Dartmouth:The Outdoorsy Ivy
Dartmouth is the cool, outdoorsy cousin in the Ivy League family. While other Ivies might have their roots in the rigid, Puritan history of New England or the progressive ideals of Quaker colonists, Dartmouth was founded in 1769 with a mission to educate Native Americans. That distinct history and its small, tight-knit community give it a vibe that’s both unique and incredibly welcoming. Students here are passionate about academics and outdoor adventures—so if you’re into hiking, skiing, or just exploring the beautiful New Hampshire woods, this is your place. In fact, the Dartmouth Outing Club is the oldest in the country, and it’s easily the most popular extracurricular activity on campus. The campus itself is a total picture-perfect New England setting, with the town of Hanover right on its doorstep. Nestled around a traditional New England green, the campus features a mix of Romanesque, colonial, and postmodern architecture. And while you might feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere (hello, rural vibes), Boston is just a couple hours away. Dartmouth shares much in common with outdoorsy schools like Colgate, Middlebury, and Williams. Plus, top-tier artists like Yo-Yo Ma make regular stops at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, adding a bit of urban flair to this otherwise woodsy haven.
Academically, Dartmouth is a powerhouse, with its reputation for excellence firmly rooted in the Ivy League. Freshmen kick things off with a writing-intensive seminar that involves a lot of independent research and group discussion—about 75 of these courses are offered each year. You’ll also need to demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language and complete a series of liberal arts courses, including world culture and science distribution requirements. And don’t forget about the senior culminating project—whether it’s a thesis, public report, or creative exhibition, you’ll get the chance to showcase your best work.
What Are Popular Majors at Dartmouth?
But despite the rigorous academics, Dartmouth is known for its surprisingly chill, noncompetitive atmosphere. Popular majors include economics, government, computer science, English, and history, with standout programs in engineering, environmental studies, and biological sciences. The computer science department, in particular, is one of the best in the nation, thanks in part to the late John Kemeny, the former president who co-invented BASIC programming language. Unique programs like quantitative social science and human-centered design also set Dartmouth apart.
What Research Opportunities Are There at Dartmouth?
One of the standout features of Dartmouth is the incredible faculty. Since the school is so undergraduate-focused, professors here are genuinely committed to teaching and mentoring their students. With 64% of classes having fewer than 20 students, you’re likely to build a strong relationship with your professors. There are tons of research opportunities, and the Presidential Scholars Program offers paid research assistantships with faculty. If you’re into public policy, the Rockefeller Center’s Policy Research Shop helps students create policy briefs for state governments, while the Women in Science Project supports female STEM majors with mentors and research positions.
What Is the Dartmouth D-Plan?
Dartmouth also runs on a quirky academic calendar called the “D-Plan.” Instead of two semesters, the school has four 10-week terms a year—yep, even summer is a term! You’re required to be on campus for three terms during your freshman and senior years, and you also need to be around for the summer after your sophomore year. But between those required terms, you can take time off and study abroad or do internships. Around half of Dartmouth students study abroad at some point, and there are more than 40 faculty-led programs to choose from, ranging from theater in London to environmental studies in South Africa.
Is the Dartmouth Student Body Diverse?
The student body is diverse—97% of undergrads come from outside New Hampshire, and about 10% are international. Since Dartmouth went co-ed in 1972, it’s become a leader in women’s education, particularly in fields like engineering. The college also puts a lot of effort into recruiting Native American students, and they currently make up 1% of the student body. Political leanings tend to be liberal or “quietly conservative,” but there’s a strong sense of community that unites everyone. Admissions are need-blind, and Dartmouth meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. Plus, for families making under $100k, Dartmouth offers free tuition with no loans.
What Is Housing Like on the Dartmouth Campus?
Housing is on campus for most students, with 85% living in one of the 30+ dorms. To foster a sense of community, dorms are organized into six House Communities, each with a House Professor. Students can also apply to live in special living/learning communities like the Sustainable Living Center or Global Village. Freshmen and sophomores are guaranteed housing, and juniors often live off-campus in affordable homes. Late-night snackers will appreciate the dining options, which stay open until 2:30 a.m. for those late-night study sessions.
What Is the Social Scene Like at Dartmouth?
As for social life, Dartmouth students keep it lively with plenty of campus events. Think roller-skating, pottery nights, comedy shows, and more. Greek life is a big part of the social scene, with 27% of men and 31% of women joining fraternities and sororities. But here’s the twist: Dartmouth’s Greek parties are open to everyone on campus, no invites required—just show up with your Dartmouth ID. While the school works to curb binge drinking, the social scene is still pretty fun. The school also organizes college-sponsored social events and has a ban on hard liquor on campus, which students say has helped reduce excessive drinking.
Dartmouth has a ton of traditions, and it’s hard to beat homecoming, where they light a massive 75-foot bonfire. Winter Carnival is another highlight, with everything from ski races to snow sculpture contests, a polar plunge, and students from all over the East Coast joining the fun. In the spring, it’s all about Green Key weekend, an epic celebration featuring live music and parties. Community service is a big part of life here, with the Center for Social Impact organizing immersion trips to places like New Orleans, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
What Is Athletic Life Like at Dartmouth?
If sports are your thing, Dartmouth has 35 Division I teams, including the famous Big Green football and women’s basketball squads. Coach Buddy Teevens was a transformative figure for Dartmouth football, leaving an indelible mark on the program. Teevens led Dartmouth to five Ivy League championships overall. Teevens became Dartmouth’s all-time winningest coach, leading the team to impressive achievements:
- Five Ivy League championships
- An overall record of 117-101-2, including 83-70-1 in Ivy League play
- Revitalized the program after a period of decline in the early 2000s
The school has also been dominating in women’s rugby and men’s soccer. If you prefer something a little less competitive, there are plenty of club and intramural sports, from ultimate frisbee to figure skating.
At the end of the day, Dartmouth attracts students who love the outdoors, enjoy intellectual challenge, and thrive in a tight-knit, rural setting. You’ll leave with a solid liberal arts education and a bunch of lifelong friends who’ll probably convince you to come back to Hanover when you retire (it’s that kind of place). Just be prepared for some seriously cold winters—but hey, it’s worth it for all the skiing and cozy nights around the bonfire.
Common App Personal Essay: Required
The questions on this page are being asked by Dartmouth College
Required of all applicants, please respond in 100 words or fewer:
As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2029, what aspects of the college’s academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? How is Dartmouth a good fit for you?*
Min: 1 / Max: 100
Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:*
There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today.
“Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself.
Please respond in 250 words or fewer:*
Min: 1 / Max: 250
Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:*
What excites you?
Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you already making—an impact? Why? How?
In “Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” Dr. Seuss invites us to “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” Imagine your anticipated academic major: How does that course of study sync with Dr. Seuss’s advice to you?
The social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees have been the focus of Dame Jane Goodall’s research for decades. Her understanding of animal behavior prompted the English primatologist to see a lesson for human communities as well: “Change happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something you don’t believe is right.” Channel Dame Goodall: Tell us about a moment when you engaged in a difficult conversation or encountered someone with an opinion or perspective that was different from your own. How did you find common ground?
Celebrate your nerdy side.
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?
Buddy Teevens ’79 was a legendary and much beloved coach at Dartmouth. He often told parents: “Your son will be a great football player when it’s football time, a great student when it’s academic time, and a great person all of the time.” If Coach Teevens had said that to you, what would it mean to be “a great person”?
Please respond in 250 words or fewer.*
Min: 1 / Max: 250
