What's the process for submitting a Dartmouth peer recommendation?
I'm getting ready to apply to Dartmouth and I know they have the option for a peer recommendation, which sounds pretty unique compared to other colleges I'm looking at. I asked my friend to write one for me but we're both a little confused about how exactly it's supposed to be submitted.
Does the peer have to use a specific form or link? Is it through the Common App or does Dartmouth send an email after I apply? If anyone could walk me through the steps or share what you did, that would be super helpful. I just want to make sure my friend fills everything out and sends it in the right way. I really don't want something to get messed up because we missed a step...
Also, if anyone has tips on what makes a good peer rec for Dartmouth, I'd love to hear those too!
Does the peer have to use a specific form or link? Is it through the Common App or does Dartmouth send an email after I apply? If anyone could walk me through the steps or share what you did, that would be super helpful. I just want to make sure my friend fills everything out and sends it in the right way. I really don't want something to get messed up because we missed a step...
Also, if anyone has tips on what makes a good peer rec for Dartmouth, I'd love to hear those too!
6 months ago
•
215 views
Grayce Gibbs
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Dartmouth’s peer recommendation process is a bit different from the standard teacher or counselor recs, but it’s straightforward once you know the steps. Here’s how it works:
First, when you fill out the Common App for Dartmouth, there’s an option in the Dartmouth-specific questions to indicate that you’d like to submit a peer recommendation. You’ll be able to input your peer’s name and contact information (specifically, their email address).
Once you’ve done that, Dartmouth will send an email directly to your peer with instructions and a unique link to the portal where they can upload their recommendation. The key is that your friend must wait for that email and submit the rec through that link—this keeps everything connected to your application. It’s not submitted through the general Common App recommender portal.
Your peer should check their email’s inbox and spam folders after you’ve submitted your application or added them as a recommender. If they don’t receive the link after a reasonable amount of time, you can contact the Dartmouth admissions office for help. Make sure the email you provide for your friend doesn’t have typos, and remind your friend to use that exact link.
As for what makes a good peer recommendation: Dartmouth’s admissions team is looking for a window into who you are among your peers—your kindness, quirks, leadership, or any unique contributions you make to your community. A strong peer rec isn’t formal; it should feel authentic and specific. Rather than generic praise, your friend should share a story or specific moments they experienced with you. For example, maybe you started a lunch table tradition in high school that welcomed new students, or you helped organize an impromptu celebration when a friend needed cheering up.
A well-written peer rec might say something like, “When Jamie noticed our friend group wasn’t including a new student, they invited her to join our weekly hangout and made her feel at home—by the end of the semester, she called us her ‘school family.’” Anecdotes like this make your character come alive and show qualities that adults may not see.
Just make sure to give your friend enough time to write, and remind them that honesty and personal insight matter more than trying to sound professional. After your friend submits, you’ll be able to track their submission status in your Dartmouth portal.
If you and your friend follow these steps and focus on a rec that is genuine and story-driven, you’ll be set. Good luck with your application!
First, when you fill out the Common App for Dartmouth, there’s an option in the Dartmouth-specific questions to indicate that you’d like to submit a peer recommendation. You’ll be able to input your peer’s name and contact information (specifically, their email address).
Once you’ve done that, Dartmouth will send an email directly to your peer with instructions and a unique link to the portal where they can upload their recommendation. The key is that your friend must wait for that email and submit the rec through that link—this keeps everything connected to your application. It’s not submitted through the general Common App recommender portal.
Your peer should check their email’s inbox and spam folders after you’ve submitted your application or added them as a recommender. If they don’t receive the link after a reasonable amount of time, you can contact the Dartmouth admissions office for help. Make sure the email you provide for your friend doesn’t have typos, and remind your friend to use that exact link.
As for what makes a good peer recommendation: Dartmouth’s admissions team is looking for a window into who you are among your peers—your kindness, quirks, leadership, or any unique contributions you make to your community. A strong peer rec isn’t formal; it should feel authentic and specific. Rather than generic praise, your friend should share a story or specific moments they experienced with you. For example, maybe you started a lunch table tradition in high school that welcomed new students, or you helped organize an impromptu celebration when a friend needed cheering up.
A well-written peer rec might say something like, “When Jamie noticed our friend group wasn’t including a new student, they invited her to join our weekly hangout and made her feel at home—by the end of the semester, she called us her ‘school family.’” Anecdotes like this make your character come alive and show qualities that adults may not see.
Just make sure to give your friend enough time to write, and remind them that honesty and personal insight matter more than trying to sound professional. After your friend submits, you’ll be able to track their submission status in your Dartmouth portal.
If you and your friend follow these steps and focus on a rec that is genuine and story-driven, you’ll be set. Good luck with your application!
Grayce Gibbs
Denver, CO
Dartmouth College (AB); Colorado School of Mines (MS)
Experience
4 years