Does Dartmouth require supplemental essays for its application?
I've started working on my college apps and Dartmouth is one of my top choices. I know that some schools have additional essays besides the main Common App one, but I can't figure out if Dartmouth does. I looked on their website but I still feel kind of confused about what's actually required.
Can anyone who already applied or is also applying this year tell me if there are specific supplemental essays for Dartmouth? If so, how many are there, and what kinds of prompts should I expect? I'm trying to plan out my writing schedule so I don't get overwhelmed in the fall and it would really help to know in advance.
Can anyone who already applied or is also applying this year tell me if there are specific supplemental essays for Dartmouth? If so, how many are there, and what kinds of prompts should I expect? I'm trying to plan out my writing schedule so I don't get overwhelmed in the fall and it would really help to know in advance.
4 months ago
•
62 views
Grayce Gibbs
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Dartmouth does require supplemental essays in addition to the main Common App essay. For the 2025-2026 application cycle, applicants must respond to one required short essay prompt (max 100 words) and pick two out of several longer prompts (responses capped at 250 words).
The mandatory short response asks students how Dartmouth is a good fit for them. This is a 'why Dartmouth' or a 'community' type of question, inviting you to talk about how you'd contribute to or fit in with the Dartmouth community. The longer prompts let you choose from several options, such as reflecting on your intellectual interests, a meaningful extracurricular, a personal challenge, or discussing a topic of your choice. One example for the class of 2030: "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, outlook, or sense of purpose?
Planning ahead is smart. If you start brainstorming some unique aspects of your identity, special interests, and ways you've connected with others, you'll be in great shape. For your writing schedule, it's helpful to read through the prompts as soon as they're released and do some outlining or free-writing.
Check Dartmouth’s admissions website for the exact current prompts, as they can change slightly year to year, but you can expect to write one short introduction and two longer, more in-depth essays. If you want to see examples, Dartmouth often posts sample essays that worked, and those can give you a clearer sense of the expected tone and style.
The mandatory short response asks students how Dartmouth is a good fit for them. This is a 'why Dartmouth' or a 'community' type of question, inviting you to talk about how you'd contribute to or fit in with the Dartmouth community. The longer prompts let you choose from several options, such as reflecting on your intellectual interests, a meaningful extracurricular, a personal challenge, or discussing a topic of your choice. One example for the class of 2030: "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, outlook, or sense of purpose?
Planning ahead is smart. If you start brainstorming some unique aspects of your identity, special interests, and ways you've connected with others, you'll be in great shape. For your writing schedule, it's helpful to read through the prompts as soon as they're released and do some outlining or free-writing.
Check Dartmouth’s admissions website for the exact current prompts, as they can change slightly year to year, but you can expect to write one short introduction and two longer, more in-depth essays. If you want to see examples, Dartmouth often posts sample essays that worked, and those can give you a clearer sense of the expected tone and style.
Grayce Gibbs
Denver, CO
Dartmouth College (AB); Colorado School of Mines (MS)
Experience
4 years