the "math historian" among my friends. At Dartmouth, I hope to merge this love for history and math by delving into the evolution of mathematical theories.
• I've always been fascinated by the intricacies of board games, often creating my own. Through Dartmouth's Game Design Club, I hope to bring my unique designs to life, encouraging strategic and creative thinking.

Dartmouth's fourth "Exploratory" prompt offers a chance for applicants with a passion for, or obsession with, a particular intellectual or academic interest, or other kind of interest that captivates them, to embrace it and share it in an essay that is compelling and memorable. By focusing on genuine characteristics and weaving a narrative that connects to Dartmouth's values and offerings, you can create a standout essay. Highlight an important area of personal fascination while helping Dartmouth understand how this might shape your aspirations and participation in college life.

“'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?”

Dartmouth acknowledges and celebrates the diverse backgrounds and experiences of its students. This prompt provides an avenue to discuss how you've encountered, processed, and embraced differences in your life, be it in terms of race, culture, beliefs, or personal experiences. It’s an opportunity to highlight your unique journey — and perhaps exceptional resilience or insights shaped by this journey — while foreshadowing the positive ways you’ll impact the college community.

Personal and Genuine Experiences

Begin by introspecting on moments in your life when you felt different or stood out. Was it due to cultural, racial, personal beliefs, or perhaps a unique experience? Share these genuine stories to give a deeper insight into your journey.

Navigating Challenges and Growth

Being different often comes with challenges. Discuss how you navigated them, the insights gained, and how these experiences contributed to personal growth. Show how these challenges strengthened your character and shaped your worldview.

• Did they help you develop personal resilience? If so, how is this reflected in real events or relationships in your life, or in challenges you’ve faced?
• Does your experience with difference shape your worldview, personality, or your perspectives?
• Do these factors impact other facets of your life experiences, such as interpersonal relationships, school or community life, or your views on society?

Connect to Dartmouth

Highlight how you see Dartmouth's diverse community as an extension or complement to your experiences. Maybe there are student groups, initiatives, or programs at Dartmouth that align with your journey. This connection can underscore your fit within the Dartmouth community.

Celebrate the Differences

Rather than merely discussing the challenges, celebrate the advantages and strengths that come from embracing diversity. How has it made you a more empathetic, open-minded, or resilient individual?

• Growing up in a multicultural neighborhood, I've always been the bridge between various cultures, facilitating understanding. Dartmouth's Global Village program, emphasizing cultural exchange, resonates with my experiences.
• Being the only left-hander in my family always made me feel unique. This simple difference taught me early on that there's no one-size-fits-all approach. At Dartmouth, I'm eager to be part of communities that appreciate and celebrate such nuances.

Dartmouth's fifth "Exploratory" prompt offers an opportunity to reflect on your personal journey and how it's shaped by the differences you've encountered or embraced. By intertwining personal narratives with Dartmouth's ethos and values, you can create an impactful essay that showcases your understanding and appreciation of diversity in its many forms.

“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?”

Dartmouth is seeking students who not only excel academically but also exhibit promise in their endeavors and potential to impact the world. This prompt is your opportunity to showcase your capabilities, determination, and the promise you hold for the future.

Highlight Authentic Moments

Recall instances where your potential was evident, be it through academic accomplishments, extracurricular leadership, or personal growth moments. Choose stories that capture your drive, ambition, and the qualities that set you apart.

Relate to Dartmouth's Values

Dartmouth's mission emphasizes both lifelong learning and responsible leadership. Ensure your essay reflects these aspects. Discuss how Dartmouth's programs, values, or opportunities align with your potential and how they can further amplify it.

Evolution and Growth

Rather than just stating your achievements, reflect on your journey. How did you overcome challenges? What did you learn? Demonstrating growth gives depth to your potential and makes it more tangible.

Envision Your Future

Project into the future. How do you see your potential evolving at Dartmouth? In what ways do you hope to contribute to the community and eventually make an impact in your chosen field or the broader world?

• My initiative in founding a community service club showcased not just leadership, but a potential to drive change. At Dartmouth, I'm excited to further this potential through hands-on service projects and leadership seminars.
• From initiating a school-wide recycling program to representing my school in national debates, my journey has been about discovering and nurturing my potential. Dartmouth's focus on holistic education and fostering leadership resonates deeply with where I see myself evolving.

Dartmouth's sixth "Exploratory" prompt is an open canvas for you to highlight your strengths, journey, and vision for the future. By weaving in authentic experiences with Dartmouth's values and offerings, you can craft a compelling narrative that showcases not just who you are, but who you aspire to be in the Dartmouth community and beyond.

General Guidelines for Answering Dartmouth's Supplemental Essay Questions

1. deep dive into dartmouth.

Dartmouth's prompts allow you to demonstrate your affinity with the college's ethos and community.

• Highlight specific courses, faculty members, research opportunities, or clubs that align with your interests.
• Be detailed in your approach to specific aspects of college life or specific academic offerings or resources that hold a genuine interest for you personally in order to spotlight the depth of your commitment to understanding Dartmouth.

2. Introspective Insight

Dartmouth highly values self-aware learners. When discussing personal experiences or academic interests, always loop back to the personal growth, insights, or lessons you've absorbed over time.

3. Champion Diversity

Dartmouth is proud of its diverse and inclusive student community.

• Highlight the unique perspectives, experiences, or backgrounds you'd bring and how these have influenced your own evolving self-awareness and life journey in profound ways.
• Emphasize how these perspectives and experiences will enhance diversity at Dartmouth and shape unique contributions you’ll make to community life and academic dialogue at Dartmouth.

4. Genuine Narratives

Honesty resonates deeply. Craft responses that echo your true passions, hurdles, and aspirations, rather than what you feel the admissions committee wants to hear.

• Use a personal voice and/or personal anecdotes to convey authentic glimpses into your unique life circumstances and influences.
• Keep it relevant to the college admissions process, but don’t shy away from sharing intimate features of your personality, inner thoughts, “hidden” interests, and remember some glimpses of humility and vulnerability may add authenticity or further help you make your essay more memorable.

5. Focus on Depth

The word limits mean precision is crucial. Opt for depth over breadth, delving into a few points in detail rather than skimming over many.

6. Engaging Storytelling

Craft your essays in a compelling narrative format. An evocative story or reflection often remains etched in the reader's mind longer than mere facts. Use relevant narrative or storytelling techniques and vivid description, with an emphasis on showing, not telling, to help make introspective elements and reflections more natural, convincing, compelling, and memorable.

7. Meticulous Proofreading

Ensure your essays are impeccable. Beyond checking for grammatical errors, ensure your narrative flows smoothly and communicates your main points effectively. Consider getting feedback from peers or mentors for fresh insights.

8. Tie to the Larger Context

Position your answers in the broader context of your potential contributions to Dartmouth.

• Highlight future-facing aspirations, goals, or commitments.
• Describe how the college's offerings and ethos align with your aspirations.
• Reveal what contributions you expect to make as a valuable member of the Dartmouth community.
• Explain how Dartmouth will further your goals and aspirations.

9. Embrace the Process

Remember, these essays offer a unique opportunity to showcase facets of yourself beyond academics. Relish this chance to illustrate why Dartmouth and you could be the ideal fit.

Armed with these guidelines, you're poised to craft compelling responses that not only answer Dartmouth's supplemental questions but also resonate with the spirit of the institution.

What Makes Crimson Different

Final Thoughts

Dartmouth doesn’t shy away from creative supplemental essay prompts. Nor do they want you to shy away from embracing and celebrating what most makes you, you — whether something deep and purposeful, something quirky, something that’s complex and laced with vulnerability, or an exciting passion…

When multiple prompts are offered, choose the prompt that resonates best with you and will allow you to probe qualities of your personality, life journey, and college aspirations that will play a central role shaping your contributions and achievements at Dartmouth.

Dartmouth wants to get to know you better. Be authentic to your personality. If you’re unsure if the essay sounds like you, have someone close to you read it and tell you if it sounds like you. While grammar and spelling are important, showcasing the unique qualities that make you perfect for Dartmouth are equally important.

Need help with your supplemental essays? Crimson Education is the world’s leading university admission consulting company. Our expert admission strategist can help you narrow down your ideas and word choice to help you craft the perfect essay prompt response. Get your essay reviewed today!

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4 Tips for Writing Stellar Dartmouth Essays

Dartmouth College , located in Hanover, New Hampshire, is one of the best universities in the world. A member of the Ivy League, Dartmouth has notable graduates, top-of-the-line programs, and a minuscule admissions rate.

If you want to be one of the 7.9% of students accepted to Dartmouth every year, you'll need to write some amazing essays as part of your application's Dartmouth supplement.

In this post, I'll talk about what the Dartmouth essay prompts are, which essays you can choose to write, and how to craft standout responses that'll help ensure your admission.

What Are the Dartmouth Essay Prompts?

You can apply to Dartmouth using the Common Application or QuestBridge Application. No matter which application you choose, you'll also have to submit the Dartmouth Supplement.

Part of the Dartmouth Supplement involves answering three required writing prompts. The first two writing prompts are the same for all students. Students have five prompt options for the third essay and must answer one. 

According to Dartmouth's website, "the writing supplement includes questions specific to Dartmouth that help the Admissions Committee gain a better sense of how you and Dartmouth might be a good 'fit' for each other."

Basically, that means that the Dartmouth Admissions Committee wants to know who you are… and how you'll fit in on Dartmouth's campus. Your Dartmouth supplemental essays give the admissions committee a chance to get to know you beyond your test scores and other credentials. The essays will give Dartmouth a better idea of how you think and act, so they can see if you would be a great addition to the student body.

Similarly, the essays also give the admissions committee a chance to assess your passion for Dartmouth - how badly do you really want to go there? The more you can show your passion for Dartmouth, the better.

Let's take a look at the Dartmouth essay prompts.

Dartmouth Essay Prompts

Here are the 2022-2023 Dartmouth Essay Prompts. Like we mentioned earlier, the first two prompts are the same for all students. For the third essay, students are given five prompt options and must answer one. 

Please respond in 100 words or fewer:

• 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 2027, what aspects of the College's academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? In short, Why Dartmouth? Please respond in 100 words or fewer.

Essay #2 

Please response in 200-250 words: 

"Be yourself," Oscar Wilde advised. "Everyone else is taken." Introduce yourself in 200-250 words.

Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 200-250 words:

• 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 making—an impact?
• What excites you?
• In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, William Kamkwamba '14 reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power electrical appliances in his family's Malawian house: "If you want to make it, all you have to do is try." What drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you made?
• Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth's Class of 1925, wrote, "Think and wonder. Wonder and think." What do you wonder and think about?
• "Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced," wrote James Baldwin. How does this quote apply to your life experiences?

Dartmouth Essays Analyzed

Let's take a look at the Dartmouth essay prompts for 2021-2022.

Dartmouth Essay Prompt 1

All Dartmouth students are required to answer this prompt and for good reason — it's the "Why Dartmouth" essay! This essay shows the admissions committee why Dartmouth is the right school for you.

At only 100 words, this prompt doesn't give you a lot of room to expand upon your favorite parts of the College, so you should pick one or two aspects of Dartmouth that you really love and focus on those.

The prompt encourages you to talk about the program, community, or campus, so don't feel like you have to limit yourself to academics. You can talk about other things about Dartmouth that interest you, such as the student life or extracurricular activities.

Whichever features you choose to highlight, make sure your connection to them is real and personal. In other words, don't just say you're a fan of Dartmouth's sterling academic reputation. Instead, focus on a specific part of that reputation - a professor whose work you admire or a class that you really want to take.

Dartmouth Essay Prompt 2

First impressions can be daunting! How do you want to be perceived? What would you say to pique Dartmouth’s admissions counselors’ interest? This is your chance to be bold, and to stand out from the crowd. But remember the prompt: they’re not quoting Wilde for fun. You’ll need to introduce your most authentic self. In other words, introduce who you are, not who you think Dartmouth wants you to be.

Don't feel confined to traditional, linear methods of storytelling in this prompt. You can play around with form and structure, as long as you do it well. Get an advisor or mentor to read your work and offer feedback, especially if you deviate from your typical style.

Dartmouth Essay Prompt 3

Dartmouth's longer essay prompts give you plenty of room to think creatively and show off your individuality. All students are required to pick and answer one of the prompts in 250-300 words. Let's take a look at the prompts and examine how to answer them.

Prompt A: The Introduction Prompt

A. 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 making—an impact?

This prompt is more tangible and concrete than the others available for selection. If you feel intimidated by discussing your creativity or personal history, this prompt is a good one to choose.

This prompt asks you to pick a real-world issue and discuss how you wish to address it (or are already addressing it). Don't feel like you have to pick something grand and far-reaching, like starvation or world peace. You can also pick an issue that affects people locally, in your community, for instance. The key is to pick a topic that you have a personal connection to and reason for wanting to fix. Your passion will come across in your description of the issue.

Prompt B: The Passion Prompt

B. What excites you?

This essay prompt is asking you to think toward your future and write about something—anything!—that gets you pumped. Dartmouth Admissions is looking to see if you have purpose and passion.

To answer this prompt, take some time to think about your future: your goals for your time in college, things you hope to achieve, opportunities that you find invigorating. You'll want your response to be focused and organized, so choose one idea, goal, or possibility that most excites you and go into detail about that in your response.

For example, maybe you're excited about the opportunity to improve your creative writing craft in the company of other student writers at Dartmouth, so you make becoming a better writer the central idea of your response to this prompt. You might go into detail about how you're excited to take writing workshop courses, learn from other students' writing styles, and eventually work on a creative writing publication with other students.

Whatever topic you choose to write about, you need to have a central idea—something that excites you—and you need to be able to explain how your excitement will shape your life choices as a student at Dartmouth.

There are no right or wrong answers in terms of what excites you, but it is important to try to think toward your future and explain

Prompt C: The Creativity Prompt

C. In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind , William Kamkwamba, Class of 2014, reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power the electrical appliances in his family's Malawian house: "If you want to make it, all you have to do is try." What drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you already made

Creativity is crucial to every field of study, and this essay prompt is asking you to show that your interests, academic or recreational, inspire you to make things. To respond to this prompt, you'll need to be able to explain an idea, issue, or interest that motivates you to make stuff, then describe what you've made in the past or hope to make in the future!

The first thing to do is establish what drives you to create . To do this, think about who you are, where you come from, what experiences you've had, and who you want to become. Like in the example given in the prompt, maybe there's a need right in your own home that inspires you to create. You could think locally, like The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, or you could think outside of your personal experience too. Is there a global issue that drives you to create something that will help others in the future, during, or after college? If so, describe that vision and the global issue that motivates it.

Keep in mind that "creating" and "making something" can be interpreted many different ways. Your vision for "making" doesn't have to be artistic or some scientific invention. It could be creating a virtual reading service for overworked parents who need help educating their children during a global pandemic! On the other hand, maybe you're creating a science curriculum through your school's independent study program so you can learn more about climate change, which is your passion.

Whatever the case may be, it's a good idea to relate that creativity to your time at Dartmouth. For instance, maybe your virtual reading service has inspired you to major in business, so you can turn that service into your future career. It would be a great idea to research and talk about joining the Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship at Dartmouth to help show admissions counselors that Dartmouth is the only school that can help your dreams become a reality.

Prompt D: The Curiosity Prompt

D. Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth's Class of 1925, wrote, "Think and wonder. Wonder and think." What do you wonder and think about?

This prompt is actually just an invitation for you to dive deep into something that you're insatiably curious about. Dartmouth admissions wants to see that you have that intrinsic motivation to learn, grow, and expand your horizons, and they want to get to know you better by hearing you go off about that thing that you're endlessly curious about.

So, how do you celebrate your curiosity in this response? Start by pinpointing that one thing that you're the most curious about. You can probably look to your activities, relationships, and even your Google search history to identify what that one thing is. Maybe you're endlessly curious about food: different cultures of eating around the world, America's relationship to food, how to select, prepare, and eat it...and if you're really curious about food, you could probably go on and on about everything you know and want to know about it in your response.

This is a good thing! To organize your response, describe the thing you're curious about in a way that helps admissions counselors get to know you better . Going back to the food example, you could talk about where your curiosity about food comes from, or your background with food, how your curiosity with food plays into your day-to-day living, and some specific things you hope to learn about or do with food as you continue engaging with it.

And finally, connect your past experience, present questions, and future goals at Dartmouth in your response. This will show Dartmouth that you're a dedicated, independent learner who will be an endlessly curious student too.

Prompt E: The Baldwin Prompt

E. "Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced," wrote James Baldwin. How does this quote apply to your life experiences?

Some challenges in life appear insurmountable at first—and not all of them can be overcome. This prompt asks you to reflect on your own life, and on your own experiences with growth and change, whether or not you succeeded.

In your response, you'll get the chance to show that you see the value of being adaptable and accepting change. You can demonstrate this quality by writing about how you've seen something happening cyclically, something changing, or a season coming to an end in your life. It's important that you write about a situation that was meaningful to you—one where you saw yourself growing and learning.

Alternatively, you could write about an ongoing situation in your life that you are still facing. For example, maybe your school enacted a policy that you and your peers consider unfair, and you’ve been working for a while to make your voices heard.

It's okay if the thing you choose to write about is something you've had conflicted feelings about. What's important in your response here is showing how facing the challenges you describe strengthened your determination and adaptability —qualities that will be valuable when you become a Dartmouth student.

How to Write Great Dartmouth Essays

In order to write great Dartmouth essays, you need to show the committee two things. First, you need to give them a clear idea of who you are. Second, you need to show them, "Why Dartmouth." In other words, why Dartmouth is important to you. Here are some tips to help you accomplish both of those goals.

#1: Use Your Own Voice

The point of a college essay is for the admissions committee to have the chance to get to know you beyond your test scores, grades, and honors. Your admissions essays are your opportunity to make yourself come alive for the essay readers and to present yourself as a fully fleshed out person.

You should, then, make sure that the person you're presenting in your college essays is yourself. Don't try to emulate what you think the committee wants to hear or try to act like someone you're not.

