What are the current Dartmouth essay prompts and does anyone have advice for tackling them?
I'm starting to think about my college applications and Dartmouth has been at the top of my list for a while. I know they have a reputation for some really creative supplemental essay prompts, but I haven't been able to find what this year's specific questions are yet.
If anyone knows the prompts for the upcoming cycle, could you share them? Also, if you've applied to Dartmouth before, what was your experience like with their essays? Were there certain prompts that were more challenging or that allowed for more personal expression?
Really hoping for a bit of insight so I can start brainstorming early since essay writing is not my strongest area.
If anyone knows the prompts for the upcoming cycle, could you share them? Also, if you've applied to Dartmouth before, what was your experience like with their essays? Were there certain prompts that were more challenging or that allowed for more personal expression?
Really hoping for a bit of insight so I can start brainstorming early since essay writing is not my strongest area.
6 days ago
•
10 views
Camille L.
• 6 days ago
Advisor
For the 2024-2025 Dartmouth supplemental essays, applicants should expect a required 100-word "Why Dartmouth?" essay and a choice of one (1) out of several prompts for a longer (250-300 words) response.
This year’s prompts are focused on creativity, personal reflection, and values. Here’s what you’ll find:
1. Using either the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights or the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, discuss a global issue you care about and why.
2. Celebrate your own voice. Tell us about a time when you used your voice for change or to support others.
3. Share a meaningful conversation you’ve had and why it was important.
4. Inspired by a Dartmouth tradition, event, or value, create a prompt of your own—and answer it.
5. Share something you believe is true, that other people might disagree with, and why you hold that belief.
For the short "Why Dartmouth?" prompt, be specific. Don’t just say you love the campus or the prestige: dig into programs, professors, clubs, or traditions unique to Dartmouth. For example, mention a course in the Government department that fits your interests, or the DOC (Dartmouth Outing Club) if you love the outdoors.
For the longer prompt, pick the one you feel most passionate about or that lets you explore an aspect of yourself not covered elsewhere in your application. For instance, if you’ve organized a grassroots initiative in your town, the prompt about using your voice for change could let you share the challenges you faced and the growth that happened, focusing on a single powerful moment.
When I applied, I found the "create your own prompt" option let me show a quirky side—don’t be afraid to reveal your personality and values. If you go this route, set up a question that draws out a unique story. For example, you might ask, "What’s a tradition I want to start at Dartmouth and why?"—then talk about building community in an original way.
Whatever prompt you pick, authenticity is key. Focus your essay on a single vivid memory or moment that shaped you, rather than a sweeping biography. This makes your writing more compelling and memorable.
If essays aren’t your comfort zone, outline your memories, brainstorm vivid details, and aim for honesty over perfection. The more genuine you are, the more your essay will stand out.
This year’s prompts are focused on creativity, personal reflection, and values. Here’s what you’ll find:
1. Using either the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights or the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, discuss a global issue you care about and why.
2. Celebrate your own voice. Tell us about a time when you used your voice for change or to support others.
3. Share a meaningful conversation you’ve had and why it was important.
4. Inspired by a Dartmouth tradition, event, or value, create a prompt of your own—and answer it.
5. Share something you believe is true, that other people might disagree with, and why you hold that belief.
For the short "Why Dartmouth?" prompt, be specific. Don’t just say you love the campus or the prestige: dig into programs, professors, clubs, or traditions unique to Dartmouth. For example, mention a course in the Government department that fits your interests, or the DOC (Dartmouth Outing Club) if you love the outdoors.
For the longer prompt, pick the one you feel most passionate about or that lets you explore an aspect of yourself not covered elsewhere in your application. For instance, if you’ve organized a grassroots initiative in your town, the prompt about using your voice for change could let you share the challenges you faced and the growth that happened, focusing on a single powerful moment.
When I applied, I found the "create your own prompt" option let me show a quirky side—don’t be afraid to reveal your personality and values. If you go this route, set up a question that draws out a unique story. For example, you might ask, "What’s a tradition I want to start at Dartmouth and why?"—then talk about building community in an original way.
Whatever prompt you pick, authenticity is key. Focus your essay on a single vivid memory or moment that shaped you, rather than a sweeping biography. This makes your writing more compelling and memorable.
If essays aren’t your comfort zone, outline your memories, brainstorm vivid details, and aim for honesty over perfection. The more genuine you are, the more your essay will stand out.
Camille L.
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating