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Q:

What does Dartmouth's new need-blind policy mean for international student applicants?

A: shuyi

Great question! First of all, for those of you unaware, Dartmouth recently announced a new need-blind admissions policy for all applicants, including international students. By doing so, Dartmouth became one of six institutions of U.S. higher education to offer need-blind admissions while meeting 100% of demonstrated need, regardless of whether you are a U.S. or international student. This policy not only shows how Dartmouth values the perspectives and experiences that international students bring, but also the strength of the alumni network. In fact, this policy was only made possible by several donations from alumni, including 440 alumni and parents. The policy is already in effect for the Class of 2026, and is expected to continue for many generations of students to come. To read more about the policy, here's a news article from The Dartmouth, our daily student newspaper and America's oldest college newspaper!

If you have more questions about the policy, another great article to read comes from the College itself, where we hear from President Philip Hanlon, Dean of Admissions Lee Coffin, Interim Provost David Kotz and other valued members of our community about the motives and hopes behind the policy change. The article also features some recent international students, who's voices I've shared below: 

"Financial aid was a massive factor in my decision to enroll at Dartmouth," says Syed Rakin Ahmed '18, MED '22, who is completing a dual MD-PhD program offered jointly by Harvard, MIT, and the Geisel School of Medicine. "Growing up in a low-income community in Dhaka, Bangladesh, I never even imagined that I would be where I am today, to be able to receive my undergraduate degree at Dartmouth, to study at the University of Oxford, and now earn a joint degree from Harvard, MIT, and Dartmouth. I consider myself tremendously fortunate." 

Sonia Qin '19, who was born in Beijing, grew up in Ottawa, Canada, and now is a third-year student at Yale Law School, says a robust financial aid program for non-U.S. students is essential for Dartmouth to fulfill its mission. "For a school that is preparing future leaders," she says, "you need to have viewpoints that are maybe different, maybe uncomfortable, maybe unusual." 

I hope that helps to answer your question! I know applying to college can be complicated and confusing, especially as an international student, so if you have any more questions feel free to reach out to your local Admissions Officer or students like me (my email is shuyi.jin.23@dartmouth.edu)! Personally, I'm excited to see the diversity that this new policy will introduce, as a large part of my Dartmouth experience so far has been learning about other people's cultures and perspectives. 

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