If you lie or exaggerate, your essay will come across as insincere, which will diminish its effectiveness. Stick to telling real stories about the person you really are, not who you think Dartmouth wants you to be.

#2: Avoid Clichés and Overused Phrases

When writing your Dartmouth essays, try to avoid using common quotes or phrases. These include quotations that have been quoted to death and phrases or idioms that are overused in daily life. The college admissions committee has probably seen numerous essays that state, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Strive for originality.

Similarly, avoid using clichés, which take away from the strength and sincerity of your work. Don't speak in platitudes about how the struggle for gay and lesbian rights has affected you… unless it actually has! And even then, you don't want to speak in platitudes. It's better to be direct and specific about your experience.

#3: Check Your Work

It should almost go without saying, but you want to make sure your Dartmouth essays are the strongest example of your work possible. Before you turn in your Dartmouth application, make sure to edit and proofread your essays.

Your work should be free of spelling and grammar errors. Make sure to run your essays through a spelling and grammar check before you submit.

It's a good idea to have someone else read your Dartmouth essays, too. You can seek a second opinion on your work from a parent, teacher, or friend. Ask them whether your work represents you as a student and person. Have them check and make sure you haven't missed any small writing errors. Having a second opinion will help your work be the best it possibly can be.

That being said, make sure you don't rely on them for ideas or rewrites. Your essays need to be your work.

#4: Play With Form

Dartmouth's essay prompts leave a lot of room open for creative expression - use that! You don't need to stick to a five paragraph essay structure here. You can play with the length and style of your sentences - you could even dabble in poetry if that makes sense!

Whichever form you pick, make sure it fits with the story you're trying to tell and how you want to express yourself.

What's Next?

Learn more about the most selective colleges in the US . If you're applying to multiple Ivy Leagues, it's a good idea to know your chances at each!

If you're hoping to attend a highly selective school like Dartmouth, you'll need to have a very strong academic record in high school. Learn more about high school honors classes and societies.

Not sure what your GPA means for your chances of college admission? Find out what a good or bad GPA might look like based on your goals.

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Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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Writing the Dartmouth Supplemental Essays + Examples

It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Dartmouth College. You’ve seen what it looks like, you’ve read everything about it, and you’ve probably fantasized in the shower about your first year there as a freshman. Using up all the hot water in the house, probably. Though, that doesn’t matter. What matters is that you know Dartmouth College is right for you. It’s the perfect fit.

The question, therefore, is how you can get in.

If you’re reading this article, you must have already figured out that a perfect GPA, fantastic test scores (don’t worry, Dartmouth is test-optional now ), and impeccable internships will not be enough. After all, Dartmouth can’t rely on numbers alone to make their application decisions! Thus, the power of persuasion and semantics will be your friend.

The Dartmouth supplemental essays will help you achieve exactly that! It’s the only place in your application where you can persuade the admissions officers past numbers alone.

With an acceptance rate of 9.2%, Dartmouth requires the best of the best students. Well, that goes for just about any T20 school, but that’s aside from the point. You’re going to need the best essays if you want to get accepted into Dartmouth, as the difficulty gets higher every year.

Remember: the value of a 4.0 is decreasing with every year due to grade inflation. At the same time, the value of the essays is increasing. So, how do we answer the Dartmouth supplemental essay questions then? Well, we cover exactly that in our guide below. You can navigate to each section in the table of contents.

Table of Contents

How to Write the Dartmouth Supplemental Essay #1

A. the hawaiian word mo’olelo is often translated as “story” but it can also refer to history, legend, genealogy, and tradition. use one of these translations to introduce yourself., b. what excites you, c. in the boy who harnessed the wind, william kamkwamba, class of 2014, reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power the electrical appliances in his family’s malawian house: “if you want to make it, all you have to do is try.” what drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you already made, d. curiosity is a guiding element of toni morrison’s talent as a writer. “i feel totally curious and alive and in control. and almost…magnificent, when i write,” she says. celebrate your curiosity., e. “everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away,” observed frida kahlo. apply kahlo’s perspective to your own life., f. in the aftermath of world war ii, dartmouth president john sloane dickey, class of 1929, proclaimed, “the world’s troubles are your troubles…and there is nothing wrong with the world that better human beings cannot fix.” which of the world’s “troubles” inspires you to act how might your course of study at dartmouth prepare you to address it.

• Dartmouth’s Advice on How to Write the Supplemental Essays

Please respond in 100 words or fewer: “While arguing a Dartmouth-related case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1818, Daniel Webster, Class of 1801, delivered this memorable line: “It is, sir,…a small college, and yet there are those who love it!” As you seek admission to the Class of 2026, what aspects of the College’s program, community, or campus environment attract your interest?” Dartmouth Official Website

This prompt is essentially Dartmouth’s “Why Us” essay. They want to know why you want to attend their university and what about their resources makes you want to apply.

You may be tempted to write this essay in the way that you’ve seen other people write the “Dartmouth Why Us” essays. It usually goes something like, “Working under this professor and joining this club will help me reach my passions and aspirations faster.” Don’t settle for that. It’s not enough.

The reason why it’s not enough is that most other applicants are going to be looking at other guides and tutorials on how to write the Dartmouth supplemental essays. Remember: Dartmouth is a highly competitive school. So, that means the best students are going to be looking at other guides and writing them in the same way.

Therefore, in order to write the Dartmouth supplemental essays, you must write something that no one else can write.

Yeah, we know. That sounds sort of impossible, right? Bear with us here.

In order to write a Dartmouth Why Us essay that is stronger than the rest, something that no one else can write that is unique to you, you will need to understand why the resources provided at Dartmouth even matter on a cosmic scale.

So, let’s say you want to work under one of the professors and there is in fact a club at Dartmouth that is great for your extracurriculars. Fine. Why does that matter to you? Think philosophically. You know that Dartmouth is a school with more than enough resources to set you up for success in a particular industry. Why does success in that field actually mean anything to you at all?

Maybe you wanted to major in Economics, but you couldn’t handle the kind of environment and culture that surrounds schools like UC Berkeley and NYU. You wanted someplace more down to Earth whilst still majoring in Economics. Dartmouth’s vast resources and unique rural learning environment give you something no other school can give: a chance to make a real world’s difference in international economics without having to dread the oppressive atmosphere of a large city school. This is just an example of how you can write richer essays that will stand out past the generic advice often given for this prompt.

Another way to approach this is by talking about how the school’s resources are absolutely necessary for you. You may say that what attracted your interest is the fact that Dartmouth’s resources fit perfectly for your future projects or possible startup. However, this also insinuates that not getting accepted would mean calamities ensue. The fate of your future startup means the possible solution to income inequality in your community, and everything from the networking opportunities to the professors at Dartmouth would be instrumental to this righteous journey. Thus, what attracted you to the school most was that Dartmouth gave you the biggest sword for your crusade against inequality.

How to Write the Dartmouth Supplemental Essay #2

Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 250-300 words: A. The Hawaiian word mo’olelo is often translated as “story” but it can also refer to history, legend, genealogy, and tradition. Use one of these translations to introduce yourself. B. What excites you? C. In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, William Kamkwamba, Class of 2014, reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power the electrical appliances in his family’s Malawian house: “If you want to make it, all you have to do is try.” What drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you already made? D. Curiosity is a guiding element of Toni Morrison’s talent as a writer. “I feel totally curious and alive and in control. And almost…magnificent, when I write,” she says. Celebrate your curiosity. E. “Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away,” observed Frida Kahlo. Apply Kahlo’s perspective to your own life. F. In the aftermath of World War II, Dartmouth President John Sloane Dickey, Class of 1929, proclaimed, “The world’s troubles are your troubles…and there is nothing wrong with the world that better human beings cannot fix.” Which of the world’s “troubles” inspires you to act? How might your course of study at Dartmouth prepare you to address it? Dartmouth Official Website

Let’s cover how to approach each of these essay questions one at a time.

300 words is not a lot of words to answer this question or any of the Dartmouth supplemental essays for that matter!

To answer the Dartmouth mo’olelo story question, you need a sophisticated understanding of yourself. Particularly, you need to have a specific idea –in your own definition– of what your personal story is. If you’re struggling to answer this question, think first about what you believe your identity is.

Some people identify themselves by their community. They may take pride in their Hispanic heritage. Perhaps they take great pride living as a woman in a male-dominated community. Maybe it’s both.

Most people have a story that is not one-dimensional. They’re multi-variable stories. So, they may identify not only as a POC in a heavily gentrified community but also as someone who has a deep relationship with Dungeons and Dragons. Your story isn’t just something about what you were born into, it’s also the parts of your life that make you, well, you!

Okay, here’s an example of how to answer the Dartmouth mo’olelo story question.

Beef Tongue. Parsley. White Onion. Two tortillas; always two, never one. Lay one over the other so the sweet, sweet taco sauce doesn’t drip everywhere. It’s delicious. After all, I learned the beef tongue recipe from my mother. Hispanic mothers always seemed to have that sort of magic touch with cooking that just made anything taste good. Though, it was also because it was the best dish I’d serve on our Saturday evenings with my friends over Dugneons and Dragons. As the only Hispanic woman in the group, I love the diversity of our little crew. I’m considered quite unordinary in our group, as most people in my Hispanic community have a disdain for Dungeons and Dragons. Though, everyone in our group self-identifies as a bit unordinary. We’re all special, which makes us not so –and we love it that way! Jessica always brought boba drinks from her father’s shop, a peculiar combination with tacos. Though, it was delicious: the bane of every diet. That’s the thing about my community. They’re my family. We never imagined we’d find such a game fun. Yet, in some fortunate twist of fate, Dungeons and Dragons on Saturdays became our tradition. It was like a secret club; though, not really. We were open to everyone. We always were. I’ve been told many times to take pride in my heritage as a Hispanic woman. I’ve also been told to take pride in my identity as a nerd. Though, I take the most pride in my little D&D communiy. My mo’olelo, or my story, is that I’m an unordinary, ordinary girl. Amongst my ethnic food and mannerisms are unordinary, but this is the norm. It’s okay. I am exactly that: just an unordinary girl who’s found her place in an unordinary world. Dartmouth Mo’olelo Story Question Example

This example essay works since it strays away from the norm of responses.

Notice how the topic doesn’t revert to one common denominator? It doesn’t follow the Hispanic heritage path that many other Hispanic applicants may follow. It doesn’t follow the easy path.

Instead, this essay dives deeper into what makes the applicant someone who is unique. Everyone has an ethic and racial background that they identify by. However, not everyone has a story or tradition that is unique to them. This essay shows that the applicant has more than just what they were born with. They have an identity and a story to their lives that is meaningful to them.

Think about your personal life and try to think of what is meaningful to you and your identity. Do you play video games? Do you love a certain style of art? Are you a musician? Does your hobby transcend all differences like this applicant here? If so, use it!

This is your chance to nerd out. Really, it is!

When writing this essay, remember that the essays are an opportunity for the admissions officers to understand more about you as a person. They already know you want to apply to Dartmouth. They already know you have a strong GPA. They already know you’re excited about those extracurriculars you won so many awards in. It’s in your application already!

So, this begs the question: “what does Dartmouth actually want me to say?!”

That’s the question practically everyone asks when thinking of what to write for their Dartmouth supplemental essays. Though, the answer is quite simple. To answer this question, you need to be open-minded and confident enough to open up about what truly excites you to such a degree that you’re willing to share it with admissions officers.

You should have a topic that is so meaningful to you that you can show your humanness through this topic. It’s an opportunity for the admissions office to see more of you as an individual, not a statistic.

Alright, here’s an example:

As the president of my school’s weightlifting and bodybuilding club, I’m no stranger to the grit, aggression, and overwhelming masculine energy permeates the gymnasium. It’s sweat, drive, and adrenaline that gets quite old. Yet, there’s a secret in this club. It’s an exciting secret: one that truly brings me the rush of strength that I can barely comprehend. It’s a beautiful, fantastic song tucked away neatly in my phone’s Youtube app. This is the secret, exciting dirty trick that makes me a gym monster. “Naruto vs Sasuke: Linkin Park –Somewhere I Belong. Anime Music Video (AMV)” In my hometown in Brazil, the tradition of Naruto music videos is quite big. YouTube creators would make music videos featuring rock music such as Linkin Park’s songs and play it over epic fight scenes in the show. Of course, Naruto is an old show. So, these “Anime Music Videos” inexorably are subject to decades old video editing software. The videos featured cheesy filters and camera effects that, if you viewed them now, would look quite strange. After all, there are many greater edits done today. However, these were earthshattering, especially for the 12-year-old me who wanted music to do push ups to. Yet, there’s something exciting about this secret. It’s an unlikely music video to play when getting the Iron Cross technique right. It’s unbecoming of a perfect deadlift. It’s the song that would be quite embarrassing for my current community, which looks down on anime. It’s exhilarating to push my limits in a masculine-majority sport with unconventional music. Childish to some, sure. But, that state of contradiction between childish awe and masculine strength is harmonic. Some song, unappreciated. In my back pocket. Playing in a place one least expects. With no one the wiser to hear it. Dartmouth “What Excites You” Example Essay

This example of the Dartmouth “What Excites You” essay shows a more personal side of the applicant.

This is a part of the application for you to show more of yourself, and not just the things you’re majoring in or the work that you want to do in the future. You can in fact talk about the field that you’re excited about; however, remember that the essays are personal. These are meant to show more of you.

Look at the example above and remember what the applicant is doing. They’re showing more of their softer side through the choice of music in an unbecoming environment. When writing your essays remember to show a part of your personality you feel will be good for the school.

This is an essay that is very strong for those who have a self-starting and productive side. This is also an essay that shows people what their true interests are through the creations that they make.

What’s perhaps more important about this is essay is what the topic you’re writing about says about you than the topic itself. Thus, ask yourself this: if I write my essay about this topic, what kind of person does that make me?

Does your creation show that you’re someone who is empathetic for other people? Does your creation show caring for the conservation of the planet, and therefore a kind personality linked with nature? Is it something that will revolutionize the world of data? Maybe that shows your dedication to futurism.

Here’s an example of how to write the Dartmouth creation essay.

In my school’s Literature club, I was known as the “president who had the biggest crush on Russian Literature”. In fact, our inside joke was ” anything sad, pessimistic, and depressing written by a Russian person is literary with a capital L”. There was no denying it. I love Russian Literature. It’s not always depressing and bleak, but certain authors like Dostoevsky had the kind of charming prose that flirted with pessimism and suffering in a manner that was artfully tasteful. “Alexia, how do I write something great? I mean, like, really great?” “Well,” I’d reply in jest, “Just be super sad! Seemed to work for the other literary geniuses!” Though this joke has made its mark in our club as a piece of history, I the literary masterminds of Russia always inspired me. How could Dostoevsky weave words so colorfully even in the wake of tragedy? Or, Tolstoy writing an entire epic despite suicidal tendencies? To create great feats of literature in the face of darkness. To shine a light upon the world despite its nasty sufferings. That is what drives me to create. And it did, at least, to the best of my ability. Inspired by my favorite authors, I wrote a short story called “Prying Light”. It features the adventures of Yoona, a young girl looking to escape from her tyrannical father and his proclivity to control every aspect of her life. She runs from home in search of a “utopia”, only to discover the “real world” too is also harsh; she contemplates continually whether to return to her father or pursue freedom despite its hardships. It concludes with Yoona walking to the top of a hill during the end of winter, when the flowers finally begin to bloom again in the distance. Dartmouth Creation Essay Example

Don’t forget that there are two parts to this question: what drives you to create, and what you hope to create (or already made).

As fancy and colorfully you may want to write, don’t forget that you need to answer these two questions in a manner that is clear and effective. Remember: the admissions office is judging you not only on your topic and what it says about you but also on how well you can articulate your ideas.

It is critical that you answer the questions clearly, like in the example essay above. Here the applicant showed that they are inspired to create great works of beautiful literature despite life’s tragedies, which is inspired by the great literary masterminds of Russia. They also go into detail about the story that they’ve created. This story and its details show the admissions officers that the applicant holds a moral value on the importance of individuality and freedom from tyrannical powers, which adds more depth of character to their overall Dartmouth application.

Before you jump right into answering this prompt, we want you to forget about Toni Morrison for now. Just look at the part that says “Celebrate your curiosity”

Now, there is a common mistake here that we’ve seen people do when writing this essay. When the prompt asks us to “celebrate curiosity”, we need to focus on the word celebrate. That means you’re not describing what it is or talking about what curiosity is supposed to be. This is a celebration, and therefore a time to feel positive about your curiosity.

Now, look back at Toni Morrison’s quote.

“I feel totally curious and alive and in control. And almost…magnificent, when I write,”

Notice how she is celebrating her curiosity by talking about the positive influence it has on her? This is the way that you want to approach this essay prompt. You’re going to write about how curiosity is a positive force and celebrate it. Here’s an example below.

Reality. Real. Realism. The “real world”. R-E-A-L. The very word and its forms are enough to leave a bad taste in one’s mouth, and for good reason. The very idea of something being “real” implies an opposite force: the unreal, or, unreal. I’m no stranger to hearing those words. “Wait until you get into the ‘real world'”, “That’s not how the ‘real world’ works” and “Those are not realistic expectations” are all utterances I’m no stranger to –as if anyone were so wise as to know what the ‘real world’ really even is. If anything, The ‘unreal’ is more influential and meaningful than the ‘real’. In fact, it seems to be a human instinct to desire and fantasize about the ‘unreal’. It’s what our civilization has done creating myths and legends explaining the unnatural. We, in our curiosity, looked upon the stars, so full of mystery, and developed astrological signs that project our fantasies into the unkown skies. Then, human civilization made the greatest decision in history: we abandoned the comfort of what is real, and journeyed beyond. This pursuit of creative vision –the abandonment of “real”– manifested itself in the form of art and literature. I adore it. I applaud it. And, I’m inspired by it. My curiosity challenges me to think outside of “real:. This creative curiosity pushes the boundries of the known and encloses me with the creative unconscious. I exercise this espeically in the world of digital art. For there, digital art becomes more than just an expression of creative vision. It is also an escape fron the mundane “real” of this world. It is a rejection of the conventional and and acceptance of the new. This freedom of tradition, and the exploration of the unconscious, is how my curiosity allows me to transcend the mundane. Dartmouth Example Curiosity Essay

When you’re reading this example essay, note the emphasis on how curiosity actually benefits the applicant. It is important that you answer exactly how curiosity is something that benefits you, as this is a ‘celebration’ of curiosity. In this case, the applicant celebrates curiosity because it helps free them from the restrictions of the traditional, real, and mundane.

