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Introduction

Dartmouth College, founded in 1769, is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the United States. As a member of the elite Ivy League, Dartmouth combines a tradition of academic excellence with an innovative approach to education. Located in picturesque Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth offers a unique educational experience in the heart of New England, shaping future leaders in various fields of science, business, and culture. For Polish applicants considering studying in the USA, Dartmouth stands out with its intimate atmosphere and strong emphasis on student-professor relationships.

Rich History and Evolution

Dartmouth College’s history dates back to 1769, when Eleazar Wheelock, a Congregationalist minister, founded the institution with the mission of educating Native Americans and training missionaries to work among indigenous tribes. This original mission evolved over time but significantly influenced the college’s character and values.

Key moments in Dartmouth’s history:

1769: Official founding of Dartmouth College by King George III.
1816-1819: Dartmouth College v. Woodward - a landmark Supreme Court case that not only saved Dartmouth’s independence but also established an important precedent in US constitutional law, protecting private corporations from state interference.
1972: Admission of women to undergraduate studies, opening a new chapter in the college’s history.
2019: Celebration of its 250th anniversary, highlighting a long tradition and continuous pursuit of excellence.

For over 250 years, Dartmouth has evolved from a small college into a world-class research institution, while maintaining its roots as a liberal arts college. This unique combination of tradition and innovation makes Dartmouth an exceptional place on the map of American higher education.

Prestige and Recognition

Dartmouth College enjoys immense prestige both in the USA and internationally. The institution consistently ranks among the top in various academic rankings:

US News & World Report 2026 consistently places Dartmouth in the top twenty best universities in the USA.
In the Forbes ranking, Dartmouth often appears in the top ten.
Times Higher Education World University Rankings places Dartmouth among the top 200 universities worldwide.

Dartmouth’s prestige stems from several key factors:

Outstanding academic faculty: Many Dartmouth professors are recognized experts in their fields, recipients of prestigious awards, and authors of groundbreaking research.
Selective admission process: In the 2025-2026 cycle, Dartmouth admits less than 6% of applicants, making it one of the most selective institutions in the USA.
Distinguished alumni: Dartmouth alumni include Nobel laureates, CEOs of major corporations, high-ranking politicians, and prominent artists.
Innovative research: Dartmouth is known for groundbreaking research in many fields, from medicine to social sciences.
Unique educational experience: The D-Plan system and emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach to learning distinguish Dartmouth from other universities.

Rich Educational Offer

Dartmouth College offers a wide range of academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, combining the liberal arts tradition with advanced scientific research.

Undergraduate Programs

At the heart of Dartmouth is its undergraduate program, offering over 40 majors in the liberal arts and sciences. Students can choose from fields such as:

Anthropology
Biology
Economics
Physics
Computer Science
Linguistics
Environmental Studies
and many more

A unique feature of Dartmouth is the D-Plan system, which divides the academic year into four 10-week terms. This innovative system gives students unprecedented flexibility in planning their studies and internships, allowing them to undertake internships and research projects during unconventional times of the year. This is a different approach than, for example, the Open Curriculum at Brown University or the Core Curriculum at Columbia.

Graduate Schools

Dartmouth also offers renowned graduate programs:

Geisel School of Medicine: Founded in 1797, it is one of the oldest medical schools in the USA. It is known for its innovative approach to medical education and cancer research.
Thayer School of Engineering: Offers unique engineering programs, combining engineering with the liberal arts. Thayer is known for its Bachelor of Engineering (BE) program, which can be completed in one year after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
Tuck School of Business: Founded in 1900, it is the first business school in the world to offer a master’s degree. Tuck’s MBA program consistently ranks among the top globally.
Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies: Offers master’s and doctoral programs in various fields, from sciences to humanities.

Innovative Approach to Education

Dartmouth stands out with its innovative approach to education:

Interdisciplinarity: The university encourages students to combine different fields of knowledge. Double majors and interdisciplinary programs are popular.
Undergraduate research: Dartmouth places great emphasis on involving students in research projects from their first years of study.
Global perspective: Through the Dartmouth Center for Global Engagement, the university offers numerous exchange and study abroad programs.
Close contact with faculty: A low student-to-faculty ratio (6:1) allows for close collaboration with professors.

Research and Innovation

Dartmouth College is a leading research center, known for groundbreaking discoveries in many fields:

Medicine: Cancer research conducted at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center has contributed to the development of new therapies.
Computer Science: Dartmouth was a pioneer in time-sharing and created the BASIC programming language.
Earth Sciences: Dartmouth’s Arctic Institute is a leader in research on climate change in polar regions.
Social Sciences: Research conducted by Dartmouth scientists has contributed to a better understanding of economic and political decision-making processes.

