Dartmouth College is frequently ranked among the top 15 institutions in the country. Dartmouth is a very selective college with continuously low admission rates due to its high ranking and renown.
The writing supplement contains Dartmouth-specific questions that assist the Admissions Committee better understand how you and Dartmouth could be a suitable “match.” But don’t worry; Rostrum is here to help you with not only the supplemental essays, but also the application process, exam preparation, interviews, and everything else that comes along. Book a free session with us.
Dartmouth Essay prompts:
Applicants must respond to two supplemental essay prompts as part of Dartmouth’s writing supplement:
Prompt 1: While arguing a Dartmouth-related case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1818, Daniel Webster, Class of 1801, delivered this memorable line: “It is, sir,…a small college, and yet there are those who love it!” As you seek admission to the Class of 2026, what aspects of the College’s program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? (100 words)
How to write this?
This question is required for all Dartmouth students, and for good reason: it’s the “Why Dartmouth” essay! This article explains why Dartmouth is the best institution for you to attend.
With only 100 words to work with, you won’t have much opportunity to elaborate on your favourite features of Dartmouth, so select one or two and focus on them.
Don’t feel like you have to stick to academics because the question invites you to talk about the programme, community, or campus. You might also discuss other aspects of Dartmouth that pique your interest, such as student life or extracurricular activities.
Prompt 2: Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 250-300 words:
- Option A:The Hawaiian word mo’olelo is often translated as “story” but it can also refer to history, legend, genealogy, and tradition. Use one of these translations to introduce yourself.
How to write this?
This prompt provides an unexpected entrance point to a very straightforward prompt. It’s worth thinking about why Dartmouth used the word mo’olelo to express this inquiry. Although the instructions emphasise the less-common interpretations, the term “story” is important to this prompt: share a tale that tells something about your past in the context of history, folklore, family, or custom. Use this as a jumping-off point for all of your own stories. Anything linked to your childhood or upbringing will almost certainly fit into one of the categories given above, so polish your tale first, then back it up with the prompt.
- Option B:What excites you?
How to write this?
Take some time to consider your future in order to respond to this prompt: your college objectives, things you aspire to accomplish, and exciting prospects. You’ll want to keep your response focused and organised, so pick one concept, aim, or prospect that excites you the most and elaborate on it in your response.
Whatever subject you select, you must have a primary idea—something that excites you—and be able to explain how that passion will influence your life choices as a Dartmouth student.
In terms of what fascinates you, there are no right or incorrect responses, but it is vital to attempt to think about your future and explain it.
- Option C: In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, William Kamkwamba, Class of 2014, reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power the electrical appliances in his family’s Malawian house: “If you want to make it, all you have to do is try.” What drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you already made?
How to write this?
Every field of study requires creativity, and this essay prompt asks you to demonstrate how your hobbies, whether academic or recreational, motivate you to produce things. To reply to this prompt, you must be able to describe a concept, topic, or interest that drives you to make things, as well as what you’ve done in the past or plan to make in the future! The first step is to figure out what motivates you to produce. Consider who you are, where you came from, what experiences you’ve had, and who you want to become to accomplish this. Keep in mind that the terms “creating” and “producing something” can be used in a variety of ways. It is not necessary for your “creating” vision to be artistic or scientific. Whatever the situation may be, linking your creativity to your experience at Dartmouth is a wonderful idea.
- Option D: Curiosity is a guiding element of Toni Morrison’s talent as a writer. “I feel totally curious and alive and in control. And almost…magnificent, when I write,” she says. Celebrate your curiosity.
How to write this?
This question is quite open-ended, allowing you to describe a specific event or experience that relates to something you’re curious about. Do not assume that only those who enjoy writing may select this prompt; “curiosity” is portrayed as something that anybody can appreciate. Dartmouth admissions officers want to see that you have an inherent desire to study, grow, and broaden your horizons, and they want to discover more about you by hearing you go on about that subject you’re always curious about.
- Option E:“Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away,” observed Frida Kahlo. Apply Kahlo’s perspective to your own life.
How to write this?
Life is characterised by change as the only constant. This or similar quotes have all been heard before. Admissions officers are looking to determine if you can roll with the punches and adjust to changing circumstances. So, how has change affected you personally? The beauty of this prompt is that it can be applied to everyone, because we all live in a world that is always adapting, innovating, and adjusting. In your life, how does change manifest itself?
- Option F:In the aftermath of World War II, Dartmouth President John Sloane Dickey, Class of 1929, proclaimed, “The world’s troubles are your troubles…and there is nothing wrong with the world that better human beings cannot fix.” Which of the world’s “troubles” inspires you to act? How might your course of study at Dartmouth prepare you to address it?
How to write this?
This prompt is more solid and realistic than the others available to choose from. This prompt is an excellent choice if you’re nervous about talking about your creative or personal past. This question invites you to choose a real-world problem (i.e., trouble) and explain how it motivates you to take action. The second section of the challenge invites you to discuss how your Dartmouth education will assist you in solving this problem.
It’s essential to respond to both sides of the prompt—you’ll need to demonstrate why Dartmouth is the best location to learn how to tackle your chosen problem. The key is to pick a topic that you have a personal connection to and reason for wanting to fix. Your passion will come across in your description of the issue. The idea is to choose a subject with which you have a personal connection and a desire to improve. In your description of the problem, your enthusiasm will shine through.
Dartmouth Supplemental Essay Writing Tips:
- Speak in your own voice
The purpose of a college essay is to allow the admissions committee to learn more about you than just your test scores and grades. Your admissions essays are your chance to bring yourself to life for the essay readers and show yourself as a fully developed individual.
As a result, you should double-check that the person you’re presenting in your college essays is you. Don’t attempt to be someone you’re not by imitating what you believe the committee wants to hear.
- Clichés and overused phrases should be avoided.
Try to avoid utilising common quotes or phrases in your Dartmouth essays. These include overused phrases or idioms in everyday life, as well as statements that have been repeated to death. Make an effort to be unique.
Avoid clichés as well, as they distract from the depth and authenticity of your writing. It’s preferable to be open and honest about your experience.
- Go through your work again
You want your Dartmouth essays to be the best representation of your work. Make sure to check and update your essays before you submit your Dartmouth application. Spelling and grammatical mistakes should be avoided in your work. Before you submit your essays, make sure you check them for spelling and punctuation. A team of specialists at Rostrum is available to assist you at every step of the way to guarantee that you create the finest supplementary essays possible. For more queries, book a free session with us.