From this example essay, we can see that the applicant values freedom and liberty from old conventions. When writing your own Dartmouth curiosity essay, think about the values and principles you’d like to imply in your essay, and remember to incorporate them into your writing.

Alright. Same principle.

Remember what we mentioned before in the previous sections. We want to write something that shows some kind of characteristic about us as an applicant. Like in the previous essay example, do we want to show we’re someone who values freedom from tradition? If so, make the topic parallel with it!

In this case, what exactly is going away? Is it family? Is it skills? Money, maybe? Whatever topic you choose, it will shape what the admissions officers think of you –and more importantly, what they believe your values are.

Here’s an example of how to write the Dartmouth Kahlo’s perspective essay.

“What’s on your mind today?” He said with his chin rested on his palm and his fingers caging his mouth. “Nothing. There’s nothing on my mind, and that’s the problem… ” I started. “Every day of class is the same. Prepare and pass the test. Rinse. Repeat. It’s not hard, but it’s just… empty.” I continued. “There’s this voice in the back of my mind saying I’m wasting away my time. I always think I could challenge myself, but it doesn’t feel real!” Joseph, my brother’s friend, thought until the ideas in his head burrowed a curl into his eyebrows. “You want to help me out?” He asked suddenly. “There’s this client of mine. We need to help them market their software to local therapy firms. Something about parsing legal and confidential patient documents, complex code, streamlining stuff for thereapists so they can do more, well, therapy-ing… stuff like that!” I was curious, as I’ve never actually had the opportunity to work in a real startup company before. All I’ve known was the bubble-in sheets in school and flashcards. “Yeah. Yeah I think so. I think I can do that!” I learned more working for that startup than I did in all my years of high school. I was challenged like never before; but, most of all, the time when I was the smartest person in the room was finally over. My paradise of not feeling any pressure –or anything for that matter– in school ended. Now, that I was starting from the bottom in a startup out of the blue, I struggled through a gruelling pace. It was far from my paradise. It was tough. It took blood and sweat. But, at the end of the day, it made me feel alive. Dartmouth Kahlo’s Perspective Example Essay

In this example, the applicant writes about their experience as a gifted student who is used to passing their school work with flying colors. This perception of being the smartest person in the room all goes away when he is given a true challenge: working for Joseph’s startup. It is more grueling than anything he has encountered; nonetheless, he feels more alive from the challenge than he ever was.

Although his position as the dominant student in the class is now challenged by this new obstacle, the applicant shows that they value learning in the truest sense. That means challenging oneself to strive to the best of their ability, and not just doing the easy work that is paraded in schools.

The Dartmouth world troubles essay question is a very good prompt to choose from.

This question allows you to tackle all of the following points:

• What your major is.
• Why you wanted to choose that major and the moral reasons behind it.
• Why Dartmouth is the best place to achieve your goals.

In other words, this question essentially answers a majority of the questions admissions officers already have in their mind. With that said, remember to consider how Dartmouth’s courses would actually fit with what you plan to do in the future. It is easy to say that courses from any university can help students with their goals. However, Dartmouth wants to see that their academic catalog is actually a good fit for what you want to do in the future.

Here’s an example of how to write the Dartmouth world troubles essay.

When Yeong-Ja, the founder of a new content marketing firm I interned for, helped her company reach new heights, it was no surprise that her stern, energetic leadership played a major role. It was powerful, strong, and different; but, it came at a cost. It was at this time that the small startup’s success needed more space to stretch its wings. So, like the fate of the Roman Empire, I’ve witnessed the company grow far too wide for Yeong-Ja to manage. This stress took a toll on her. It carved lines under her eyes and face. It’s hard to articulate the feeling. But, as someone who grew up in a patriarchal household, seeing my only idol for strong female leadership torn down by the stress filled me with indescribable melancholy. She couldn’t rely on her managers enough. She was one of many founders who found that the hardest part of their work was not just growth, but managing managers. It’s the quintessential story of the hardworking leader who found that their own projects, their own baby, crushed them under their own weight. I’d be lying if I said I chose Dartmouth without any emotional consideration. I’d like to become a future consultant who could guide aspiring leaders like Yeong-Ja and lift the load for them. Attenging Dartmouth with a major in Economics means using classes such as (filled in) to not only help other future businesses scale but also use the knowledge and management experience I accumulate to make a life for future female leaders easier. It is my hope to one day use Dartmouth’s courses, program, and clubs to one day become an experienced women’s entrepreneur consultant –I may it to help future leaders like Yeong-Ja avoid a dark fate. Dartmouth World Troubles Example Essay

Burnout for women in entrepreneurship is a topic seldom talked about. We often hear of people praising women in STEM and entrepreneurship because it means they’re pursuing fields outside of the typical gender norms. This essay covers one of the lesser known world problems that so often plagues the world of global business: the fact that we’re pushing women into tough careers without considering the responsibilities of it.

This essay also shows how a major in Economics at Dartmouth would help the applicant solve this problem. They will use the school’s courses and resources to become a consultant for female leaders and help them manage their time in an age when women are now pressured to take on more challenging roles.

If you have any other questions or concerns about the Dartmouth supplemental essays and the essay prompts, please don’t be afraid to reach out to us! If you’re having trouble writing out a draft for your Dartmouth supplemental essays, or you just need someone to give you advice, consider scheduling a free consultation ! We can get back to you within 24 hours for free advising!

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How to Write the Dartmouth Supplemental Essays 2024–2025

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Dartmouth College asks applicants to answer three supplemental essay prompts, each quirkier than the last. As the smallest and most northern Ivy League school, Dartmouth stands out for its tight-knit community and famously creative alumni, from Dr. Seuss and Mr. Rogers, to Mindy Kaling and Robert Frost. If you’re applying to Dartmouth, you might find their unusual essay prompts intimidating. In this post, we’ll break down how to answer each of the Dartmouth supplemental essays. We’ll also help you choose the right prompts for your unique background and personality so that you can put your best foot forward on your application.

Dartmouth College’s 2024-2025 Prompts

You will need to write three essays for your Dartmouth College application. The first essay is a relatively straightforward “Why Dartmouth?” prompt. For the second and third essays, you’ll be able to select your favorite prompt from a list of prompts. You’ll need to choose wisely!

Dartmouth Supplemental Essays

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 or fewer).

• 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.
• “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself.
• What excites you?
• 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?
• In “Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” Dr. Seuss invites us to “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” Imagine your anticipated academic major: How does that course of study sync with Dr. Seuss’s advice to you?
• The social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees have been the focus of Dame Jane Goodall’s research for decades. Her understanding of animal behavior prompted the English primatologist to see a lesson for human communities as well: “Change happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something you don’t believe is right.” Channel Dame Goodall: Tell us about a moment when you engaged in a difficult conversation or encountered someone with an opinion or perspective that was different from your own. How did you find common ground?
• Celebrate your nerdy side.
• “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, outlook, or sense of purpose?
• Buddy Teevens ’79 was a legendary and much-beloved coach at Dartmouth. He often told parents: “Your son will be a great football player when it’s football time, a great student when it’s academic time, and a great person all of the time.” If Coach Teevens had said that to you, what would it mean to be “a great person”?

Why Dartmouth?

This prompt looks like many other college application prompts: it just boils down to “Why Dartmouth?” By mentioning Dartmouth’s “academic program, community, and/or campus environment,” the admissions team gives you some inspiration for this essay’s content. Think about who you are, and who you hope to be at Dartmouth. What about Dartmouth will help you become more yourself and achieve your goals?

In addition, if you find yourself drawn to any specific aspect of Dartmouth’s mission statement and core values , this essay response is a great place for you to break down why those values speak to you and/or draw you to apply to Dartmouth College.

The admissions team expects you to have completed some research on Dartmouth’s unique offerings. Name programs, courses, clubs, and/or specific cultural qualities of Dartmouth College that interest you. Then, explain what interests you about them.

You could also touch on what makes Dartmouth different. Without putting other schools down, what does Dartmouth provide that you couldn’t have access to anywhere else? The key is that your reader should know you’re writing about Dartmouth whether they’re explicitly told or not. Why? Because your explanation for why Dartmouth is right for you could not be repurposed for any other school.

Who Are You?

The following two prompts, which you can choose between, both focus on who you are. Option A asks about your background; option B asks you to introduce yourself. Unlike many other essay prompts, these prompts don’t focus on who you will be and what you will do, but rather on who you are now. 

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the prompt that’s right for you:

• If you would prefer to focus on how your community, hometown, family, school, or other factors outside of your control have shaped the person you are today, option A is probably the best choice for you.
• If you would prefer to write about how you have developed as a unique individual, not necessarily as a result of your background (which may feel less compelling to you to write about), then option B is probably your best bet.

Option 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. (250 words or fewer)

This prompt asks you to reflect on your past and bring it to the page in a brief essay response. It’s a tall order: you’ll need to describe not only your background, but also how it has impacted you, and who you are today. These elements can be provided in any order. For instance, your essay could have one of the following outlines:

• Describe my unique way of seeing the world
• Describe my family and how they see the world
• Describe how my family influenced the way I see the world
• Open with an anecdote about my school
• Describe how I struggled to fit in at my school
• Express how that experience has shaped who I am today

These outlines are just examples, not suggestions or prescriptions. Before writing this essay, consider writing your own outline so that you can be sure you incorporate all of the important elements into your essay.

Option B: “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself. (250 words or fewer)

This essay prompt asks you who you are, but more than that, it asks you to describe what makes you unique. If “everyone else is taken,” then authenticity is all the more important. Honesty and integrity are crucial aspects of the college application process. This essay particularly relies on authenticity, and standing out from the crowd requires authenticity .

Like your “Why Dartmouth?” essay, this response should apply only to you . If someone who knows you reads your response without anyone telling them who wrote it, they should be able to confidently identify you as the author.

Introducing yourself is a notoriously difficult task, despite sounding quite simple. Consider the biographical details that make you who you are. Also, consider your response to the classic “Tell me about yourself” interview question. Then, try to identify the threads that link some or most of your identifying characteristics together. To the best of your ability, highlight those threads in your essay response.

What Do You Do?

The following seven essay prompts are diverse and creative, but each comes down to the same core: what do you do ? This question could apply to your academic life, your extracurricular activities, your community service, your family obligations, what you do for fun, or some combination. It can also apply to what you will do in the future (and how you are currently preparing to do those things in the future). 

Here’s a brief breakdown of each prompt and why you should choose it over the others:

• Option A is the broadest and should be chosen if you feel like you have a good sense of a cohesive answer already that doesn’t quite fit with the other prompts.
• Option B might be best suited to students who are engaged in civic or community service and wish to continue impacting society, though bear in mind that the prompt can be interpreted expansively.
• Option C is likely best suited for students who let their powerful imaginations drive their academic explorations.
• Option D is for the diplomats and moderators of the world. If you have learned how to navigate conversations with a homophobic family member, racist classmate, misogynist coworker, or the like, then you have probably developed the kind of resilience, maturity, and self-confidence that admissions officers look for in prospective students. If that sounds like you, take the opportunity to explore those strengths, experiences, and lessons here.
• Option E might be the prompt for you if you possess a specific, unique nerdy interest that is not otherwise clearly reflected in your application.
• Option F is a strong choice for students whose identities, experiences with diversity, or challenging backgrounds have shaped their perspectives and life experiences.
• Option G , last but not least, is the stand-out choice for students whose identities and actions in the actions in the present are most heavily influenced by their goals and intentions for the future.

Option A: What excites you? (250 words or fewer)

This essay prompt gives you a broad canvas to paint upon—which means you especially need to make sure your composition is cohesive! When writing your response to this prompt, you might want to start by focusing on a specific 2-4 activities, topics, ideas, etc. that excite you. If possible, draw a thread between the different items you list.

Note that it’s okay to describe just one topic/idea/activity which excites you. If you choose that route, you’ll want to be sure that you expand upon the nuances of your choice and how it excites you in a multitude of ways. Even if your essay focuses on a limited subject, you can describe the different strengths you employ to do this exciting activity. Alternatively, you could discuss the different parts of your personality which are required to engage with this idea which excites you.

When answering this question, don’t feel restricted to academic or “serious” endeavors. Excitement doesn’t need to have formal or educational origins to be genuine and appropriate for a college essay context. Nevertheless, if possible, provide some diversity to your brief list. You can get creative with your answer! For instance, you might list many (i.e. 10+) topics, but each revolves around 1-2 related central ideas. Stay cohesive and cogent.

Option 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? (250 words or fewer)

This essay prompt requires specificity when it asks “Why? How?” When describing the impact you hope to make or are already making, make sure your description is grounded in concrete details. Consider the following types of details you can name: 

• Community organizations you work with or hope to work with
• Specific communities of individuals you help or would like to help
• Specific initiatives you are spearheading or hope to spearhead
• Specific social issues you are working to solve now or in the future

Even though this prompt implies topics of community or civic service in its response, you can respond expansively. For instance, if you are a painter, you might want to impact the people who view your paintings with a certain kind of emotion. If you’re a student-athlete, maybe you want to inspire the next generation of student-athletes or run marathons for charity. If you’re an aspiring mathematician, maybe you want to impact your specific field of interest with groundbreaking discoveries.

Whatever impact you hope to make or are making, do your best to elucidate what actions you are taking to instigate this change. Additionally, provide some insight regarding what motivates you to make this impact.

Option C: In “Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” Dr. Seuss invites us to “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” Imagine your anticipated academic major: How does that course of study sync with Dr. Seuss’s advice to you? (250 words or fewer)

Imagination comes in many flavors, and this essay prompt gives you the opportunity to share your unique flavor of imagination. Before you respond to this prompt, try sitting with your thoughts (with your phone and other devices put away). Let your mind wander. Do this activity for at least 15 minutes before writing down your thoughts. Write them down quickly, so you remember what they are! Feel free to do this exercise several times on different days. Doing so will help you accrue a diverse selection of thoughts.

Then, make a list of reasons for pursuing your anticipated academic major. How do your spontaneous, unbidden thoughts relate to this course of study? How will this major satisfy your innate curiosities? Drawing these connections may not be easy, but if your choice of major is truly driven by your authentic interests, the connections are there.

When drafting the essay, you can use the fruits of your mind-wandering sessions as the basis for your answer. Using your real thoughts to spark your essay response will allow you to generate a genuine, memorable essay. Still, you’ll need to make sure that your essay is comprehensible to someone who doesn’t know you well. When we think, we often skip through logical progressions that make inherent sense to us. Be sure to share this essay response with a few readers who don’t know you well. These readers can point out where they struggle to follow your thought processes.

Option D: The social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees have been the focus of Dame Jane Goodall’s research for decades. Her understanding of animal behavior prompted the English primatologist to see a lesson for human communities as well: “Change happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something you don’t believe is right.” Channel Dame Goodall: Tell us about a moment when you engaged in a difficult conversation or encountered someone with an opinion or perspective that was different from your own. How did you find common ground?

This challenging prompt will benefit from some prior brainstorming. Consider which values you adhere to most strongly, and whether those values have changed over time. How did they change? If any crucial conversations were involved in those changes, you can write about one of those conversations here.

If there is anyone in your life right now who holds very different worldviews from yourself, this is a great opportunity for you to explore that relationship. This person could be a family member, classmate, friend, coworker, neighbor, etc. How do you interact with this person? What are your tactics of diplomacy? Discuss one conversation you’ve had with this person in your essay response. Be sure to use specific details so your narrative is vivid for the reader.

Option E: Celebrate your nerdy side. (250 words or fewer)

This joyful essay prompt gives you the opportunity to embrace what makes you a nerd, freely and without judgment. Many students have nerdy interests that don’t naturally fit into a college application. Maybe you have an obsession with a board game, a book series, or an esoteric area of study. If so, this prompt is for you.

If you’re full of nerdy qualities but finding this essay prompt challenging, consider asking a few friends or family members who know you well to describe what they think are aspects of your nerdy side. Oddly enough, “nerd’ is not usually a label we assign to ourselves, but one that others assign to us, sometimes in a critical manner. This essay prompt lets you reclaim this label in a positive light and express what nerdy activities, behaviors, or thought experiments you engage in—and how your nerdy side makes you you .

Option F: “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, outlook, or sense of purpose? (250 words or fewer)

This essay prompt puts a positive spin on the premise of being different and facing challenges. Try free-writing a response to this prompt before you compose a proper draft. What makes you stand out from the crowd, and how have those character traits, aspects of your identity, activities, or experiences impacted the way you move through the world?

When embarking upon a draft of this essay, try to describe the way your differences impact who you are today. What actions do you take, what perspectives do you hold, and how do you interact with the world as a result of your difference(s)?

As always, keep your essay response specific and personal to you and your experience. Although this essay response is about what makes you different, there may be many other students who are different in a same or similar way to you. Ideally, if someone who knows you reads this essay, they will instantly know it’s about your experience, not the experience of someone who happens to have commonalities with you. 

Lastly, note the usage of “embraced” in the essay prompt’s wording. In the case of this prompt, the reader is anticipating an optimistic outlook and/or positive view of your differences. If you choose to describe adversity you’ve faced, make sure that your response emphasizes the way you have embraced your difference(s) despite or even because of the adversity you have faced.

Option G: Buddy Teevens ’79 was a legendary and much-beloved coach at Dartmouth. He often told parents: “Your son will be a great football player when it’s football time, a great student when it’s academic time, and a great person all of the time.” If Coach Teevens had said that to you, what would it mean to be “a great person”? (250 words or fewer)

If you’re a student-athlete, this prompt may feel especially meaningful to you. Consider the ways your life as an athlete and student impacts who you are as a person, both separately and together. Then, elaborate on those ways and how you hope to continue evolving into the best version of yourself.

If you’re not a student-athlete or this doesn’t feel to you like the right place to write about that experience, then you might want to write about a person who you admire and who has modeled what it means to be “a great person.” Alternatively, you might think of a few people who, together, demonstrate all the qualities you aspire to develop in yourself.

When responding to this prompt, be sure not to just discuss what it means to be “a great person.” This prompt is also interested in who you are. Imagine Coach Teevens speaking to you directly. What fire do his words light inside you? In other words, what does it mean to you to be “a great person”? Who do you dream of becoming? Tell that story here.

If you need help polishing up your Dartmouth College supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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Dartmouth Supplemental Essay Examples

Dartmouth supplemental essay examples will help you in your quest to deliver the very finest essay that you can. Seeking guidance on how to write a college essay can be useful, but equally useful can be reading over existing essays to see what the pros do, and how all the bits fit together.

Your essays are one of the most important aspects of your college application, and they should be as polished as possible. This might mean seeking out an essay workshop for students or reading expert college essay tips , but checking out examples can be helpful as well.

This article will take you through the necessary essays for Dartmouth’s supplemental section and provide you with some general essay writing tips.

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Article Contents 10 min read

Dartmouth supplemental essays.

Dartmouth requires students to write three essays. For the first two essays, students get one prompt that they will all follow. Pay close attention to all three prompts but note that if a school is requiring absolutely everybody to respond to the same prompt, that prompt is universally important, and something Dartmouth cares a lot about.

There are several prompts for the third essay, so you can choose the one you think will show off your unique abilities, talents, and experiences. Remember: essays in applications are about showing why you are the best possible candidate for that particular school.

All Applicants

Essay no. 1.

“Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth ... what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? In short, Why Dartmouth?”

Word limit: 100 words, max.

With the beauty of New England, the academic discipline, and exciting research opportunities, there is nothing about Dartmouth that doesn’t appeal to me. 

My primary reason for wanting to attend Dartmouth is the research potential in energy engineering; I want to make an impact on environmental conservation, starting with energy. Dartmouth’s research on biomass processing technologies is very exciting.

Besides academics, I also have family in Hanover, so my support network would be strong at Dartmouth. Furthermore, the beauty and heritage of the campus is inspiring.

Dartmouth imbues me with a sense of place and purpose that inspires.

“‘Be yourself,’ Oscar Wilde advised. ‘Everyone else is taken.’ Introduce yourself...”

Word limit: 200–250 words

Given the prompt, it seems appropriate to start by saying that I am a big fan of Oscar Wilde. I am normally a shy person, and I may be uncomfortable being talked about, but I know there are worse things…

My sense of humor is my favorite aspect of myself, and I have always had a love of comedy – hence my interest in Oscar. My parents have said I laughed uproariously as a baby and they have taken as much delight in introducing me to Charlie Chaplin, the Marx Brothers, Monty Python, and Mr. Show as I have in laughing with all of them.

I believe that a sense of humor and irony will aid everybody, and we could all use a good laugh at our own expense now and again. So much of politics and business and social anxiety could be better managed with a few well-placed guffaws.

In fact, learning to laugh at myself has been instrumental in conquering my shyness and allowing me to meet people and gain opportunities. Without that, I couldn’t have run for student government at my school – becoming vice president – or attempted stand-up comedy for the first time this summer. For the record, I mostly bombed my set, but I’m re-writing my material and learning how to bounce back from a setback – they won’t stop me!

So, that’s my “me.” Let everybody else be taken, Wilde, I’m perfectly content as I am.

Essay No. 3

Students choose one of the following essays to complete.

A. “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 making – an impact?”

Six hours in the sun pulling a wagon, knocking on doors, and asking people for used aluminum isn’t a fun way to spend a day, but I knew the importance of helping out with our local recycling programs. In this case, we were looking for aluminum tabs from pop cans to be remade into wheelchairs and provided for low-to-no cost to those in need.

My brother Jack uses a wheelchair, and so this cause appealed to me on two levels: I am also an environmentalist – like my parents, who are environmental scientists. Aiding a recycling program and getting wheelchairs to patients was therefore a win-win.

Let’s start with your format, while looking at how to write a college essay . You will follow the standard essay format as often as possible. This is composed of three major sections: the opener, the body, and the conclusion. You can think of them as “beginning, middle, end,” if that is helpful.

The opening paragraph should start with an attention grabber, or “hook,” that will live up to its name and command the focus of the reader. This is the best approach to how to start a college essay . Make it such a good opening line that even someone who isn’t on the admissions committee would want to keep reading.

Your opener also sets up the rest of the essay, providing the central themes and ideas that you’ll explore – these are all contained within the prompts provided by Dartmouth, but your opener will connect those prompts to you, personally. Specifically, reading college essay introduction examples will show you how to accomplish this.

In the body of the essay, you will explore the prompt, how it relates to you, and, ideally, show how you have grown as a person or student, some accomplishments you have made, or skillsets and abilities that you have – all of which must be desirable for a potential Dartmouth student.

If you can connect specifically to Dartmouth, all the better. Mentioning programs or research that are unique to the school or highlighting that you have the qualities they are seeking in their mission and vision statements will connect you to the school and show off how you would be the ideal candidate.

Your overall goal is to make the committee want to bring you in for an alumni-conducted interview, so if your conclusion would make anybody want to meet you, ask questions, and learn more about you and your experiences, you will have succeeded.

Most of Dartmouth’s essays have a short limit of 250 words. The exception is a 100-word essay: even shorter. What this means for you is that you don’t have a lot of space to develop a variety of complex ideas per essay. Be surgical; get in, tell the necessary details for the prompt, and get out.

Be prepared to truncate and mess with the essay format a bit for the 100-word essay, as that prompt really requires a precision answer, and you might not be able to shape the essay in a standard way.

To build a successful application, give yourself every edge and benefit. A strong supplemental essay will achieve that. You are already taking the right steps by reading up on essay writing and seeking out examples to improve your work. Take your time refining the essays for your dream school.

No, you must answer those two essay questions, as per the requirements. Most schools want answers to the questions “Why this school?” and “Tell us about yourself.” They are two of the most common questions asked of students for a reason: they produce information that the admissions committee needs to know.

The amount of time will vary, but generally speaking, we think you should take 2–3 weeks to work on your essays. You don’t need to put in 40+ hours per week, but give yourself time to brainstorm, write, re-write, edit, and proofread; you’ll likely need and want time to get professional feedback as well.

If you’re stuck on an optional prompt, you could switch to a different prompt proposed by the school and see if it resonates more with you. If your required essay is giving you difficulty, you’ll want to break your writer’s block with a little brainstorming. Take two minutes to free-associate on your topic, writing down anything you think of, and you’ll likely open up your thought processes and start to figure out what you want to say.

If you are successful, you will be invited for an interview, which means that you might want to start thinking about how to prepare for your interview.

The Common Application allows for changes to essays after submission, but with Dartmouth, you will specifically need to upload additional materials via your portal.

Look for a credible college essay review service . Teachers and other mentors might be able to help as well, but keep in mind that they are already busy people, so sticking with a professional service might be the better option.

You might think that all you need to do is hit your academics and emphasize how smart you are, but that strategy might not be all that clever. Your transcripts and high school resume will show off your numbers. Instead, use your essay to introduce the “real you” to the admissions committee. They want to know you, and your uniqueness is your best shot at getting into your school of choice. Put the essential you on display for the best results.

Deadlines change from year to year, so just follow the instructions in the Common App or Coalition App. Start as early as possible to maximize your time between now and the deadline.

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Crafting a Winning Why Dartmouth Essay: Tips and Tricks

One of the most stressful parts of the admissions process for many students is writing the college essay. After all, the essay carries so much weight because it provides more insight into who you are, how you think, and whether you’re a good fit for the school. Because the essay is so stressful, many students put it off until the last minute. However, the trick to writing a winning essay is to prepare in advance.  

Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident about how to respond to the essay prompts. If you’re interested in attending Dartmouth, you will be expected to write the “Why Dartmouth?” essay. Read on for some tips and tricks to write a winning essay that will get the attention of the admissions committee.   

What Is So Unique About Dartmouth College?  

Unlike other Ivy League institutions, Dartmouth focuses on undergraduate studies. Rather than semesters, Dartmouth operates on a quarterly system known as  the “D-Plan.” This allows students the flexibility to schedule when to attend classes and when to take breaks to pursue research and professional interests. This really personalizes the college experience for many students, since they can take a term off to pursue an internship or study abroad.  

Additionally, more than half of the student body is involved in Greek life, which includes 11 sororities, 17 fraternities, and three co-ed chapters. Dartmouth’s rural location in Hanover, New Hampshire, encourages students to be outdoorsy, which is reflected in the Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) and other extracurricular programs that offer outdoor adventure classes and excursions. Students also have access to Dartmouth’s own ski area, Skiway, just a short distance from campus.    

What Are the Best Reasons to Attend Dartmouth College?  

Many students at Dartmouth like the small class sizes that allow them to easily connect with their peers and professors, combined with the resources found at large research universities. Additionally, Dartmouth meets 100% of every admitted student’s demonstrated need — including international students —   without student loans.  

Learn how to get into Dartmouth and prepare for the Dartmouth interview. 

Does Dartmouth Have Supplemental Essays?  

Dartmouth requires applicants to respond to three supplemental essay prompts, the first of which is the “ Why Dartmouth ?” essay. The prompts may change annually, but these prompts from the 2024-25 admissions cycle can give you some idea of what to expect: 

Essay Prompt #1 

Required of all applicants. Please respond in 100 words or fewer:

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?

Essay Prompt #2 

Required of all applicants, please respond to  one  of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:

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.

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

Essay Prompt #3 

Required of all applicants, please respond to  one  of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:

A.    What excites you?

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?

C.    In “Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” Dr. Seuss invites us to “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” Imagine your anticipated academic major: How does that course of study sync with Dr. Seuss’s advice to you?

D.    The social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees have been the focus of Dame Jane Goodall’s research for decades. Her understanding of animal behavior prompted the English primatologist to see a lesson for human communities as well: “Change happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something you don’t believe is right.” Channel Dame Goodall: Tell us about a moment when you engaged in a difficult conversation or encountered someone with an opinion or perspective that was different from your own. How did you find common ground?

E.    Celebrate your nerdy side.

F.    “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, outlook, or sense of purpose?

G.    Buddy Teevens ’79 was a legendary and much-beloved coach at Dartmouth. He often told parents: “Your son will be a great football player when it’s football time, a great student when it’s academic time, and a great person all of the time.” If Coach Teevens had said that to you, what would it mean to be “a great person”?

How Many Essays Does Dartmouth Require?  

Students applying to Dartmouth should be prepared to write four essays. First, you will complete a personal essay in the Common Application . You will have several topics to choose from, so select the one that resonates with you the most. Dartmouth requires you to complete the three supplemental essays mentioned above.  

Dartmouth Essay Requirements  

T hese essays help the admissions committee understand the aspects of you that aren’t reflected elsewhere in your application. They want you to be yourself. Use the essay prompts to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity, sense of humor, and passion — how you think and feel. This is not an easy task for responses no longer than 250 words, but the goal is to allow the admissions officers to envision how you’ll fit in at Dartmouth.  

“Why Dartmouth?” Essay Examples  

To help you brainstorm how to answer the “ Why Dartmouth ?” essay, we are sharing two examples from IvyWise students who applied to Dartmouth’s class of 2027. We also explain why these essays worked.     

Why Dartmouth Essay Example #1 

After a final night at Skiway Lodge, I sing the alma mater with H-Croo members at The Dartmouth Green. Learning about purity’s association with heaven during the Late Antiquity under Professor MacEvitt leads me to dress as Rekha from Umrao Jaan whilst having my 4 p.m. tea at Sanborn Library. With the Leslie Centre research fellowship, I’ll create a documentary on ‘the Curse of 39’—the belief in Afghanistan that the number is linked to prostitution. I aspire to earn my way into the Rockefeller Global Leadership Program and spend the weekend in Montreal with a community eager to change the world. 

Why This Essay Worked  

Remember, the essay prompt asks you to address an aspect of an academic program, community, or campus environment that interests you. This essay worked because the student provided these details. The student’s essay references specific student organizations and programs at Dartmouth , Sanborn Library, and Dartmouth’s ski area. The answer not only addresses the community and campus environment aspects of the prompt , but the specificity also makes it so that the response is not generic and cannot be applied to just any school . The student addresses Dartmouth’s academic programs by mentioning a particular professor they want to work with, topics of study they are interested in, and the academic goals they hope to achieve.  

Why Dartmouth Essay Example #2  

Sailing a Laser across quiet Mascoma Lake. A stroll through the Green to contemplate a math proof or policy debate. Just as I think and imagine best while sailing on Sunday afternoons or walking my dog through the woods. 

Beyond these stimulating surroundings, the D-Plan will let me take more courses, diving deeply into economics and mathematics. I’m also eager to explore my diverse interests through a public policy minor at the Rockefeller Center and courses like Introduction to Opera. And I’ll have flexibility to pursue research, like studying U.S. trade policy using history and economic theory with Professor Irwin. 

This essay was successful for the same reason as the first example : the student tailored their response to address the specific aspects of Dartmouth that interest them. The student’s reference to Mascoma Lake, sailing, and walking in the woods demonstrates how they will fit into the outdoorsy culture of Dartmouth. The student also mentions their diverse interests and how the D-Plan will be beneficial to their studies. And , of course, the student mentions specific courses and a professor at the university.   

IvyWise’s Best Tips on How to Write a Dartmouth Essay  

As we’ve mentioned previously, the point of the personal statement and supplemental essays is for Dartmouth admissions officers to get to know you. This is an opportunity to let your personality shine! A n IvyWise College Admissions Counselor, shared this tip for writing your essay:  

“ One of the signs of a good writer is showing instead of telling. Instead of stating that you are caring or adventurous, show us in your essay by sharing an example or quick story. Also, let your natural voice come through. Colleges expect first-year applicants to sound like someone in their teens, so go ahead. ”

Here are some other tips for writing a winning essay that will impress the admissions office.  

Answer the Prompt  

This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how often students digress in their essays and forget to answer the prompt . It’s easier than you think to stray off-topic while you’re writing. Double check that your essay response makes a clear connection to the question the prompt is asking , and that it addresses all questions within the prompt .   

Some colleges pose multiple questions within one supplement, so be sure to read the prompt thoroughly and address each question asked. One tip is to highlight each question in a different color, and then highlight the subsequent answers in your response in the corresponding colors. This way, you can check how closely you answered each point.

Show Why You Are a Good Fit  

The “ Why Dartmouth ?” essay is designed for you to demonstrate why you are a good fit . Be specific and give details that help the admissions counselors picture how you will contribute as a student and member of the community.

Learn some college essay dos and don’ts .    

Narrow the Scope of Your Essay  

Remember, your college application essay needs to be brief. Pick a specific focal point to build your essay around instead of jumping between different examples and ideas. Share a short personal story, idea, or relationship that demonstrates the major point you want to make.   

Dartmouth’s acceptance rate is low, and it can be challenging to meet the admissions criteria. At IvyWise, our expert team of college admissions counselors has plenty of experience helping prospective students gain admission into their top-choice programs. Schedule your Initial Consultation today so we can help you plan a strategy for applying to Dartmouth.   

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Dartmouth Supplemental Essays 2024-25 — Prompts and Advice

July 15, 2024

Of the eight Ivy League schools, Dartmouth receives the fewest number of applications. There were 31,657 hopefuls for the Class of 2028, around half the number at Columbia or Harvard. Yet, that still represented an increase in the number of Dartmouth applications from the year prior, resulting in the school’s lowest-ever acceptance rate of 5.3% (down from 6.2% the previous year). When applying to a school that rejects 94% of applicants, you need to find ways to grab an admissions officer’s attention and give them a reason to say, “Yes!” The Dartmouth supplemental essays are one such chance.

Want to learn more about How to Get Into Dartmouth College? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Dartmouth: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.

One of the best opportunities to move the admissions needle is through the three supplemental essays that Dartmouth requires. Dartmouth College’s essay prompts for the 2024-25 admissions cycle are listed below along with accompanying advice about how to tackle each one:

1) Dartmouth Supplemental Essays – Required Essay #1

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 or fewer)

This is, in essence, a straightforward “ Why this College? ” essay. Great things to highlight here include:

• Firstly, specific  student organizations at Dartmouth  that you would like to become involved with.
• Particular courses  offered in your discipline of interest at Dartmouth.
• Dartmouth professors whose work/research/writings you are intrigued by.
• Undergraduate research opportunities  unique to Dartmouth.
• Aspects of Dartmouth’s mission statement that resonate with you.
• Lastly,  study abroad opportunities .

Make sure to really do your research on the school. As a side benefit (and not an unimportant one), you may discover further reasons why Dartmouth truly is the perfect fit for you. Along the way, you’ll want to explain why the offerings you chose are a great fit for your interests, goals, and/or learning style.

2) Dartmouth Supplemental Essays – Required Essay #2

Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 250 words or fewer:

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.

This is an opportunity to share something about your background that may not shine through anywhere else on the application. To do so, consider discussing how your role in your family, important aspects of your upbringing, or a particular cultural, religious, or community influence either impacted your core values and beliefs or helped develop a particularly important attribute.

B) “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself.

This is a fun opportunity to share something genuinely unique about yourself. As such, pick one (or several) key aspects of your personality/background that reveal something deep and meaningful about you. As you brainstorm, consider the following avenues:

• What moves your spirit? Discuss any art, movies, music, and books that you find deeply moving and personally important.
• Your role in your family.
• Your role in your social group.
• The funniest things you’ve ever done.
• The strangest things you’ve ever done.
• Commitment, passion, and enthusiasm.
• Core values and beliefs.
• Important aspects of your upbringing.
• Most intriguing and unique attributes.
• Cultural, religious, community influence.