Student Life at Dartmouth

Student life at Dartmouth College is a unique experience, combining intensive academic studies, rich tradition, and extraordinary opportunities for personal development. Dartmouth’s campus, located in picturesque Hanover, New Hampshire, is the heart of the academic community, where students not only gain knowledge but also shape their characters and build lifelong friendships.

Traditions and Events

Dartmouth is famous for its rich student traditions that build a sense of community and are passed down from generation to generation. One of the most well-known events is Homecoming, an annual celebration where alumni return to campus to celebrate with current students. The culmination of Homecoming is a large bonfire, around which first-year students run as many laps as the college has been in existence (in 2026, this will be 257 laps). This tradition, started in the 1880s, symbolizes the unity of the Dartmouth community and is a moment when new students truly feel part of the “Big Green” - as the Dartmouth community is affectionately known.

Another fascinating event is the Winter Carnival, a winter festival started in 1911. Initially, it was a weekend dedicated to winter sports, aimed at breaking the monotony of the long, cold New Hampshire winter. Over time, it evolved into a grand celebration during which students build impressive snow and ice sculptures, often reaching several stories high. This event attracts media attention and visitors from across the country, and the students’ skills in creating ice masterpieces have become legendary.

Extracurricular Activities

Life outside the lecture hall at Dartmouth is as intense as academics. The university boasts over 160 student organizations, offering something for everyone - from academic and professional clubs, through cultural and artistic organizations, to activist and sports groups. Building a strong profile of extracurricular activities is, in fact, a key element of any application to Dartmouth.

One of the most unique organizations is the Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC), the oldest and largest university outdoor club in the USA. Founded in 1909, DOC manages over 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail, organizes mountain expeditions, and maintains a network of shelters in the region. Interestingly, it was DOC members who pioneered the development of skiing in North America, contributing to the popularization of the sport in the USA.

Another unique feature of student life at Dartmouth is the house system. In 2016, the university introduced a new system in which each student is assigned to one of six houses for the entire duration of their studies. These residential communities become a second family for students, offering not only a place to live but also a space for integration, learning, and personal development.

Sports and Recreation

Sports play an important role in the lives of many Dartmouth students. The university has 35 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division I, and its mascot is a bear named Keggy. Dartmouth is particularly renowned for its achievements in skiing, rowing, and American football.

An interesting fact is that Dartmouth boasts the only Olympic ski slope owned by a university in the United States. Dartmouth Skiway, located just 20 minutes from campus, is not only a training ground for the university’s ski team but also a popular recreational center for the entire academic community.

Dartmouth College Admission Process

Getting into Dartmouth is a dream for many ambitious students worldwide. The admission process is highly selective - in the 2025-2026 cycle, Dartmouth admits only about 6% of applicants, making it one of the most competitive universities in the USA. It is worth familiarizing yourself with our complete guide to the US college application process to prepare well for this challenge.

Application Requirements

To apply to Dartmouth College, candidates must prepare a comprehensive application package that includes:

Common Application or Coalition Application along with the Dartmouth-specific supplement
Official standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) - required (Dartmouth has reinstated the requirement to submit standardized test scores)
Academic transcript from high school
Two letters of recommendation from teachers
High school report
Essays - both those required in the Common Application and additional Dartmouth-specific ones

It is worth noting the essays, which play a crucial role in the admission process. Dartmouth is known for its creative essay questions designed to get to know the personality and unique experiences of candidates. For example, in the past, one question was: “To create is our calling” - how do you interpret this statement?

Admission Policy

Dartmouth employs a holistic review policy, meaning that the admissions committee considers not only academic performance but also a range of other factors. The university seeks students who not only demonstrate excellent academic results but also passion, creativity, and leadership potential.

Dartmouth offers two application rounds: Early Decision and Regular Decision. Under Early Decision, candidates commit to enrolling at Dartmouth if admitted. This is a binding option, but candidates can simultaneously apply to other universities under non-binding programs (e.g., Early Action).

SAT/ACT Requirements

Dartmouth requires SAT or ACT scores - the university has reinstated this requirement, abandoning its previous test-optional policy. For the Class of 2030 (2025-2026 admission cycle):

The average SAT score for admitted students is approximately 1510 (out of a maximum of 1600)
The average ACT score is 34 (out of a maximum of 36)

However, it is important to remember that the test score alone does not guarantee admission. Dartmouth evaluates candidates holistically, considering all aspects of their application. Polish applicants should also remember the need to take the TOEFL exam to confirm English language proficiency.

