Does Dartmouth admit students by major?
I’m currently a high school junior and Dartmouth is one of my top choices, but I’m a little confused about their admissions process. Some schools admit students directly into a specific college or by intended major, but I’m not sure if that’s the case with Dartmouth.
If I say I’m interested in engineering on my application, does that impact how I’m evaluated? Or is everyone just admitted as a general student, regardless of what they want to major in? I’m worried my interests could affect my chances, especially since I’m not 100% sure what I want to study yet.
Any insight from current students or recent applicants would be really helpful!
If I say I’m interested in engineering on my application, does that impact how I’m evaluated? Or is everyone just admitted as a general student, regardless of what they want to major in? I’m worried my interests could affect my chances, especially since I’m not 100% sure what I want to study yet.
Any insight from current students or recent applicants would be really helpful!
1 month ago
•
59 views
Grayce Gibbs
• 1 month ago
Advisor
Dartmouth does not admit students by major. All applicants apply to Dartmouth College as a whole, rather than to a specific major or school within the college. This means that your intended area of study—whether you mention engineering, English, or are undecided—does not determine how you are evaluated for admission.
On your application, you can indicate your academic interests and talk about why you’re drawn to them, but these are not commitments. Dartmouth understands that many students change their minds about majors once they get to college, and they intentionally keep the process flexible. No matter what you write as your intended major, you are admitted as a general Dartmouth student.
Your stated interests may help the admissions committee understand your background, experiences, and motivations. For example, if you express an interest in engineering and have taken rigorous math and science courses, participated in robotics club, or completed related projects, that context can help support your application. But it isn’t a separate, quota-based process or a commitment.
If you’re not completely decided on a major, you’re in good company—Dartmouth is known for encouraging exploration in the first year or two. Many students declare their major in their sophomore year. For example, a current student might enter thinking they’ll study chemistry, but after a few classes in government and English, realize their passion lies elsewhere.
If you’re genuinely interested in engineering, note that you will eventually need to declare that path and meet certain prerequisites. However, expressing interest won’t box you in during admissions, nor will it give you an advantage or disadvantage compared to someone applying as undecided.
On your application, you can indicate your academic interests and talk about why you’re drawn to them, but these are not commitments. Dartmouth understands that many students change their minds about majors once they get to college, and they intentionally keep the process flexible. No matter what you write as your intended major, you are admitted as a general Dartmouth student.
Your stated interests may help the admissions committee understand your background, experiences, and motivations. For example, if you express an interest in engineering and have taken rigorous math and science courses, participated in robotics club, or completed related projects, that context can help support your application. But it isn’t a separate, quota-based process or a commitment.
If you’re not completely decided on a major, you’re in good company—Dartmouth is known for encouraging exploration in the first year or two. Many students declare their major in their sophomore year. For example, a current student might enter thinking they’ll study chemistry, but after a few classes in government and English, realize their passion lies elsewhere.
If you’re genuinely interested in engineering, note that you will eventually need to declare that path and meet certain prerequisites. However, expressing interest won’t box you in during admissions, nor will it give you an advantage or disadvantage compared to someone applying as undecided.
Grayce Gibbs
Denver, CO
Dartmouth College (AB); Colorado School of Mines (MS)
Experience
4 years