3) Dartmouth Supplemental Essays – Required Essay #3

A) what excites you.

Out of everything on this Earth, what makes you tick? What keeps you up at night? What subject makes you read books and online content until your eyes bleed? If you could address one problem in the world, large or small, what would it be? What do you love to do? If you are answering at least one of these questions, you are on the right track with this essay.

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 making—an impact? Why? How?

This is your chance to show that you are a global citizen, aware and sensitive to issues faced by this planet and all life that occupies it. If you are passionate about climate change, the fate of democratic institutions, food scarcity, human rights, the impact of disinformation campaigns, privacy issues related to big tech, or any of the millions of other challenges faced by humanity, this is a great choice for you. Note that this year’s prompt includes the guiding questions why and how , so be sure to let them both guide your response.

Dartmouth Supplemental Essays (Continued)

C) In “Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” Dr. Seuss invites us to “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” Imagine your anticipated academic major: How does that course of study sync with Dr. Seuss’s advice to you?

Last year’s prompt: as you wonder and think, what’s on your mind? This year’s prompt: what do you wonder and think about in regard to your prospective major? What do you find exciting or fascinating about your anticipated course of study? What questions are you asking? Why are you asking them? What conclusions have your questions led you to, and how do you feel about those conclusions? Is there anything that you would like to know that you don’t have the answer to right now? What motivates, scares, or surprises you about your most pressing questions? The key here will be to take the reader on a little trip inside your brain (Magic School Bus not required).

D) The social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees have been the focus of Dame Jane Goodall’s research for decades. Her understanding of animal behavior prompted the English primatologist to see a lesson for human communities as well: “Change happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something you don’t believe is right.” Channel Dame Goodall: Tell us about a moment when you engaged in a difficult conversation or encountered someone with an opinion or perspective that was different from your own. How did you find common ground?

The U.S. presently finds itself in an extreme state of polarization. There seems to be little agreement even as to what constitutes “truth” or “facts.” Within this divided world, it can be hard for individuals with competing viewpoints to engage in civil and productive dialogue. Here, Dartmouth is giving you the chance to show that you are an open-minded, intellectually curious, truth-seeking young person. Illustrate how you are willing to engage in conversations/debates with people who hold opposing positions on topics of great importance to you. One key thing to remember when addressing this prompt is that you don’t have to be the hero of the anecdote. In fact, you may be one who learned to expand their thinking.

Finally, Dartmouth wants you to go one step further and discuss how you and the other person found common ground. This doesn’t mean that the two of you needed to suddenly see eye-to-eye in a moment of rainbow sunshine. Instead, perhaps you could understand their viewpoint in a new way, even if you didn’t agree, or learned a surprising fact that made you start to question your stance. “I want to learn more about that point you made” or “I appreciate you sharing your perspective with me” or “I can see where you’re coming from” are all good examples of finding common ground.

E) Celebrate your nerdy side.

In just about every nineties movie, the nerds function as insanely smart social rejects with questionable outfit choices and pocket protectors, often banished to the worst lunch table. Luckily, times have changed, and being a nerd—especially at a school like Dartmouth—is downright aspirational. Moreover, the definition of a “nerd” is someone who is incredibly enthusiastic about a certain topic—especially if unique. Accordingly, if you’re interested in answering this question, make a list of any “specialties” that you are particularly dedicated to. Do you love the soundtracks of eighties movies? Science fiction short stories? Strategy games? Rubik’s cubes? Your backyard barometer? Comic book collections? Whatever topic you choose, make sure to truly lean in and celebrate it—what do you love about it, and why? How does it influence you?

F) “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, outlook, or sense of purpose?

Do you feel that your lived experience is different from others in your peer group, family, or community, perhaps in regard to relationships, household income level, mental or physical challenges, neurodiversity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or cultural background, to name a few? If so, answering this prompt could be a good option. While crafting your response, the important thing to keep in mind is that the difference/challenge itself is  less important  than what it reveals about your character and perspective. What steps have you taken to cope with your chosen difference? How has it positively impacted you? How has it influenced your perspective and the way you engage with the world? Is there anything about your difference that you feel especially appreciative of?  Make sure you share what you were feeling and experiencing; this piece should demonstrate openness and vulnerability.

G) Buddy Teevens ’79 was a legendary and much-beloved coach at Dartmouth. He often told parents: “Your son will be a great football player when it’s football time, a great student when it’s academic time, and a great person all of the time.” If Coach Teevens had said that to you, what would it mean to be “a great person”?

Being “a great person” has different meanings for different people, but is often associated with the following qualities: honesty, empathy, kindness, loyalty, open-mindedness, helpfulness, etc.  This prompt is not about presenting a laundry list of material accomplishments; instead, it’s about showing the admissions committee your character and intrinsic nature. You can accomplish this goal by choosing a quality (or two) that is important to you, explaining why, and describing how you wish to cultivate that quality in college and beyond—regardless of career or major.

How important are the Dartmouth supplemental essays?

The essays (both the Common App essay and the supplemental ones) are “very important” to the evaluation process. Seven other factors are “very important.” These factors are: rigor of coursework, class rank, GPA, recommendations, test scores, character/personal qualities, and extracurricular activities. Clearly, Dartmouth College places enormous value on the quality of your supplemental essay.

Dartmouth Supplemental Essays – Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

To conclude, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Dartmouth supplemental essays, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

Need additional essay writing assistance? You might consider checking out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• Should I Complete Optional Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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How to Write the Dartmouth College Essays 2021-2022

Dartmouth College is consistently ranked in the top 15 national universities.  Due to its high ranking and prestige, Dartmouth is a highly selective institution and consistently has low acceptance rates.  

The college is frequently ranked one of the most beautiful colleges in America, given its picturesque setting in the deep green Upper Connecticut River Valley. It’s no coincidence that Dartmouth’s Latin motto “Vox clamantis in deserto” translates into “the voice of one crying out in the wilderness.” Dartmouth is surrounded by mountain vistas and thick forests, which makes athletics and outdoor activities extremely popular at the university. Given the bucolic nature of Dartmouth’s location, around 60% of undergraduate students participate in Greek life as the main source of social interaction. 

Applications can be submitted to Dartmouth College through either the Common Application or the Coalition Application. In addition to these general applications, Dartmouth requires two supplemental essays; all applications must submit the first prompt, but may choose from six different options for the second prompt. Read on to find out how to ace these essays! Want to know your chances at Dartmouth? Calculate your chances for free right now.

Want to learn what Darmouth will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering Dartmouth needs to know.  

Dartmouth College Supplemental Essay Prompts 2021-2022

Prompt 1: While arguing a Dartmouth-related case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1818, Daniel Webster, Class of 1801, delivered this memorable line: “It is, sir,…a small college, and yet there are those who love it!” As you seek admission to the Class of 2026, what aspects of the College’s program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? (100 words)

Prompt 2: Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 250-300 words:

• Option A: The Hawaiian word mo’olelo is often translated as “story” but it can also refer to history, legend, genealogy, and tradition. Use one of these translations to introduce yourself.
• Option B: What excites you?
• Option C: In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, William Kamkwamba, Class of 2014, reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power the electrical appliances in his family’s Malawian house: “If you want to make it, all you have to do is try.” What drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you already made?
• Option D: Curiosity is a guiding element of Toni Morrison’s talent as a writer. “I feel totally curious and alive and in control. And almost…magnificent, when I write,” she says. Celebrate your curiosity.
• Option E: “Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away,” observed Frida Kahlo. Apply Kahlo’s perspective to your own life.
• Option F: In the aftermath of World War II, Dartmouth President John Sloane Dickey, Class of 1929, proclaimed, “The world’s troubles are your troubles…and there is nothing wrong with the world that better human beings cannot fix.” Which of the world’s “troubles” inspires you to act? How might your course of study at Dartmouth prepare you to address it?

Overview of the Dartmouth Essays

Dartmouth asks for two supplemental essays—one in 100 words, and the other in 300 words. Your response to prompt 1 needs to be tailored to Dartmouth specifically. If in your prompt 1 essay, it is possible to switch out the name “Dartmouth” for another school’s name, with the essay still making sense, then you need to dive into greater detail. 

Remember that every essay you write in this college application process, including the Common App, is a component of your candidate profile. To help maximize the admissions committee’s  understanding of you, for each school’s essay portfolio, be sure to choose topics that complement each other. 

For example, if you wrote already about a personal geology project in your Common App, don’t also write about your aspiration to solve a geological crisis in the second supplemental prompt, or only concentrate on the geology program in the first supplemental prompt. You want to showcase other elements of who you are in the supplement essays.  

While arguing a Dartmouth-related case before the US Supreme Court in 1818, Daniel Webster, Class of 1801, delivered this memorable line: “It is, sir,… a small college, and yet there are those who love it!” As you seek admission to the Class of 2026, what aspects of the College’s program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? (100 words)

This is essentially the classic “Why This College” essay . With only a meager 100 words available, the goal of this is not to mention every program or component of Dartmouth that attracts you, or give an elaborate praise of those programs. Rather, you have to demonstrate why the essence of Dartmouth resonates with you . Here are some dos and don’ts to get you thinking in the right direction: 

Pick one of Dartmouth’s programs, values, activities, clubs, or classes that you feel deeply connected to. 

For example, if your academic love is environmental science, consider writing this essay on Dartmouth’s prioritization of sustainability through emphasis on programs like beekeeping, ethical fish farming, and proper extraction of maple syrup from sugar maple trees. When describing these opportunities, however, be sure to connect them back to yourself and your interest or passion.

That said, keep in mind that ultimately, you need to present a holistic candidate profile to the school. That means showcasing as many aspects of yourself as possible—if you focus on an academic interest in this prompt, make sure to hone in on your favorite aspects of campus life and extracurricular offerings in the next prompt.

Do not, however, dive into a detailed dissertation of why the program you choose to write about is so necessary in our world today. Whichever reason attracts you to Dartmouth, chances are, someone else wants to attend the college for the same reason.

The admissions committee is not interested in reading the hundreth essay on why the school made the right choice to implement these sustainability initiatives—the admissions officers likely know the school well enough to understand why Dartmouth initiated those programs. Instead, what admissions want to know is why these are deciding factors for you to choose Dartmouth.

For example, perhaps you lived in an area that was affected profoundly by a catastrophic natural disaster. Since then, you have been hyper-aware of the interactions between people and their habitats, and want to devote your energy towards decreasing the likelihood of a natural disaster happening to someone else.

Focus your essay on one core theme. 

For example, if you choose to write about Dartmouth’s unique outdoor-centric student life, structure the entire essay around this topic. 100 words do not provide you with enough leeway to cover multiple topics well. That said, if there is a tangential factor relevant to your core theme that attracts you to Dartmouth, do add it in to spice up your essay.

Do not write a list of everything you love about Dartmouth. Don’t try to expound on your love of the college’s vibrant Greek life while attempting to describe your passion for sustainability and your appreciation for the school’s flexible curriculum. Doing so would only allow you to mention each element in passing without connecting it to you personally. 

For the second prompt, you need to select one of the six options below to answer the question in 250-300 words. While quality essays often require conciseness, you are not recommended to go below the 250-word benchmark. All six of the prompts are unique and open-ended, which means there are a lot of routes you can take to create the perfect essay. 

Some tips on prompt selection: 

Tip #1: Read through all of the prompts. While you may notice that there is one prompt that immediately grabs your attention, this does not necessarily indicate that it would be the best prompt to showcase your unique traits to the admissions office. 

Tip #2: Immediately categorize the options into 3 segments: “likely,” “possible,” and “unlikely”

• Under “likely” are all of the prompts you have an immediate answer for 
• Under “possible” are all prompts you find interesting and would be open to 
• Under “unlikely” are prompts that you find are prone to cheesy answers, or those that you simply cannot relate to at all 

Tip #3: Jot down ideas for the prompts you deemed were “likely” or “possible”.

Tip #4: Review them and select the topic with the most unique story, or one that best showcases your wit and intellectual prowess.

With those tips in mind, let’s dive into the different essay options!

Prompt 2, Option A

The hawaiian word mo’olelo is often translated as “story” but it can also refer to history, legend, genealogy, and tradition. use one of these translations to introduce yourself. (250-300 words) .

This prompt cannot be immediately categorized as one of the “classic” essay questions and requires a bit more creativity for effective execution. It also adds yet another layer of decision-making to essay-writing—choosing the translation to continue with.

A few tips on which interpretation to choose and how to write your essay:

Tip #1: Out of all available translations, the term “story” is the most generic of the five. It is easy to argue that your story encompasses your history, your family’s legends, your genealogy and your culture’s traditions. If you do not have an instinctive response to this prompt, but still prefer this question as a whole, then choose this interpretation. The broad scope of this translation will allow you to take your essay in whichever direction you see fit.

In regards to writing the essay, you can choose to narrate a defining moment of your life that does not easily fit under any of the other four headings.

Perhaps on a family hike on Chirico Trail during winter break in your sophomore year, you witnessed the majesty and freedom of paragliders and have been fascinated by this extreme sport ever since. You can then expand on how the sport has changed your perspective on the feeling of existence, of your resoluteness to live every moment to the fullest, etc.

Tip #2: History here can refer to family history, academic history, employment history, recreational history, etc. Choose this translation if there is a chronology in a certain aspect of your life that you want to highlight, a more or less linear process through which you matured.

Perhaps your illustrious history in competitive chess is especially important to you, and was critical in shaping your attitude towards work. Then use this opportunity to delineate your competitive history, and delve into the intellectual, and emotional impact it has imprinted on you.

Tip #3: Legend is one of the trickier ones, and will likely be a less popular selection. If you are particularly confident in your creativity, and prefer to distinguish yourself from the onset, then this is the one for you.

One way to interpret this is to relate a folktale important to your culture, and use it as a segue to introduce your culture and the role it has played in shaping your values and character. The same thing could be done with a “bedtime story” that you grew up on—you could use the fable as an entry point to describe your upbringing and the continued impact it has on your personality today.

Tip #4: Genealogy is also an interesting one—similar to “legend,” you could leverage the anecdote of your family lineage to depict important family members, or even family heirlooms, and the significance of their role in shaping how you feel about your culture.

Perhaps you share a unique bond with your grandmother, who was your primary caretaker while you were growing up. Her lineage could be traced back to Edinburgh, Scotland, where generations before, her ancestors braved the extreme weather and fed their community as hardy wheat farmers. Though you had previously hated your ginger hair, and purposefully distanced yourself from Scottish culture because you were teased, you feel more grounded and closer to your origins through the family tales passed through generations.

Tip #5: Tradition can be approached in a very similar manner to genealogy, or legend. Choose this translation if the topic you wish to discuss is more a custom than a linearly chronological account of a cultural phenomenon.

Prompt 2, Option B

What excites you (250-300 words) .

This prompt gives you the opportunity to showcase your personality and talk about a passion, hobby, or experience that does not really “fit” into the themes explored by other prompts. Think about this essay as a personal inquiry, it gives the admissions officer the ability to humanize your application and understand what type of person they are admitting to Dartmouth. 

There is no shortage of topics you can explore with this prompt. 

• Are you excited whenever Sunday Night Football is able to bring together your family for a night? 
• Or, are you excited when it rains outside and you can dance around with your friends? 
• Or, are you excited when you get the opportunity to talk about gender equality at an organization that you intern at? 

Whether it’s a monumental achievement or a simple pleasure, at the core of this essay the admissions office is asking you to speak with passion. 

It’s important to connect whatever topic you are discussing to the resources and opportunities available to you at Dartmouth. 

For instance, if you are a student who gets super excited when you can collect rocks down at the beach with your friends, this would be a great chance to connect your passion back to research opportunities at Dartmouth in the Earth History department or how the outdoorsy-feel of Dartmouth would feel like home. 

Don’t be afraid to take a risk with this prompt. If watching Avatar excites you, feel free to explore this route, especially if you are an applicant that can connect this back to East-Asian studies or film/production studies at Dartmouth. However, be cautious about going on a tangent or exploring too many things within this essay. Stick to talking about one thing that excites you and connecting it back to Dartmouth. 

Prompt 2, Option C

In the boy who harnessed the wind, william kamkwamba, class of 2014, reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power the electrical appliances in his family’s malawian house: “if you want to make it, all you have to do is try.” what drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you already made (250-300 words) .

This prompt highlights an applicant’s entrepreneurial skills, perseverance, and imagination. From this essay the reader wants to gauge how you approach problems and whether you have taken the initiative to solve problems in your own life. Whether this means you created a marketing strategy for a non-profit or makeshift solar panels to charge your phone, make sure that your creation connects to your goals at Dartmouth. 

Now, let’s shift our focus to the first part of the prompt. The admissions office wants to see what drives you to create, which means that they want to see passion for a certain topic or cause. 

If you are super interested in sustainable business and hope to start a non-profit one day that supports marginalized artists in rural communities, then take this essay as an opportunity to flesh out your plan and the vision behind your idea. 

Remember these admissions officers are looking for applicants who will take full advantage of the degree that Dartmouth will give them, so an applicant with an idea stands out from the bunch. 

Let’s take a look at the second part of the prompt.

If you have created something that you are proud of then we highly recommend that you use this prompt. Dartmouth would love to see an applicant that is taking action before even starting college. If you are a prospective digital media major and you created a video game in high school that 10 people played, don’t be afraid to share this! 

Do not compare your creation to those of other people. Take this opportunity to reflect on the motivations and thought process behind your creation, instead of spending the entire essay just describing the characteristics of the creation. 

Regardless of which part of the prompt you choose to focus on, you need to reflect on how Dartmouth can make your idea a reality or help you advance the creation you already made. 

Talk about specific departments or courses that will help you build on your knowledge or study-abroad opportunities that are perfect to help advance your design. Personalize the essay to Dartmouth by talking about how the community or educational environment will directly advance your ideas/creations. 

