Admissions Glossary

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Office of Undergraduate Admissions

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Admissions FAQs

Questions? Being curious makes you a good fit for Dartmouth.
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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.

  • Application Management System

    Dartmouth's application portal for viewing application status and making updates.

    Early Decision

    Students applying through the Early Decision cycle have the opportunity to gain early acceptance. Admission is “binding” which means students admitted to Dartmouth early are required to enroll.

    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.

    Recommendations

    Dartmouth requires a counselor recommendation, two teacher recommendations, and strongly encourages a peer recommendation.

    Regular Decision

    Students applying through the Regular Decision cycle have the opportunity to gain acceptance in the spring and, if admitted, have until May 1 to either accept or decline their offer.

    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.