What does 'A Voice Crying in the Wilderness' mean for the Dartmouth application essay?

Question

I've been looking at Dartmouth's supplemental essays, and I keep seeing references to 'A Voice Crying in the Wilderness.' I know it's part of some quote or maybe a motto for the school, but I'm not totally sure how it connects to what they're actually looking for in applicants. 

Is this something I should focus on directly in my essay? Does anyone know if referencing it explicitly is expected, or would that seem forced? I want to make sure my response really fits what Dartmouth wants, but I don't want to just copy what I think they want either. 

If anyone else is working on this prompt or already wrote it, I'd love to hear how you interpreted it or if you connected it to your own experiences. I want my essay to stand out but not in a cringey way, if that makes sense.

Accepted Answer

Dartmouth's phrase "A Voice Crying in the Wilderness" is woven into the school’s identity and has a deep connection to its history and founding philosophy. The motto is rooted in both biblical language and Dartmouth's setting—originally perceived as remote and surrounded by wilderness—but more broadly, it suggests speaking up for something important, even when you feel isolated or when your ideas go against the grain.

Note that this is not part of the 2030 writing supplements.

What does 'A Voice Crying in the Wilderness' mean for the Dartmouth application essay?

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