Prompt 2, Option D

Curiosity is a guiding element of toni morrison’s talent as a writer. “i feel totally curious and alive and in control. and almost…magnificent, when i write,” she says. celebrate your curiosity. (250-300 words) .

This prompt is super open-ended, which gives you the opportunity to share a moment or experience that is directly related to something you are curious about. Do not think that only people who are passionate about writing can choose this prompt, because “curiosity” is being presented as something everyone can celebrate. 

Some of the ways you can approach this essay include:

• Choosing an anecdote that explores a moment or event where your curiosity was sparked
• Writing a “love letter” to something that sparks your curiosity or telling the reader about a topic that makes you curious

Be careful not to oversimplify your answer, you need to reflect on your answer and how it connects to your undergraduate ambitions. 

For instance, if you are a prospective public policy major but something that sparks your curiosity is statistics, you could talk about Dartmouth’s special Quantitative Social Science program that allows students to combine mathematical training with the social sciences. 

It is important to spend around 75% of your essay talking about what makes you curious and 25% of the essay directly talking about resources at Dartmouth that will allow you to explore said curiosity. 

Dartmouth is looking for students that can show a passion for certain subjects, because those students end up being the most successful in undergrad and beyond. So, do not pick something you are not actually curious about. It does not sound better to half-heartedly talk about a fake curiosity in “War and Peace” and classical literature, even if literature studies is your intended major. 

Take this prompt as an opportunity to showcase your personality, and do not force the connection to Dartmouth. If you feel yourself forcing the connection, then this may not be the prompt for you. 

Prompt 2, Option E

“everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away,” observed frida kahlo. apply kahlo’s perspective to your own life. (250-300 words) .

This prompt requires you to put a lot of thought into how to connect your own experiences with the thoughts of the esteemed artist, Frida Khalo. Dartmouth wants to see your perspective shine through within this essay, and the best way to execute that effectively is to jot down ideas about each part of the quote, then find a “thought” that connects them all. 

A few tips on how to write your essay:

Tip #1: Try and focus on specific events or topics instead of talking about big ideas. 

For instance, if you are a student who is extremely passionate about social justice and advocacy, do not talk about how the criminal justice system is changing and disproportionality affecting minority populations. Instead, try and talk about an experience you witnessed or something that directly affected you in relation to the criminal justice system or the minority identity. 

Tip #2: Focus on how an experience or perspective has impacted your and your goals. 

Since a “perspective” is often tied with your identity, try and focus on how something ever changing or uncontrollable in your life left a positive impact on your sense of self. While it may be intriguing to interpret the “goes away” as a negative experience, shy away from using a lot of negatively connotated phrases/words in your essay because this will bring down the mood of the admissions officer reading your essay. Instead, show your personal growth. 

Tip #3: Do not be afraid to explore your creativity with this prompt. 

For instance, you could talk about something abstract like time evolving or something concrete like changing your hair color often. Regardless of the subject, approach it with flexibility and play around with the structure of your essay. 

Finally, when asked to apply a perspective to your own life, it is important to qualify the impact of said perspective. 

In this case, if you were a prospective religious studies major, you could talk about how the flow of life and spirituality in your East Asian household has impacted how you choose to confront challenges. 

Or, if you are a student who wants to play sports in college, you could mention how practicing and accepting defeat has instilled in you a sense of perseverance that will be beneficial when pursuing higher education. 

Again, make sure to qualify the impact of this perspective and reflect on how it applies to your own sense of self. 

Prompt 2, Option F

In the aftermath of world war ii, dartmouth president john sloane dickey, class of 1929, proclaimed, “the world’s troubles are your troubles… and there is nothing wrong with the world that better human beings cannot fix.” which of the world’s “troubles” inspires you to act how might your course of study at dartmouth prepare you to address it (250-300 words) .

This prompt gives you an opportunity to discuss a current political or social issue that you are passionate about and to explain how it motivates you to pursue educational opportunities at Dartmouth. You should select this prompt option if you are someone who is interested in service, social action, and policy. 

You need to be able to clearly articulate the “trouble” in your society that you find particularly compelling and worthy of tackling, explain why it matters, and tell the reader what you plan to do about it one day. 

There is no shortage of topics you can tackle. “The world’s troubles” is an intentionally broad category that allows you to hone in on your particular interest. 

• Are you passionate about defending women’s rights and expanding their right to affordable reproductive care? 
• Do you volunteer at your local soup kitchen and ponder solutions to urban homelessness in your social science courses? 
• Do you participate in marches and political actions that focus on preserving the environment and combating climate change? 

These are just some ideas for possible “troubles” you could explore in your response. 

In fact, your topic doesn’t necessarily need to be national or international in scope. If the “troubles” that keep you up at night are closer to home, don’t be afraid to tell the reader about them! 

For example, if you are planning to study civil engineering at Dartmouth because your rural community has struggled with transportation access, leading you to become curious about better ways to develop road networks, you can, and should, write about that. 

Once you’ve outlined the “trouble” of your choice, don’t forget to answer the second part of the prompt. Tell the reader how you hope to address the problem, what actions you want to take and what tools you need in order to do so. Be sure to mention specific programs, courses, or extracurricular opportunities that Dartmouth offers that will enable you to tackle the problem of your choice.

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Dartmouth College 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 2

Dartmouth College 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 short essay of 100 words, 2 essays of 250 words each

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Community , Oddball

Dartmouth’s writing supplement requires that applicants write brief responses to three supplemental essay prompts as follows:

1. required of all applicants. please respond in 100 words or fewer:, 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.

If you have the unsettling feeling that you’ve read this prompt somewhere before, worry not. This prompt should ring a bell because it’s just a slightly more verbose version of the most common supplemental essay question out there: why here? Dartmouth is specifically probing for information about what piques your interest about its academics, community, and/or campus environment. Focus on how you would spend your time at Dartmouth and how the environment might enrich your own sense of purpose. What are you hoping to major in and why? What cozy corners of campus would you curl up in to review course materials? Are you eager to get involved in the student newspaper or gospel choir? How would this school’s unique offerings, ethos, or campus community support your interests, personality, and values, and how will you get involved? As with all other “why” prompts, research is the key to writing a memorable essay, so spend a little time on the Dartmouth website and literally map your path from where you are now to where you hope to be in the near or distant future.

2. Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:

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..

Admissions wants to know what or who has made you into the person you are today. Where do you come from? What has shaped you as a person, and how has that made your perspective unique? What you focus on here can be reflective of larger cultural constructs or specific to you and only you. Dartmouth is looking to add diverse perspectives to weave into the fabric of their student body. Is there anything you can teach your classmates about your hometown, traditions, culture, cuisine, orientation, identity, race, or ethnicity that they might not already know? Were you raised in a Muslim family in a small southern town? Have you grown up on a farm tending to the animals and land? Were you adopted as a toddler? Consider what has influenced your identity and how your worldview or background will bring something of value to the community at Dartmouth.

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

This is the kind of prompt that tends to stump students the most. It’s so open-ended that many applicants don’t know where or how to start—but don’t worry, you’ll have a finished draft in no time! Start by answering the question stream-of-consciousness style. How would you introduce yourself to someone in a setting you’re comfortable in? Think about introducing yourself to someone after one of your plays or soccer games, gaming competitions or yoga classes. What would you say? You might talk about what interests you, things that are important to you, ideologies about life that offer you hope or feelings of connection. Maybe you’d address your favorite qualities about yourself or the burning passions that motivate your choices and worldview. We believe your best bet at a unique and memorable response is to leave yourself enough time to freewrite, draft, organize, edit, and polish. Responses to prompts like these shouldn’t be written in one sitting—there’s too much to capture!

3. Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:

A.  what excites you.

This prompt is as simple as they come, and yet it can be totally overwhelming to tackle. If nothing comes to mind immediately, read through the other prompts to see if anything makes that magic light bulb appear above your head. If you find yourself coming back to this prompt, try to focus on a subject that stokes your curiosity, a specific concept that has infiltrated your browser history, or an experience that has burned itself into your brain. Which kind of homework assignments are you clamoring to complete first? Which topics want to make you open up a new book, Google the definition of a word you’re not familiar with, or hit play on a podcast? Who challenges you to think of issues in new ways? Whatever excites you, Dartmouth is aiming to bring self-motivated, deep thinkers into their student body. Admissions officers want to know that you’ll be eager to contribute to lively class discussions and maybe conduct research in your latter years on campus. Remember, enthusiasm is infectious, so show them that you’ll be a valuable addition to any classroom setting by getting specific here—and maybe even getting them excited about a new topic!

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?

Community, community, community. Even though it doesn’t say it explicitly, this question is asking, “What do you hope to achieve for the greater good?” Dartmouth wants to know what you consider to be your life’s purpose. (They know you’re young and still figuring things out, so don’t worry about being held to it!) What kind of mark would you like to leave on the world? If you find yourself drawn to this prompt, odds are you already have a few ideas in mind. Whether you’d like to dedicate your life to advocating for the voiceless or tearing down barriers for marginalized groups, tell admissions why this path is the one you’ve chosen (or maybe it has chosen you!). Be sure to mention any progress you’ve already made toward this goal and how it will influence the work you hope to do in the future.

C.  In “Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” Dr. Seuss invites us to “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” Imagine your anticipated academic major: How does that course of study sync with Dr. Seuss’s advice to you?

Dartmouth wants to accept intellectually curious applicants, so take this opportunity to share what draws you to your proposed major. (This prompt is most likely to appeal to applicants who have a major in mind already.) How did you first get into this subject? Were you wondering about our solar system and got hooked on the theory of relativity and Physics as a future major? Did a particular chapter in your AP History textbook get you thinking about the rise and fall of empires, leading to a Classics major? Discuss not only how you first got into this field, but also how Dr. Seuss’ advice will guide your future study. How will you continue to wonder and think as a Dartmouth student? Ultimately, you want to describe what truly fascinates you while reflecting on how you will pursue it through your learning style.

D.  The social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees have been the focus of Dame Jane Goodall’s research for decades. Her understanding of animal behavior prompted the English primatologist to see a lesson for human communities as well: “Change happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something you don’t believe is right.” Channel Dame Goodall: Tell us about a moment when you engaged in a difficult conversation or encountered someone with an opinion or perspective that was different from your own. How did you find common ground?

Engaging with others in meaningful conversations about important issues can be intimidating and challenging, especially when the other person has a different viewpoint than you do. Scroll through your memory to identify a time when you had an uncomfortable conversation with friends, family, or even an acquaintance. How did you approach this complex conversation? Were you able to clearly communicate your perspective? What did you take away from the discussion? Perhaps you learned that one of your friends was a passive supporter of an organization that you vehemently disagree with. How did you broach the subject and what was the outcome of your conversation? Did you question what you believe in, or perhaps, discover a new perspective you hadn’t considered before? How did you become a better listener or speaker because of this chat? You don’t need to have changed someone’s mind (or your own!) to impress admissions here. You just need to show that you’re not afraid to engage with those who may have different opinions from you. Dartmouth wants to foster the kind of learning environment that encourages respectful discussions about beliefs and values, so show admissions that you’re game to learn, listen, share, and grow.

E.  Celebrate your nerdy side.

All right, passionate people, this one’s for us! Dartmouth wants to accept intellectually curious applicants, so take this opportunity to demonstrate your passion for pursuing knowledge! When was the last time you lost track of time while researching something that caught your interest? When were you recently motivated to solve a problem or create something new? What was the last fact or skill you learned outside of school? Ultimately, you want to discuss examples of what truly fascinates you while also reflecting on what these examples say about your personality traits, interests, and/or learning style. Whether you could read about the cult of celebrity for hours on end or spend all weekend in the garage refurbishing old cars with your mom, admissions wants to hear about it. And don’t forget: this is still an essay about you, so don’t get lost in a detailed explanation of linear algebra; instead, focus on why it brings you joy, satisfaction, or purpose. 

F.  “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, outlook, or sense of purpose?

What a fabulous essay prompt—so simple, so concise, yet so ripe for exploration. Admissions is thinking critically about this common Kermit quote that others may overlook, and they want you to do the same. What is your “green,” so to speak? Feeling different from others is quite a universal experience, especially for teenagers, so take some time to think about what makes you feel different and how your relationship with that difference has changed over the years. This prompt could be a great opportunity to discuss your relationship with your racial, ethnic, or gender identity, but it doesn’t have to be; maybe you have celiac disease and pizza parties have been off the table, forcing you to bring food from home! Perhaps you’re a math nerd living in a family of artists. Whatever you choose to write about, the focus should be on how you have learned to love this part of yourself and how it has influenced the way you interact with the world. If this prompt calls to you, trust your instincts and leave yourself plenty of time to freewrite and revise. 

G.  Buddy Teevens ’79 was a legendary and much-beloved coach at Dartmouth. He often told parents: “Your son will be a great football player when it’s football time, a great student when it’s academic time, and a great person all of the time.” If Coach Teevens had said that to you, what would it mean to be “a great person”?

This prompt is asking you to do some introspection about your own values and what you consider aspects of a “great person.” Start by doing some brainstorming: grab a notebook and list out all of the communities you belong to—your family, sports teams, extracurricular clubs, your cultural groups (e.g. race, religion), your gender identity, etc.—and then jot down the values you associate with each one. You can also approach this prompt by writing down names of people you admire and listing out the qualities you associate with them. Which of these values are most important to you? Why? Maybe you admire the patience and radical optimism that your favorite teacher exudes. Perhaps you try to emulate your debate team coach’s knack for critical thinking and seriously considering each side of an issue. A strong answer to this question will show admissions not only what you consider virtues for a theoretical “great person,” but also what you may hope to contribute to their campus community. 

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August 23, 2022

Tips for Answering the Dartmouth College Supplemental Essay Prompts [2022 – 2023]

Dartmouth College utilizes the Common Application. It requires the main Common Application essay and additional supplemental Dartmouth-specific essay responses. The additional essays help the admission committee round out the overall picture of you as a prospective student by providing insight into your personality. Don’t approach this as just another essay you have to write. Look at this as an opportunity for you to make a convincing statement about why Dartmouth is the ideal school for you to achieve your goals and how you can enrich the campus community. 

Everyone must answer the first two essay prompts, but you have a choice to make about which question to address with your third response. As you decide which of the latter essay prompts to answer, allow yourself some time to think about Dartmouth’s comprehensive character. Consider its location in Hanover, New Hampshire; if possible visit the campus and imagine yourself there as an undergraduate. Take a virtual campus tour. Research the different ways Dartmouth’s curriculum and approaches to education are a good fit for you . Think about the specific activities, programs, or organizations that attract you to Dartmouth. In short, ask yourself why is Dartmouth the best place for me to achieve my goals?

Dartmouth reflects its commitment to assess your potential as a student on the Dartmouth campus in its request for a peer recommendation. Dartmouth encourages you to include a letter of recommendation from a friend, classmate, family member, or someone else you regard as your peer. Although the peer recommendation is a “suggestion,” it is not an opportunity to overlook. This endorsement provides insight into how you are perceived by others. It also gives some indication about your potential fit with the Dartmouth community.

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Dartmouth prides itself on learning without boundaries. The overall academic structure and approach at the school is intended to allow you freedom. The year-round quarter system offers flexibility for you to design your own calendar. You can enter any major without a need for institutional approval (this includes Engineering). How might this sort of structure contribute to your educational success? Students are encouraged to: “Challenge yourself. Be yourself.” Don’t worry about choosing an uncommon topic. Instead, focus on discussing whichever topic you select from your point of view. Your essay responses should express your individual story and reflect your personality.

The Dartmouth writing supplement

Dartmouth’s writing supplement requires applicants write brief responses to three supplemental essay prompts as follows. The first two are the same for all applicants but the third allows you to select from several prompts.

1. Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Clas of 2027, what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? In short, Why Dartmouth? Please respond in 100 words or fewer .

How is Dartmouth special to you? You have a limited number of words to work with, so be succinct. Remember, they already have your letters of recommendations (counselor, teachers and peer), grades, SAT/ACT/AP/IB scores, curriculum, and list of extracurricular involvement. This question asks you to focus on your personal and/or academic goals and how Dartmouth is a good match for you and vice versa. How will being a part of the close-knit Dartmouth community and engaging with the Dartmouth curriculum prepare you for your future? Consider the factors that make the Dartmouth program, community, and campus environment unique and how those factors will provide the foundation to support your aspirations. Communicate how these elements align with your sense of place and purpose.

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2. “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself in 200-250 words.

What is your personal story? This is a perfect prompt to allow you to showcase specific conditions, situations, and/or circumstances in your background that are significant to your identity. Share something fundamental about yourself, your family, or your intimate community. You can discuss the intricacies of your cultural, familial, and/or social background—tell your story. Sometimes it might be something obvious, other times it might be disguised or hidden in some way. Do you feel pressure based on a set of arbitrary characteristics? Do you feel judged or liberated in some way? What is important to you? How does this relate to your values and sense of individuality? As you discuss your story, you must provide some context—remember to address why it is significant for others to know this about you. Spend a good portion of your essay discussing how this story relates to your sense of identity. What does this reflect about you? How might what you shared influence your goals for the future? How do you reconcile finding a sense of belonging on your own terms? How might attending Dartmouth impact your story?

3. Choose one of the following prompts and respond in 250-300 words:

A. 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 making—an impact?

This prompt is about what motivates or excites you to action and how you make an impact when driven by passion to make something better for others. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for a cause that is meaningful to you. Discuss a specific incident and what was at stake. How did you make a positive impact? Or how did that motivate you to continue working toward that goal? If you acted on something, consider the repercussions of your actions. What was the outcome? What was the cost to you? What did you learn about yourself? How did this experience change you? This is really about why you think striving for change is important. Consider compassion, empathy, and understanding in terms of interpersonal and global impact. How might an education at Dartmouth prepare you for the future? What kinds of skills, ways of thinking, and experiences will help lay the foundation for success? How does a liberal arts education play into your plans? 

