The journey to higher education is a transformative one, and for those aspiring to join the esteemed ranks of Dartmouth College, it begins with a series of carefully crafted essays. Dartmouth’s supplemental essays for the 2023/24 application cycle are not just a requirement; they are your opportunity to paint a vivid portrait of yourself, your aspirations, and your potential contributions to the vibrant Dartmouth community.
Navigating the landscape of college applications can be daunting, especially when faced with the task of conveying your unique qualities, experiences, and dreams in a limited word count. This guide is your compass, designed to help you embark on this writing journey with confidence.
Dartmouth’s Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023/24
To answer Dartmouth’s supplemental essays for the 2023/24 application cycle, you’ll want to carefully consider each prompt and craft thoughtful, concise responses. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach each of the prompts:
Prompt 1: Dartmouth celebrates how its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2028, what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? In short, why Dartmouth? (100 words)
This prompt is essentially a “Why Dartmouth?” essay but with a strict word limit. To make the most of your 100 words, follow these steps:
- Research Dartmouth’s unique academic programs, campus culture, and community.
- Identify specific aspects that genuinely attract you, such as certain courses, professors, research opportunities, or campus traditions.
- Explain how these aspects align with your academic and personal goals.
- If possible, mention one extracurricular activity or program that you’re interested in to show a well-rounded interest in Dartmouth.
Prompt 2: Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:
Option A: 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.
In this essay, focus on one specific aspect of your upbringing that has had a significant impact on your identity. Be sure to:
- Describe the environment in detail, whether it’s your family, community, or a particular experience.
- Explain how this environment shaped your values, beliefs, or personality.
- Connect this upbringing to your potential contributions to Dartmouth’s community.
Option B: “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself in 200-250 words.
This prompt gives you the opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and personality. Here’s how to approach it:
- Reflect on what makes you distinct, such as your values, interests, or experiences.
- Share anecdotes or examples that illustrate these qualities.
- Avoid listing achievements; instead, provide insights into your character.
- Consider what kind of community member you would be at Dartmouth.
Prompt 3: Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:
Option A: What excites you?
This prompt invites you to share your passions and interests. Follow these steps:
- Identify something that genuinely excites you, whether it’s a hobby, a cause, or an experience.
- Explain why this excites you and what you’ve learned from it.
- Relate your excitement to opportunities at Dartmouth.
Option B: Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. In what ways do you hope to make—or are you already making—an impact? Why? How?
In this essay, discuss your aspirations to positively impact the world. Here’s a guide:
- Explain the cause or area where you want to make an impact.
- Share your motivations and reasons behind this goal.
- Mention any current efforts or experiences that align with this purpose.
- Relate your goals to Dartmouth’s mission and values.
Option C: Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” What do you wonder and think about?
This prompt is an opportunity to share your curiosity and interests. Here’s how:
- Reflect on topics or questions that genuinely intrigue you.
- Explain why these subjects pique your curiosity.
- Share any experiences or stories related to your interests.
- Consider how your inquisitiveness aligns with Dartmouth’s academic environment.
Option D: Celebrate your nerdy side.
If you choose this prompt, showcase your intellectual passions. Follow these steps:
- Define what “nerdy” means to you and what specific interest or hobby you consider nerdy.
- Share anecdotes or experiences related to this interest.
- Explain how this aspect of your identity has contributed to your growth.
- Relate your nerdy side to your potential contributions to Dartmouth’s community.
Option E: “It’s not easy being green…” How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook?
In this essay, focus on aspects of your identity that make you unique. Here’s how to approach it:
- Describe how you stand out or have experienced a difference.
- Explain how these differences have influenced your identity and worldview.
- Discuss how you embrace and value diversity.
- Relate your experiences to Dartmouth’s commitment to inclusivity.
Option F: Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and responsible leadership… Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you?
This prompt is an opportunity to showcase your potential for leadership and growth. Here’s how to approach it:
- Reflect on your accomplishments, experiences, or qualities that demonstrate your potential.
- Explain how Dartmouth’s education can further develop your abilities.
- Show how you align with Dartmouth’s mission of responsible leadership.
Tips to Write Dartmouth Supplemental Essays
Writing the essays for Dartmouth College requires thoughtful reflection and the ability to convey your unique qualities and experiences effectively. Here are some tips to help you craft compelling essays for Dartmouth:
- Understand the Prompts: Carefully read and understand the essay prompts provided by Dartmouth. Make sure you grasp the essence of what they are asking.
- Reflect on Your Experiences: Spend time reflecting on your life experiences, values, and aspirations. The essays should reveal who you are as a person.
- Tell a Story: Essays are most engaging when they tell a story. Use anecdotes, examples, and personal narratives to illustrate your points.
- Be Concise: Dartmouth has word limits for their essays, so make every word count. Be concise and avoid unnecessary filler.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of simply stating facts or qualities about yourself, show them through your experiences and actions. Describe situations where you demonstrated these qualities.
- Stay Genuine: Be authentic and true to yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not or write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear.
- Answer the Question: Ensure that your essay directly addresses the prompt. Avoid going off-topic or providing generic responses.
- Unique Perspective: Highlight what makes you unique. Consider what sets you apart from other applicants and emphasize those qualities.
- Research Dartmouth: Show that you’ve done your homework about Dartmouth. Mention specific programs, courses, professors, or campus aspects that align with your interests.
- Edit and Proofread: After writing your essays, take the time to edit and proofread them. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
- Seek Feedback: Share your essays with teachers, mentors, or peers for feedback. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.
- Stay Positive: Maintain a positive and optimistic tone in your essays. Highlight your strengths and aspirations rather than dwelling on challenges or weaknesses.
- Be Specific: Provide concrete details and examples to support your statements. Vague or general statements are less impactful.
- Consider the Reader: Remember that your essays will be read by admissions officers. Write in a way that engages and informs them about who you are.
- Revise and Revise: Don’t be afraid to revise your essays multiple times. Each revision can lead to stronger, more polished writing.
- Start Early: Give yourself ample time to write and revise your essays. Starting early reduces the stress of last-minute writing.
- Stay within Word Limits: Adhere to the specified word limits. Going significantly over or under can raise concerns.
- Be Unique: Avoid clichés and common topics. Stand out by choosing a unique angle or perspective.
- Connect to Dartmouth: In your “Why Dartmouth?” essay, explain how your goals and interests align with Dartmouth’s offerings and community.
- Proof of Character: Use your essays to showcase qualities like resilience, determination, empathy, and leadership. Share examples that illustrate these qualities.
Remember that Dartmouth’s admissions committee is looking to get to know you as an individual and understand how you will contribute to their campus community. Be yourself, be sincere, and let your personality shine through in your essays. Good luck!
