Most Commonly Searched Terms
The college admissions process involves terminology you might not encounter anywhere else. Use this online glossary to get up to speed on key admissions words and phrases.
Alumni Interview
An in-person or virtual interview offered by a Dartmouth alumnus/a to first-year applicants.
Essay
The essay is an important part of your application, providing an opportunity to showcase your personality and intangibles that can't be easily reflected in a resume.
Holistic Admissions
Holistic admissions is grounded in the concept that the whole is more than merely the sum of its parts. At Dartmouth, this idea is at the forefront of our application review process.
International Students
Dartmouth considers candidacies of all non-U.S. citizens to be international students, with the following exceptions: permanent residents, eligible non-citizens, and undocumented students in the U.S.
Peer Recommendation
A written statement of support for the applicant’s candidacy, completed by anyone the applicant considers a peer. It should not be someone who is in a supervisory role in the applicant’s life.
Recommendations
Dartmouth requires a counselor recommendation, two teacher recommendations, and strongly encourages a peer recommendation.
Standardized Testing
Dartmouth requires standardized testing scores as part of your application.
Writing Supplement
The writing supplement includes questions specific to Dartmouth that help the Admissions Committee gain a better sense of how Dartmouth and you might be a good “fit” for each other.