Standardized Testing
Testing is encouraged, but it isn't the ultimate factor in evaluating an application. Testing, in conjunction with your secondary school report and recommendations, helps us better understand your academic preparation. We strongly advise students to focus on the many holistic elements of the application that showcase academic excellence and their personal narrative. Dartmouth has practiced holistic admissions review for more than a century, and that ancient ideal of the whole person continues to guide our application review process for candidacies with and without ACT or SAT scores.
SAT or ACT
Dartmouth College is test optional for applicants to the Class of 2028. If a student has taken standardized testing, we encourage the student to submit scores regardless of how they may compare to scores on historical Dartmouth class profiles.
How to Submit
On Common App, you will have an opportunity to indicate if you would like Dartmouth to consider your test scores as a part of your application.
If you submit multiple scores from the SAT or ACT, we will accept superscored testing, i.e. your highest section scores in either test, regardless of the test dates.
You may self-report your scores on your application, and we will consider these scores until we receive your official scores.
The fastest and most direct way to submit official scores is to request the testing agency report your scores to Dartmouth. You are also welcome to ask your school counselor to submit your scores to Dartmouth with your transcript or by emailing them to submit@dartmouth.edu.
Please note: if you indicate that you wish your scores to be considered in our review of your candidacy for admission, we will require that you submit your official scores before you enroll.
International Students Only:
If your first language is not English, and your secondary school curriculum has not been delivered in English for at least two years, we require you to submit an English proficiency exam score from the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or Cambridge C1/C2.
In addition to the English Language Proficiency details above, we will accept online results from the TOEFL and IELTS examinations from applicants for the Class of 2028: TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition, IELTS Indicator.
Additional Optional Testing
- SAT Subject Tests
- Advanced Placement Exams
- International Baccalaureate Exams
You are welcome to submit SAT Subject, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate scores to illustrate your academic strengths. Not submitting these scores will not prevent your candidacy from receiving a full review by the Admissions Committee. If you submit subject test scores, we will include them in our review of your application.
Test Deadlines
Early Decision
Last test date for SAT/Subject Test: November
Last test date for ACT: October
Regular Decision
Last test date for SAT/Subject Test or ACT: December