B. What excites you?

This prompt has a broad scope but at the core is, what fascinates you? You don’t need to be an expert about the topic—how do you explore and engage your interests? This is an opportunity to discuss your passion for a particular area (academic or otherwise) and how you learn best. Provide an example of something that attracted your interest and then discuss the path you took to embrace your curiosity. What sparked your interest? What made the topic/activity/information/concept/question so meaningful to you? How did you explore the subject more deeply? What did you discover? What did you learn about yourself? Consider your learning style and how you approach new concepts. Also think about the connection you established to the subject—what might that reveal about your personality? How did this process inspire you? Make sure to convey your passion for the subject and your enthusiasm for learning!

C. In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, William Kamkwamba, Class of 2014, reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power the electrical appliances in his family’s Malawian house: “If you want to make it, all you have to do is try.” What drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you already made?

This prompt discusses how creativity and innovation are often borne of necessity. How did/do you apply your creativity to problem-solving? The focus is on your motivation for creativity while providing a space for you to discuss your passion, imagination, motivation, and aspirations. In this modern technological world, how do you think outside of the proverbial box? Capture a specific moment or urge that sparked your vision. This may be an opportunity to incorporate discussion about an extracurricular interest/activity that demonstrates your creativity. Think about the ideas or values that inspire you to make some sort of impact and the ways in which you express your imagination. What have you learned about yourself through your exploration? Then discuss how that influences your sense of identity and perspective about the world. What does what you learned in this creative process reveal about the person you are? How might this affect how you embrace the future? How might you apply this energy going forward? How might you express your creativity and embrace your aspirations at Dartmouth?

D. Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” What do you wonder and think about?

This is another board prompt that deals with how you expand or enhance ideas, thoughts, and perspectives about the world to reflect on new possibilities. Examine the on-going cycle of coming up with ideas and how you explore those ideas. At the heart of this prompt is how you process the world around you. Consider how this new knowledge or way of thinking impacted or changed you. The focus of this prompt allows you to discuss the relationship between imagination and intellectual thought. Also consider what you might learn about yourself in the process of trying to understand new ideas. Remember to discuss how these new ideas influenced you—the way you interact with others, how you think about your identity , what you might do differently with this new understanding. Dartmouth prides itself on providing flexibility in learning and an education without boundaries—here’s your chance to tell them why that’s so important to you!

E. “Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced,” wrote James Baldwin. How does this quote apply to your life experiences?

This question asks you to identify a specific problem or issue and explain how you actively engaged with it. How did recognizing the problem/issue help you to deal with it? You can address any problem, large or small. Think about the global community, humanitarian efforts, or any issue you would like to fix but make it personal by sharing the impact on your life experiences. Keep in mind that sometimes situations are beyond your control. You can tie this response to community service activities, thoughts about empathy, discussions about agency, and individual responsibility. Consider how you view yourself in relationship to those around you. Why are you inspired to confront this problem? Why is it significant? This response reveals your approach to problem solving, ability to conceive solutions, and illustrates how you process the world around you. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your values, critical thinking skills and creativity. Consider if and how an education at Dartmouth might help you to bring about positive change and address this dilemma. 

Note: If you have unusual curricular patterns, your counselor can mention this in the Secondary Education Report, or you can discuss your circumstances in the “Additional Information” section of the Common Application. 

Final thoughts on applying to Dartmouth

The context of your academic success is a significant factor in determining your overall competitiveness as an applicant. The top applicants take the most rigorous curriculum available at their high schools. Furthermore, by achieving high grades, they demonstrate their ability to thrive in Dartmouth’s challenging academic environment. Dartmouth embraces a holistic approach to the admission process and is committed to reviewing all aspects of your application. This is even more significant given that this application cycle is again test optional. Although Dartmouth is not reporting testing profiles from the last few application cycles, keep in mind; for the class of 2023, over 95% of accepted students were ranked in the top 10% of their high school graduating class with an average SAT score of 1500, and an average ACT score of 33. For the Class of 2026, it received 28,336 undergraduate applications and had a record low acceptance rate of 6.2%. Your personal narrative essays are your opportunity to pull away from this extremely competitive applicant pool.

Although it is easy to get overwhelmed, remember to stay focused on your goals. Allow yourself enough time to reflect on your experiences in a unique way that expresses your personality. Meet all deadlines and word limits. Your overall application should clearly reflect your interests and motivations while enthusiastically demonstrating why Dartmouth is the best school to help you achieve your objectives!

If you’re applying to Dartmouth College, you already know you’re up against tight competition. Don’t be overwhelmed. Get the guidance of an experienced admissions specialist who will help you stand out from the highly competitive applicant pool so you can apply with confidence, and get accepted! Click here to get started!

Related Resources:

• 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your College Application Essays , a free guide
• How Should I Choose Which Essay Questions to Answer When I Have Choices?
• School-Specific Common App Supplemental Essay Tips

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The Admissions Strategist

How to write excellent dartmouth supplemental essays 2020-2021: the unrivaled guide.

One of the oldest colleges in the nation, Dartmouth College is a small but mighty institution with a 10.5% acceptance rate.

The college has highly ranked academic programs and offers over 50 majors, making it one of the most sought-out Ivy League institutions.

Despite its prestige, the Dartmouth application is quite accessible and available on the Common App .

The writing supplements for Dartmouth College stand out in comparison to other schools due to the creativity required to answer them. From Harry Potter to Einstein to the Olympics, there are a variety of topics you may choose to write about!

Click above to watch a video on Dartmouth Supplemental Essays.

The Dartmouth Supplemental Essay Requirements

There are two writing supplements required for your application.

• The first response is short and addresses why you would like to attend Dartmouth. It is a 100-word essay.
• The second response has a longer word count and six different prompts to choose from. It is a 250-300-word essay.

According to their website, the college uses the supplements in hopes to get insight into your personality, as well as your “sense of humor, passion, intellectual curiosity, self-awareness, and social awareness.”

While the prompts are fun, they should also be carefully crafted to present your story.

Dartmouth Supplemental Essay 1: “Why Dartmouth?”

The first prompt for Dartmouth requires a short response of fewer than 100 words. You must respond to the following:

While arguing a Dartmouth-related case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1818, Daniel Webster, Class of 1801, uttered this memorable line: “It is, Sir…a small college. And yet, there are those who love it!” As you seek admission to the Class of 2022, what aspects of the College’s program, community, or campus environment attract your interest?

Thanks to this limitation, you should read the question carefully in order to decide how you would like to respond.

The prompt asks you to describe your interest in Dartmouth College as it relates to their programs, community, or campus environment. This is the quintessential “ Why This College ” essay.

The “or” in this case is important to recognize. This means that the admissions reviewers do not expect you to cover all three topics in fewer than 100 words.

• Instead, you should choose one or, maybe, two of the three options to write about.

If you are passionate about attending Dartmouth, it may be difficult to decide which topic to cover! When making your choice, consider:

• Which of the three choices could I discuss and my response not be easily transferred to any college application?
• Am I most excited about Dartmouth’s programs, community, or campus environment?
• Have I researched enough about my choice to make accurate references in my writing?

The other key term in this prompt is “aspects.”

Dartmouth does not want you to simply write that you like the college, as the example above cites, because it is small.

Instead, describe what is it about a small college that excites you? Why would their particular school be the right fit for you as an individual above all other schools?

• For example, you might be interested in pursuing neuroscience , and Dartmouth has close collaborations through the medical school and surrounding hospitals.
• By virtue of Dartmouth being a small school, this would allow you to pursue more opportunities, such as working closely with faculty members on research projects or building a mentor-mentee relationship with your academic and research advisors. This would be more difficult at a larger institution.

With a tight word limit, you will want to be brief when discussing what makes Dartmouth most attractive to you as a future student.

We recommend you use as close to your entire 100 words as possible to express yourself.

• You’ll want your response to be more than “I like (insert aspect) about Dartmouth because (insert reason).”
• Be sure to use the specific names of programs, professors, projects, and other compelling factors that draw you to Dartmouth.

Whatever you do, be specific. Specificity will help you win the admissions game because you’d be able to demonstrate why you want to attend Dartmouth.

Dartmouth Supplemental Essay 2

The second part of Dartmouth College’s writing supplement gives you plenty of freedom. Not only do you get a longer word count (250-300 words), but you also get to choose one of six interesting and diverse prompts.

Six options!

That’s wonderful, but how do you know which one would be the best choice?

Our first piece of advice is not to choose a topic simply because you love the references. 

First, read every option carefully and consider what it is asking. Eliminate the prompts that you feel would elicit a vague response or those that you might have a hard time finding a specific example from your life to reference.

Then, brainstorm events from your life that you might discuss to address the remaining prompts. This college essay brainstorming guide is one of the best you will find on the Internet.

Here are the six prompts and suggestions on some things you could write about for each prompt. This is how you can answer each one:

The Hawaiian word mo’olelo is often translated as “story” but it can also refer to history, legend, genealogy, and tradition. Use one of these translations to introduce yourself.

We strongly recommend that you do not focus on your life story – it’ll be too much for 300 words. Instead, focus on one story or anecdote that is a microcosm of your life. What about that story describes you well?

• You could write about hardships you’ve faced , such as a physical or learning disability.
• Did your ethnic or economic background ever keep you from an opportunity?
• What skills did you learn while dealing with and overcoming these hardships?
• What changes in your life have forced you to show resilience? Perhaps you moved several times in your life or experienced a loss that affected you deeply.
• What about your values and characteristics shifted and changed while you played your hand?

If you choose to write about how you’ve dealt with a problem, don’t write about only the hardship. Spend more than 50% of your essay on how you overcame it and in what capacity the ordeal changed you. Focus on action steps.

Tell Dartmouth that your story has shaped your character. And so, what about your character will you bring to Dartmouth, and how will it help their campus?

Maybe your story includes a positive trait, like a photographic memory. How did you use this skill to reach a goal?

Get personalized advice!

What excites you?

Similar to option #4, this is an incredibly broad question. Don’t write broad just because the question is broad! It is your job to create a narrative. Stay focused and specific.

It is best to think of one thing that you feel like excites you to the point of driving you as a person. Consider: 

• What do you get most excited about or enthusiastic to do during your week? Why? What is at the heart of that drive? 
• Where does that excitement come from, or how was it formed? 
• Has your excitement had any impact on other areas or your life or the lives of others? Does that fuel your enthusiasm? 

Paint a picture of your excitement, and above all else, avoid: 

• Being general. Don’t give an answer like “education excites me” and talk about the broad impact of education on the world. This essay is about you. 
• Giving an answer you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Don’t say politics excites you if it doesn’t. If bird watching is your thing, tell them that, but drive at the heart of why. 

This essay should give the committee an understanding of the forces at the core of who you are. When you finish, ask yourself if it accomplishes that.

In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, William Kamkwamba, Class of 2014, reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power the electrical appliances in his family’s Malawian house: “If you want to make it, all you have to do is try.” What drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you already made?

There are two parts to this question, and it’s important to make sure that you address them equally to fully answer the question. By nature of the question, the committee is assuming that you are, in fact, driven to create, and wants to know more about that. If your instinct was “well, I’m not driven to create,” then do not answer this prompt!

Similarly to the prior question, this asks you to get at the core of your personality. First, consider what drives you to create? 

• Was there a time early in life that you remember creating something of your own? What was it? What motivated you to attempt this thing? 
• When you are most innovative, what has the task at hand been related to? Was it out of necessity? Passion? Intrigue? Pure curiosity? 
• If you had to describe your primary motivation in life, what would it be, and does it relate to your urge to create? 

Once you’ve tackled this part, ensure you get to the second half: What do you hope to make, or have you already made? 

Remember, there should be a clear connection between this part of the question and the first part. For example, if you were driven by necessity, do you believe that has led you to your greatest creations already, or do you see leveraging that to solve the problems of others in the future?

• What creation are you most proud of? 
• Do you have a desire to solve problems in the world through creativity? If so, which ones? How do you see yourself achieving that?

Curiosity is a guiding element of Toni Morrison’s talent as a writer. “I feel totally curious and alive and in control. And almost… magnificent, when I write,” she says. Celebrate your curiosity.

This is a particularly broad question, so stay disciplined when writing.

We strongly recommend that you stick to one curiosity when writing this essay. Curiosity can be an inspiration, idea, experience, passion, or concept that encourages you to delve deeper into its inner workings.

You want to start by briefly mentioning the curiosity. Then, paint a picture of why it’s important to you. Here are some ideas:

• Were you close with your mom before she passed away? Are you now interested in the meaning of life and suffering?
• Did you learn anything valuable from a volunteer experience?
• Are you passionate about STEM, politics, writing, or Spanish?
• Describe a conversation where you learned something new because you asked lots of questions and allowed your curiosity to embody you.
• When has your intellectual curiosity paid off? Maybe you discovered and were awarded a scholarship that started as a random Google search.
• Important : Do not provide test scores or grades as evidence of your intellect. Your intelligence already shows on your transcript.

A foolproof approach to this essay is extrapolating your past experiences while exploring this curiosity. In other words,  how did you work toward this curiosity?

Here’s an outline of an example essay:

• You love the idea of interplanetary travel because you’d gaze at the stars when you were younger. Your dad bought you a telescope, which only bolstered this passion.
• In high school, you founded and served as president of the Propulsion Club, where you and your team designed and built rockets.
• You then took your best rocket design and pitched it in a local innovation solutions challenge. Your team won first place.
• After studying at Dartmouth, you want to work at SpaceX or NASA and help bring humanity to Mars. You eventually want to join a manned mission to an extraterrestrial body.

Don’t simply state facts about your intellect, but don’t be too modest. State a fact about your intellectual curiosity, and then move on to give details.

If you’re interested in this essay but are struggling to hone in on one curiosity, ask yourself, “What makes me intellectually unique?” Dartmouth is full of bright students, so think beyond the numbers.

When writing the latter half of this essay, you can let Dartmouth know you’re going to pursue this curiosity on campus.

“Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away,” observed Frida Kahlo. Apply Kahlo’s perspective to your own life.

This is a particularly vague and perhaps confusing prompt. If this quote or sentiment does not immediately resonate with you, avoid answering this question, as your response is likely to miss the mark. 

This quote asks you to reflect on the ephemeral nature of life and the world. This idea can be received and applied in a negative way or a positive way. Your job is to explain how you yourself would apply it to your own life. Consider: 

• What idea was Frida trying to convey? Does this sentiment resonate with a certain emotion to you?
• Are you a planner or do you go with the flow? Why? What philosophy do you use to guide your decisions? 
• What things in your life serve as guiding pillars or your truth, if any? Do you have certain core values, people, events, etc. or do you agree with Frida in the truest sense? 

This essay is an opportunity for you to be truly philosophical and share some of your guiding principles or notions with the admissions committee. However, be careful not to miss the mark of your own life by getting too theoretical. Make sure you explain how your understanding of her words applies in actionable ways in your own life.

In the aftermath of World War II, Dartmouth President John Sloane Dickey, Class of 1929, proclaimed, “The world’s troubles are your troubles…and there is nothing wrong with the world that better human beings cannot fix.” Which of the world’s “troubles” inspires you to act? How might your course of study at Dartmouth prepare you to address it?

This essay provides a great opportunity for you to elaborate on activities you love or ambitions you want to pursue. The “trouble” that inspires you to act can be something pandemic and political or deeply personal.

Either way, if you care about something that affects people, you can write about it here.

We recommend spending only a brief amount of time stating and explaining the problem. The admissions officers have access to the Internet, so they can check up on in-depth statistics if they’re further interested in the problem you mention.

Once you explain the problem, go into how you were inspired to take action and address this problem on a personal level. Did you participate in volunteer projects, internships, protests, or extracurricular activities that encouraged you to do your part in addressing this problem?

Then write about one of the following.

• What about your past experiences or values guided your actions?
• What did you learn from your actions? What did you learn from your engagement
• How can your kindness shape Dartmouth’s campus? What do you have to offer?

Then, explain how an education at Dartmouth will help you develop your skills so you can take your involvement to the next level.

More Dartmouth Supplemental Essay Tips

As mentioned above, Dartmouth has carefully crafted these prompts in order to get to know their potential students.

• While drafting your response to the second writing supplement, keep in mind that admissions officers want to know about a combination of your passions, curiosity, humor, self-awareness, and social awareness.

If you read your final draft and can’t see yourself in it, it may be time to revise.

One way to ensure that you have written a strong response is by including specific details about your life and experiences.

• Dartmouth claims to read every word of these responses and wants to find out more about you than what appears on a resume. If you are rehashing any part of your application, you need to rethink your strategy (or pick a different prompt).
• Think of it this way: You want to introduce a new part of your personality to the admissions officer. Don’t get stuck mentioning the same thing in both essays and on the Common App.

While responding to the second supplement, make sure that you have cast yourself in an active role.

If you describe an incredible organization, their mission, and the selfless volunteer coordinator who introduced you to service-learning, that’s cool to hear, but admissions officers haven’t learned anything about you.

• Instead, you should include detail about the work you did with the organization and the difference it made to your worldview, education, and career choice.
• Including action steps is the safest way to craft a powerful supplemental essay. Mention what you did and how you took the initiative to pursue your curiosity.

Always remember, you must “help [the college] envision what you’ll bring to Dartmouth.” Show Dartmouth that you will be a contributing student on campus.

Conclusion: The Dartmouth Supplemental Essays

Before you write your response, remember that writing supplements are not full-length essays.

Do not waste your word count attempting to fit in an introduction and conclusion.

Instead, get directly to the point, address the question, and allow your passion to show through your writing. After all, Dartmouth says that their intention is to get to know you, and you wouldn’t want to disappoint!

Also, make sure your responses sound like you. Have someone who knows you well read over your responses. They’ll be able to let you know if your voice and personality were captured.

Dartmouth’s website encourages this authenticity when crafting your essays. They say, “If you’re always funny, be funny. But if you’re the serious type, show us that side of you.”

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Dartmouth College Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the Dartmouth essay prompts? CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the Dartmouth application essays will show you exactly how to write engaging Dartmouth supplemental essays and maximize your chances of admission.

If you need help crafting your Dartmouth supplemental essays, create your  free account  or  schedule a no-cost advising consultation  by calling (844) 505-4682.