Interesting Facts from the Admission Process

Dartmouth is known for unusual elements in its admission process. One of these is the Peer Recommendation - an optional letter of recommendation from a candidate’s peer (e.g., a classmate or sports team member). This unique element aims to gain a fuller picture of the candidate’s personality and character from the perspective of their peers.

Another interesting practice is the “Likely Letter” - a letter sent to the most promising candidates even before the official announcement of admission decisions. These letters, while not a formal offer of admission, are a strong signal of interest from the university and often lead to final admission.

Tips for Applicants

For candidates dreaming of studying at Dartmouth, it is crucial to:

Be authentic in presenting your passions and experiences. Dartmouth values students who have clear interests and can talk about them with enthusiasm.
Show community engagement. The university seeks leaders who will actively contribute to the Dartmouth community.
Adopt an interdisciplinary approach. Dartmouth values students who can combine different fields of knowledge and think outside the box.
Prepare for the D-Plan system. It is worth demonstrating in the application how Dartmouth’s flexible academic system fits the candidate’s educational and career plans.

If you need support in preparing your application for Dartmouth or other Ivy League universities, College Council specializes in guiding Polish applicants through the entire admission process to the world’s best universities.

Cost of Attendance at Dartmouth College

Studying at Dartmouth College, like at other elite American universities, involves significant costs. However, it is important to understand that thanks to an extensive financial aid system, the actual cost of studies can be significantly lower than the nominal tuition.

Cost Breakdown (Academic Year 2026-2027)

According to official data from the Dartmouth Financial Aid Office, estimated annual costs of attendance are as follows:

Tuition: $65,100
Room and Board: $20,100
Mandatory Fees: $2,350
Estimated Personal Expenses (books, supplies, travel): $4,300

Total Estimated Cost: $91,850 per year

These amounts may seem overwhelming, but Dartmouth employs a need-blind admission policy and full-need financial aid, meaning that a candidate’s financial situation is not considered in the admission process, and the university commits to covering the documented financial needs of admitted students.

Funding Your Studies and Financial Aid

Dartmouth College is committed to providing access to education for talented students regardless of their financial situation. The university offers one of the most generous financial aid programs among American universities. It is worth familiarizing yourself with our guide to scholarships for studying in the USA for Poles.

Dartmouth Financial Policy

Need-blind admission: A candidate’s financial situation is not considered in the admission process for US citizens, permanent residents, and citizens of certain countries.
Full-need financial aid: Dartmouth commits to covering 100% of the documented financial needs of admitted students.
No loans for families with incomes under $125,000: Since 2022, Dartmouth has replaced loans with grants in financial aid packages for students from families with incomes below $125,000 annually.

Forms of Financial Aid

Dartmouth offers various forms of financial support:

Grants - awarded based on financial need, do not require repayment
Work-study - a program allowing students to work on campus
External scholarships - Dartmouth encourages students to apply for scholarships from external sources

It is worth noting that:

Approximately 50% of Dartmouth students receive some form of financial aid
The average grant awarded by Dartmouth is over $63,000 per year
For families with incomes below $100,000 annually, Dartmouth typically covers the full cost of tuition

Students can use the financial aid calculator available on the university’s website to estimate potential support. More about opportunities for studying in the USA for free can be found in our separate guide.

Support for International Students

Dartmouth also applies a need-blind policy to citizens of Canada and Mexico. For students from other countries, including Poland, the process is need-aware, meaning that financial situation may be taken into account when making admission decisions. However, if an international student is admitted, Dartmouth commits to covering their full documented financial needs. Polish students should remember the need to obtain a student visa before departure.

Career Prospects for Dartmouth College Graduates

A Dartmouth College diploma opens many doors and is highly valued in the job market. Graduates of this university are often among the most sought-after candidates by employers worldwide. You can read more about this in our article on careers after the Ivy League.

Employment Statistics

According to the latest data from the Dartmouth Career Development Center:

96% of graduates find employment or continue their education within 6 months of graduation
The average starting salary for Dartmouth graduates is approximately $82,000 per year
Many graduates find jobs at prestigious Fortune 500 companies, leading financial institutions, or renowned non-profit organizations

Popular Career Paths

Dartmouth College graduates choose diverse career paths, including:

Finance and Consulting: Many begin their careers at firms such as Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, or Bain & Company.
Technology: A significant number of graduates join tech giants like Google, Amazon, or Apple.
Entrepreneurship: Dartmouth is renowned for educating future startup founders. The Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship supports students and alumni in developing innovative business projects.
Medicine and Science: Many graduates continue their education at prestigious medical schools or conduct scientific research.
Public and Non-Profit Sector: A significant portion of graduates choose careers in public service or non-governmental organizations.

