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Are you looking to apply to Dartmouth College and are unsure how to approach writing the supplemental essays? Do not worry, as this post is here to provide you with the essay prompts as well as some tips on how to answer each question effectively! Dartmouth requires applicants to write 2 supplemental essays - one essay is a mandatory topic, and the other essay is a choice between 2 topics.
Dartmouth College Essay Prompts
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? (100 words)*
Talk about what interests you in Dartmouth's academics, community, and campus environment.
Focus on how you would spend your time at Dartmouth and how the environment could enrich your sense of purpose.
Consider what major you are interested in and how Dartmouth's offerings align with your goals.
Think about specific places on campus where you would study or participate in extracurricular activities.
Research is crucial for writing a memorable essay, so spend time exploring Dartmouth's website to connect your current interests with your future goals.
Answer 1 prompt out of the 2 below
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)
Describe what or who has influenced you to become the person you are today.
Discuss where you come from and what has shaped you making your perspective unique.
Focus on larger cultural constructs or specific experiences that have shaped you personally.
Share insights about your hometown, traditions, culture, cuisine, orientation, identity, race, or ethnicity that others may not know.
Consider how your background and worldview will contribute something valuable to the Dartmouth community.
“Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself. (250 words)
Talk about your interests, important things in your life, ideologies that give you hope or connection, favourite qualities, or passions that motivate you.
Share what interests you, what's important in your life, and any ideologies or beliefs that shape your worldview.
The key to a unique and memorable response is to give yourself enough time to write, draft, organize, edit, and polish your response.
Answer 1 prompt out of the 6 below
What excites you? (250 words)
Focus on a subject that sparks your curiosity, a concept you've been exploring, or a memorable experience.
Consider which homework assignments you're eager to complete and which topics make you want to learn more.
Think about what or who challenges you to think in new ways.
Dartmouth is looking for self-motivated, deep thinkers who contribute to class discussions and may conduct research.
Show enthusiasm and specificity in your response to demonstrate your value in a classroom setting.
Labour 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)
This prompt focuses on your vision for contributing to the greater good and your life's purpose.
Dartmouth is interested in the mark you aspire to leave on the world.
Explain why you're passionate about advocating for the voiceless or removing barriers for marginalized communities.
Highlight any steps you've taken toward this goal and how they will support your future endeavours.
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)
Dartmouth seeks intellectually curious applicants, so share a concept that captivates you.
Reflect on the last time you deeply researched a topic that interests you.
Discuss what fascinates you and what these examples reveal about your personality, interests, or learning style.
Celebrate your nerdy side. (250 words)
Share a time when you were deeply engrossed in researching something.
Discuss moments when you were motivated to solve a problem or create something new.
Mention some skills you learned outside of school.
Reflect on what these examples reveal about your personality, interests, or learning style.
Focus on why your passions bring you joy or satisfaction, rather than getting lost in technical details.
“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)
Discuss something about yourself that makes you different from others.
Reflect on how your relationship with this difference has evolved over the years.
It could be an opportunity to discuss your racial, ethnic, or gender identity.
Talk about how this difference has helped you grow as a person.
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)
Highlight some positive qualities about yourself that show the admissions officer that you will make a meaningful contribution to the Dartmouth community.
Highlight any challenges you may have faced and how you overcame them.
Show admissions that you have the determination to succeed despite challenges.
Discuss how you've bounced back from setbacks and pursued your goals.
We hope that this guide has helped you start planning and writing your essay prompts. Good luck with your applications!
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