Dartmouth College's Acceptance Results for the Class of 2029

12/20/202414 minute read
Dartmouth College's Acceptance Results for the Class of 2029

For Dartmouth College's Class of 2029, the admissions landscape appears to remain highly selective. Dartmouth received the same number of Early Decision applications this year as they did in the 2023-2024 cycle — a number which has increased steadily since 2017.

According to Lee Coffin, Vice President and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Dartmouth, "In 30 years as a senior admission officer, I have never seen two consecutive pools line up as closely as this year’s early decision and QuestBridge pools did with last year’s record volume.”


Dartmouth’s Class of 2029 Acceptance Results Overview

Dartmouth College continues to be one of the most highly sought-after universities in the US. This year, Dartmouth has decided to withhold its Early Decision acceptance rate until late March, after Regular Decision results have been released. Below is an overview of what we know about this year's acceptance statistics and trends.

Early Decision Acceptance Results

  • Total Applications: 3,550
  • Accepted Students: TBA March 2025
  • Acceptance Rate: TBA March 2025

The number of Early Decision applications to Dartmouth matched last year’s record volume. This is the sixth “record pool” of early applicants since 2017 — unsurprising given the trend of rising interest in top-tier universities.

Why Apply Early Decision?

  • Higher Acceptance Rates: Early Decision applicants typically enjoy higher acceptance rates compared to Regular Decision. For the Class of 2028, Dartmouth’s Early Decision acceptance rate was over four times higher at 17% than the Regular Decision acceptance rate of 3.85%.
  • Demonstrated Interest: Applying early shows Dartmouth your strong interest in joining their academic community and your willingness to commit to a binding decision.
Dartmouth Early Decision Statistics
Class ofNumber of ApplicationsAccepted StudentsAcceptance Rate
20292,550TBA March 2025TBA March 2025
2028 3,55060417.0%
20273,00957819.2%
20262,633530 20.1%
20252,66456621.2%
20242,06952625.4%

What To Expect for the Class of 2029 Regular Decision Results

The Regular Decision results for the Class of 2029 will be released in March. Last year, Dartmouth's Regular Decision acceptance rate was ultra-competitive at 3.85%. Based on current trends, we anticipate another challenging admissions cycle.

Key Regular Decision Figures from Last Year (Class of 2028):

  • Applications Received: 28,107
  • Students Accepted: 1,081
  • Acceptance Rate: 3.85%
  • Increasing Application Numbers: Applications to Dartmouth and other top universities have risen steadily over the past five years. They spiked after the adoption of test-optional policies during the pandemic.
  • Holistic Admissions Approach: Like most other universities in the US, Dartmouth evaluates applicants beyond academic statistics. They also consider essays, extracurriculars, personal qualities, and recommendations from others.
  • Shift Back to Testing Requirements: Dartmouth was the first Ivy League institution to reinstate its standardized test score requirement, and this was the first admissions cycle after the reinstatement. While a dip in total applications was predicted and expected due to the testing requirement, this Early Decision round saw a 71% percent increase in applications since Dartmouth last required testing in 2019.
Dartmouth Acceptance Rate in The Last 10 Years
Class ofTotal ApplicationsTotal AcceptedOverall Acceptance RateRD Acceptance RateED Acceptance Rate
202831,6571,6855.3%3.85%17.0%
202728,8411,7986.2%4.72%19.2%
202628,3361,7376.1%4.70%20.1%
202528,3571,7496.2%4.60%21.2%
202421,3941,8608.7%6.90%25.4%
202323,6501,8767.9%6.15%23.2%
202222,0331,9258.7%6.88%24.9%
202120,0342,09210.4%8.52%27.8%
202020,6752,17610.5%8.97%25.6%
201920,5052,12010.3%8.78%26.0%

How To Stand Out in Dartmouth’s Admissions Process

Dartmouth has very high standards for the kinds of student it accepts. This year in particular brought an influx of qualified applicants. Kathryn Bezella, the new Assistant Vice President and Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Dartmouth, said of the Class of 2029's Early Decision applicants:

“I will remember these applicants for the rest of my career. Their vivid writing, the specificity of their reasons for choosing us, the insights they offered about their own lives and perspectives—it was a pleasure to get to know them through this process, and it is exciting to be signing their acceptance letters this week.”

- Kathryn Bezella, Dartmouth’s new Assistant Vice President and Dean of Undergraduate Admissions.

To earn an acceptance letter to Dartmouth, you'll need to include the following in your application:

  1. Authenticity: Present your true self in your application. Share your personal story, accomplishments, interests, and motivations to help the admissions committee understand how you will enhance the Dartmouth community.
  2. Academic Excellence: Aim for rigorous coursework, a strong GPA, and high standardized test scores.
  3. Strong Essays: Craft thoughtful and reflective essays that provide insight into your character and how you align with Dartmouth's values.
  4. Leadership and Extracurriculars: Engage deeply in activities that reflect your passions and leadership abilities. Quality and commitment in your extracurriculars can significantly enhance your application.
  5. Recommendations: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your abilities and character.
  6. Demonstrated Interest: Show your enthusiasm for Dartmouth by visiting the campus, attending information sessions, or engaging with current students and alumni.

For more on exactly what Dartmouth looks for in a student, check out this article: How to Get Into Dartmouth.

What Makes Dartmouth Unique?

Dartmouth College distinguishes itself through several unique features:

  • The D-Plan: The D-Plan is Dartmouth's flexible quarter-system academic calendar. It allows you to customize your schedule with year-round learning opportunities. Under this system, you can take advantage of different seasons in New Hampshire while pursuing internships and study abroad experiences during non-traditional times of the year.
  • Focus on Undergraduate Education: As a smaller institution, Dartmouth offers a more tight-knit community where faculty genuinely prioritize teaching undergraduates. This emphasis provides a student-focused learning environment with opportunities for close engagement with professors.
  • Unique Traditions: Dartmouth has a rich history with many traditions that you can participate in, such as the annual Winter Carnival, which features events like ski races, ice sculpture competitions, and community-building activities.

To learn more, read this article: What is Dartmouth Known For?

What’s Next for Applicants?

If you were admitted early, congratulations on joining Dartmouth’s prestigious Class of 2029! If you’re applying during the Regular Decision round, continue assembling a strong application to maximize your chances. Focus on unique and compelling supplemental essays to make sure you stand out to Dartmouth! Read our guide to Dartmouth’s supplemental essays for expert tips.

Need Help with Your Application?
Crimson Education has helped more students gain admission to Dartmouth than any other consultancy. With Crimson’s help, students are 5.6x more likely to get into Dartmouth specifically. Book a free consultation today to speak with an Academic Advisor about how to boost your child’s chances at Dartmouth!

Key Takeaways

  • Dartmouth's Early Decision round for the Class of 2029 saw another record number of applicants
  • Dartmouth’s acceptance rate has steadily declined over the last decade.
  • With Regular Decision results due in March, students should continue preparing their applications with care.

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