Distinguished Alumni

Dartmouth boasts an impressive list of distinguished alumni who have achieved success in various fields:

Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) - famous children’s book author
Robert Frost - four-time Pulitzer Prize winner for poetry
Shonda Rhimes - executive producer and screenwriter of well-known television series
Timothy Geithner - former US Secretary of the Treasury
Kirsten Gillibrand - United States Senator
Jake Tapper - CNN’s chief political correspondent

Dartmouth Alumni Network

One of the greatest advantages of graduating from Dartmouth is access to a powerful alumni network. Dartmouth Alumni brings together over 85,000 members worldwide, offering:

Networking opportunities on a global scale
Mentoring from experienced professionals
Access to exclusive job offers and career development opportunities
Alumni clubs in most major cities worldwide

Career Support

Dartmouth offers its students and alumni comprehensive career development support through:

Center for Professional Development - an office offering career counseling, workshops, job fairs, and other resources
Dartmouth Center for Social Impact - supporting students interested in careers in the non-profit sector and social entrepreneurship
Internship Programs - helping students gain valuable professional experience while still studying

Summary

Dartmouth College is not just a prestigious university, but a true gateway to the global elite. Despite high nominal costs, thanks to a generous financial aid system, Dartmouth remains accessible to talented students from all over the world, regardless of their financial situation.

The career prospects opening up for Dartmouth graduates are impressive. The combination of world-class education, unique student experiences, and a powerful network of contacts ensures that graduates of this university are excellently prepared to succeed in a dynamically changing world.

For ambitious young people dreaming of studying at Dartmouth, the key is not only academic excellence but also passion, commitment, and a clear vision for their future. Dartmouth seeks not only the best students but, above all, future leaders who will shape a better tomorrow for all of us.

Preparing for the SAT? Check out Prepclass.io – a platform created by College Council to help you prepare for the SAT exam and achieve a competitive score for Dartmouth applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the D-Plan at Dartmouth College?

The D-Plan is Dartmouth’s unique academic system that divides the year into four 10-week terms (fall, winter, spring, summer). Students can flexibly plan which terms they will be on campus and which they will use for internships, research, or study abroad. This system gives students great freedom in organizing their time.

What SAT score is needed to get into Dartmouth?

The average SAT score for admitted students at Dartmouth in the 2025-2026 cycle is approximately 1510 out of 1600 points. Dartmouth has reinstated the requirement to submit SAT or ACT scores, but it evaluates candidates holistically, considering essays, extracurricular activities, and recommendations.

How much does it cost to study at Dartmouth College?

The total estimated cost of attendance at Dartmouth for the 2026-2027 academic year is approximately $91,850 annually (tuition, room, board, and fees). However, about 50% of students receive financial aid, and the average grant is over $63,000 per year.

Does Dartmouth College offer financial aid for Polish applicants?

Dartmouth applies a need-aware policy to international students from most countries, including Poland. This means that financial situation may influence the admission decision. However, if a Polish student is admitted, Dartmouth commits to covering 100% of their documented financial needs.

What is Dartmouth’s acceptance rate for 2026?

Dartmouth’s acceptance rate for the 2025-2026 admission cycle is approximately 6%, making it one of the most selective universities in the USA. Chances may be slightly higher under Early Decision, but competition remains very high.

Is the Polish Matura certificate recognized by Dartmouth?

Yes, Dartmouth accepts the Polish Matura certificate (the Polish secondary school leaving examination). The university evaluates results in the context of the given educational system. Polish applicants should additionally take the SAT or ACT exam and the TOEFL or IELTS to confirm English language proficiency.

How does Dartmouth differ from other Ivy League universities?

Dartmouth primarily stands out for its intimate atmosphere (only about 4,700 undergraduate students), the D-Plan system, a strong emphasis on student-professor relationships (6:1 ratio), and its picturesque location in Hanover, NH. Compared to Columbia (New York) or Penn (Philadelphia), Dartmouth offers a more intimate, communal educational experience.

What is life like in Hanover, New Hampshire?

Hanover is a small, charming university town in New England, surrounded by mountains and forests. Social life revolves around the campus. Students have access to skiing, hiking, and kayaking. Hanover is not a large metropolis but offers a peaceful, supportive environment for learning. Boston is about a 2-hour drive away.

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