Dartmouth  Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• Dartmouth has an acceptance rate of 9.0%— U.S. News  ranks Dartmouth as a  highly selective  school.
• You must answer both Dartmouth supplemental essays. The first Dartmouth essay essentially asks, “Why Dartmouth?” The second gives you a choice of six Dartmouth essay prompts!

Does Dartmouth have supplemental essays?

Yes. The Dartmouth essay prompts are available on the  Common App , which all Dartmouth candidates must use to apply. After responding to the Common App’s main essay prompt, you’ll also need to write two additional Dartmouth application essays. The Dartmouth supplemental essays are also on the college’s website.

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from  our Common App essay guide .

How many supplemental essays does Dartmouth require?

There are   two school-specific Dartmouth application essays on the 2021-2022 Common App. Both Dartmouth essay prompts are  required , meaning you must complete both essays in order to apply. You should consider how your Dartmouth application essays will complement and enhance the other elements of your application.

How to write the Dartmouth essays:

The Dartmouth supplemental essays allow you to create a narrative around your identity as a student beyond your academic credentials. Take the time to understand the individual Dartmouth essay prompts. As you begin each Dartmouth essay, consider the following questions:

• What does the prompt specifically ask me to include?
• Do I include new information or building upon a point I’ve made elsewhere, or do I repeat information already included in another section of my application?
• Does my response highlight my unique qualities?
• Does my essay authentically reflect my experiences?

What does Dartmouth look for in essays?

Personality! Your Dartmouth application essays should not only reflect what you’ve done but should also capture who you are. In reading your Dartmouth essays, the admissions team wants to get a sense of you as a person: your qualities, your passions, and the way you move through and see the world. Your Dartmouth supplemental essays should help admissions officers understand what makes you  you  and imagine what you will bring to campus.

How do you respond to the Dartmouth supplements?

We have provided the  prompts for the 2021-2022 Dartmouth supplemental essays  below. You’ll find a breakdown of how to approach each of the Dartmouth essay prompts. We’ll also discuss tips for writing Dartmouth essays that will help you stand out in admissions.

Dartmouth Supplemental Essays – Question 1 (Required)

While arguing a Dartmouth-related case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1818, Daniel Webster, Class of 1801, delivered this memorable line: “It is, sir,…a small college, and yet there are those who love it!” As you seek admission to the Class of 2026, what aspects of the College’s program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? (100 words or less).

Although this question begins with an anecdote, the first of the Dartmouth essay prompts can be distilled into two words: “Why Dartmouth?”

This Dartmouth essay is your chance to highlight what specifically about Dartmouth stands out to you. As you prepare to answer this question, consider the three categories the prompt provides and do some research into each. A great place to begin is Dartmouth’s website. If you want to discuss academic programs, look into different  areas of study . Or if you want to address community, look into different  student groups & activities . If you want to write about the campus environment, look into various  student resources . Successful Dartmouth application essays will include details specific to the school.

As you do your research, imagine you are a freshman on Dartmouth’s campus. How would you be excited to use your time, both in and out of the classroom? Are there specific faculty or opportunities you would seek out? What student groups or organizations would you explore?

This Dartmouth essay is limited to 100 words or less, so you’ll have to be concise. Even if everything about Dartmouth appeals to you, limit your response to 2-3 specific attributes you want to spotlight. Additionally, you will want to avoid writing general statements, like “I am excited to join a student group” or “I am interested in Economics.” Instead, get as specific as you can. Which student groups are you interested in joining? Are there specific courses or methods of thinking that interest you?

Finally, you’ll want to explain  why  you are excited to have these experiences. Don’t leave it up to Admissions to guess why you’ve chosen to include a specific group or organization. It is important you only highlight the things you are passionate about, whether it is connected to your academic interests, hobbies, or sense of self. For example, if you are passionate about the  Dartmouth Outing Club , include a brief reason as to why having clubs dedicated to hiking, kayaking, skiing, or organic farming is important to you. Dartmouth application essays that address both the school’s offerings and the applicant’s relationship to these offerings will stand out to Admissions Officers.

Dartmouth Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Does your response answer the question “Why Dartmouth?”
• Do you name the specific attributes that excite you?
• Does your response reflect something you are passionate about?

Dartmouth Supplemental Essays – Question 2 (Required)

Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 250-300 words:

A. The Hawaiian word mo’olelo is often translated as “story” but it can also refer to history, legend, genealogy, and tradition. Use one of these translations to introduce yourself.

B. What excites you?

C. In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, William Kamkwamba, Class of 2014, reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power the electrical appliances in his family’s Malawian house: “If you want to make it, all you have to do is try.” What drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you already made?

D. Curiosity is a guiding element of Toni Morrison’s talent as a writer. “I feel totally curious and alive and in control. And almost…magnificent, when I write,” she says. Celebrate your curiosity.

E. “Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away,” observed Frida Kahlo. Apply Kahlo’s perspective to your own life.

F. In the aftermath of World War II, Dartmouth President John Sloane Dickey, Class of 1929, proclaimed, “The world’s troubles are your troubles…and there is nothing wrong with the world that better human beings cannot fix.” Which of the world’s “troubles” inspires you to act? How might your course of study at Dartmouth prepare you to address it?

Unlike the first prompt, the second of the Dartmouth application essays revolves around you. Not only do you get to choose which of the Dartmouth essay prompts to answer, but many of the Dartmouth supplemental essays are open-ended. This leaves you free to use the Dartmouth essay prompts to discuss anything in your life and experiences that resonate with you. As with the first essay prompt, your response is another opportunity to add to the story of who you are. What is important to you that haven’t you included in other parts of your application?

To help you get started, let’s break down each prompt and unpack what they ask.

This prompt is actually multiple prompts rolled into one. As you think about this Dartmouth essay, consider the different translations as lenses through which you might examine who you are. What is the story of your life through the traditions you or your family practices? Through tracing your family tree? Through the stories of your great-great relatives, or the cultural or religious figures you believe in?

Since you only have 250-300 words for these Dartmouth essay prompts, you’ll want to be concise. You may choose to open your Dartmouth essay with an anecdote about your history, traditions, or culture. Then, get right into describing how the trait you choose reflects your identity.

Remember—the Dartmouth application essays are intended to help Admissions Officers get to know  you . Don’t get hung up on the semantics of a particular tradition or story. Instead, use your topic to help Dartmouth Admissions Officers understand more about who you are. In this case, the Dartmouth application essays that focus on the applicant’s own identity will be the most successful.

This Dartmouth essay prompt is all about your passions. Is there a specific anecdote that embodies your passion? Or is there an origin or starting point you can trace your passion back to? Is there a personal reason you are passionate about a specific area of study?

Since this prompt is so open-ended, you can use it to give Dartmouth an honest glance into who you are and how you view the world. Above all, be honest! Authenticity is key when approaching the Dartmouth essay prompts.

Quickly explain what excites you, then delve into  why  it excites you. For instance, if you’re interested in geology, don’t spend your Dartmouth essay just talking about rocks; instead, quickly explain your interest, then move into a discussion about how your interest relates to your overall identity. Admissions officers should come away from this Dartmouth essay with a clearer image of who you are.

This Dartmouth essay prompt is about creativity. What are you passionate about making? Why are you passionate about it? Where does your passion come from? What effect do you hope your creation has on others? On yourself? On the world?

As you approach this Dartmouth essay, begin by brainstorming different things you have either already created or want to create. Keep in mind that “creation” can mean a wide variety of things! Maybe you invented a device in your engineering club; maybe you put in place a new set of community guidelines to promote kindness and equity at your school. Any form of creation will be suitable for this Dartmouth essay!

You can answer this Dartmouth essay prompt in a variety of ways, choosing to discuss either something you’ve already made or something you hope to create. Either way, your response should foreground the relationship between creativity and your own life. Again, make sure your response talks about YOU and how you view the world!

This Dartmouth essay prompt can also be a great chance to supplement your candidate profile by showing particular ways you’ve engaged with your interests. For example, if you won a state-wide robotics competition but didn’t discuss robotics in your other essays, the Dartmouth supplemental essays give you the chance to talk about the things you’ve made in more detail.

Like the other Dartmouth supplemental essays, this prompt allows for a lot of flexibility. In fact, it doesn’t even pose a question—instead, it asks you to “celebrate your curiosity.”

As you approach this Dartmouth essay prompt, think about what curiosity means to you. What are you curious about? Is there a specific story or anecdote that embodies your curiosity? What does your curiosity look like? Is it research? Reflection? How do you like to learn and feed your curiosity?

In responding to this prompt for the Dartmouth supplemental essays, consider how curiosity manifests in your own life. Maybe you taught yourself ASL to communicate with a Deaf classmate; maybe you took a road trip to the desert to study ecological phenomena. This Dartmouth essay prompt is the chance for you to celebrate who you are and convince Admissions Officers that you would be a great addition to their community.

This Dartmouth essay prompt asks you to consider how change manifests in your own life. There are many ways you could approach this prompt, whether you agree or disagree with Kahlo’s perspective. In what ways has your life changed? How has your understanding of change and impermanence developed? When were you forced to change?

If answered appropriately, this Dartmouth essay question can help show Admissions Officers your intellectual maturity. After all, change is a huge part of life, and few changes are more momentous than the transition to college! In this instance, successful Dartmouth supplemental essays will use the theme of change to tell a story about how a student has developed and will continue to develop at Dartmouth.

As you answer this Dartmouth essay prompt, be careful about your choice of topic. Change can be a great thing, but it can also be a challenge. While you can certainly write about difficult topics in your Dartmouth supplemental essays, be careful not to veer into subjects that might negatively impact your application. As a general rule, Admissions Officers tend to struggle with essays about high school drama, mental illness, or severe trauma (though there are exceptions to every rule).

Finally, this prompt has to do with passion for change. What do you believe should be different in our world? What is your medium for change? Activism? Technology? Invention? What specific course(s) at Dartmouth will feed and grow this passion? Are there current members of the faculty or alumni involved in the kind of work you hope to be doing?

This Dartmouth essay prompt also hints at the “Why Dartmouth” question. With this in mind, the most successful Dartmouth supplemental essays will use Dartmouth as a means of expressing how a student hopes to change the world.

Above all, your answer to this Dartmouth essay question should be genuine. Additionally, you’ll likely want to choose a “trouble” related to your overall candidate profile. For instance, if you’re interested in electrical engineering, you may not want to write about solving world hunger. Be honest, be humble, and express what matters to you.

As you can see, there is a wide variety of Dartmouth supplemental essays. If you’re having trouble choosing one of the Dartmouth essay prompts, try setting a timer for five minutes and write out a bulleted list for each of the prompts that interest you. The longer the list, or the more detailed the bullets, the more likely it is you’ll have plenty to write about. If none of the Dartmouth supplemental essays immediately jump out at you, try one of our  writing exercises  to jumpstart your brainstorm. Then, see how you could connect it to one of the Dartmouth essay prompts.

• Does your response reflect a unique experience or perspective?
• Do you offer new and valuable information not found elsewhere in your application?
• Does your response address the specific question asked in the selected prompt?

What kind of students does Dartmouth look for?

The Dartmouth essay prompts help Admissions to look for students that believe in building community and will embody  their core values . They aim to admit students who are committed to academic excellence, integrity, collaboration, and respect. Dartmouth is dedicated to a diversity of opinions and looks for students from all backgrounds and financial means.

If you think Dartmouth is the right school for you, try to demonstrate their values throughout your application. The Dartmouth supplemental essays give you lots of opportunities to discuss your identity in a clear and authentic way. Take advantage of the Dartmouth essay prompts and show Admissions Officers that they want you at their school!

Dartmouth Supplemental Essays: Final Thoughts

The Dartmouth supplemental essays help the Admissions team learn more about who you are and why you belong at Dartmouth. Your Dartmouth essays give you space to express who you are and what matters to you on your own terms. Rather than viewing these essays as a challenging task to complete, view them as an opportunity to be honest about your experiences and let your personality shine through. This will help your Dartmouth application essays stand out!

Distilling everything important about yourself into the Dartmouth supplemental essays may seem intimidating, but remember that you are your own greatest asset. As you craft your Dartmouth essays, use this guide to help. Be sure to give yourself enough time to draft and revise each of your responses. Remember, you have complete control over how you answer the Dartmouth supplemental essays, including good spelling and punctuation. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide on Dartmouth College was written by Stefanie Tedards, Northwestern  ‘17 . For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on Dartmouth,  click here . Want help crafting your Dartmouth supplemental essays? Create your   free account  or  schedule a no-cost advising consultation  by calling (844) 505-4682.

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17 Essays That Got In to Dartmouth

Updated for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle.

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Located in the cozy, bucolic town of Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth College is an Ivy League institution known for its small, personal setting. On the school’s expansive, rolling green campus, students are given an unparalleled education that emphasizes a culture of inquiry and hands-on learning. The College's unique programs and robust alumni network are clear signs of its dedication to leadership development. Students also benefit from Dartmouth’s distinctive D Plan: a program that allows students to customize their academic schedules and take advantage of internships during the fall, winter, or spring. Ultimately, Dartmouth gives its students the chance to push themselves and broaden their perspectives in a stunning natural environment.

Unique traditions at Dartmouth

1. Homecoming Bonfire: A Dartmouth tradition since 1895, the Homecoming Bonfire is a ceremony during the Wednesday before the football game at Homecoming Week. It involves constructing a massive bonfire with logs and lighting it up, with Dartmouth spirit and cheers. 2. Mudbowl: An annual fall football game taking place between upperclassmen and underclassmen at Dartmouth College. The game is played in the mud, hence the name, and is followed with a celebratory pig roast. 3. Canoe Race: A tradition of over 100 years, Dartmouth Students compete every year to be crowned the winner of the Canoe Race. This race pits men's and women's teams, with eight Team Boats with six rowers and one steersman, around a triangular course on the Connecticut River 4. Green Key: Green Key Weekend is a great Dartmouth tradition for seniors to enjoy the last time together. The events of the weekend include a semi-formal dance, the production of a play, themed meals and the annual Chapel Talk. 5. Winter Carnival: An annual event taking place in late February, it includes a variety of activities such as ice sculpting and cardboard sledding. The weekend also includes the famous

Programs at Dartmouth

1. Dartmouth Outing Club: Founded in 1909, the Dartmouth Outing Club is one of the oldest collegiate outdoor clubs in the United States. Their mission is to promote the exploration and celebration of the natural world through outdoor recreation and education. 2. Disabilities Culture and Community Initiative: The Disabilities Culture and Community Initiative provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and engaging with disabilities. Through lectures, forums, curricular offerings, and programs, the mission of this initiative is to increase the visibility of disability culture on campus. 3. Cognition and Education Research Program: This program provides an interdisciplinary graduate-level education in research methods, leading to a Masters degree in cognitive and education sciences. 4. Future Traders Club: The Future Traders Club facilitates a unique learning experience for Dartmouth students through stock trading simulation competitions. Members of the club are able to build their skills in analyzing financial markets and developing trading strategies. 5. Dartmouth Food Collaborative: The mission of the Dartmouth Food Collaborative is to bring together students, faculty, staff, and local residents to explore the social, economic, cultural, and environmental implications of food systems. Through events, classes, and research initiatives, this group strives to foster

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Hanover, NH

Real Essays from Dartmouth Admits

Prompt: “be yourself,” oscar wilde advised. “everyone else is taken.” introduce yourself..

I won’t be able to hide my weird forever, so here goes… I'm the kind of person who finds joy in the unconventional.

Take my childhood Saturdays, for instance. They were less about the hustle of the farmer's market and more about the joy of discovering how to eat summer strawberries: In WHOLE, leaves and all.

Weird, right? But that's me, always curious, always questioning the “why not” in life's small moments. (FYI: strawberry leaves rock)

I've carried this trait of embracing the unconventional into my passion for bassoon and fencing as well. I rarely find others who can relate.

Indeed, everyone I know tends to follow more conventional, popular sports. My closest friends, who seem to know every single football and basketball player alive, couldn’t tell you a single thing about fencing. They have legitimately asked me if my fencing blades are sharp enough to kill.

They’re not. This isn’t the Middle Ages.

As a bassoonist, I also deviate from the norm. As if the instrument itself wasn’t unusual enough, I’ve found my passion playing outside the traditional classical genre in the chaotic rhythms of jazz. Locking myself into the narrow road of classical music just seemed too limiting.

Following Wilde's counsel less as a mantra and more as a quiet acknowledgment, I find contentment in my unique blend of interests. Whether it's the unconventional crunch of strawberry leaves or the offbeat rhythms of jazz bassoon, each step I take is a testament to the joy of being myself.

Essay by Zach P.

4/5 HYPSM Admit | Asian Male @ Harvard!

Prompt: What excites you?

Whenever my mom describes me, excitable is the first word she uses. Which I always thought was strange, why not funny, adventurous, or passionate? But, without fail or hesitation, she says that I am excitable. She’s not wrong, though. There is a seemingly never ending list of subjects that excite me. So my answer to “what excites you?” could’ve been sustainable land usage or 70s soft rock or camping or high-speed railway systems or film photography. But, as I reflected on the past few years, I realized that cinema has been the center of my most exciting conversations and experiences. There is something about the chaotic, love-filled action sequences in Everything Everywhere All at Once, and the vast visuals of Dune, and the quiet, intimate moments in The Power of the Dog that excites me to no end. And it’s this excitement that inspired me to write a film studies-based research paper.

Over the course of six months, I wrote 25 pages of original research about the impact of female perspectives on male-centered filmmaking. Through this opportunity, I studied the portrayal of female and male characters and their emotions, and how they shifted based off of the gendered perspectives represented in the filmmaking process. Despite the struggles of conducting research and the frequent moments of doubt, this experience deepened my love and understanding of cinema. So the movies are more exciting than ever, especially with my newly-honed analytical skills (although my friends are often annoyed by my mid-movie interpretations).

Essay by Colleen Bailey

Hey! I play soccer, take photos on film, and explore the outdoors (among other things)!

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