United States · Class of 2031
Dartmouth supplemental essays
Dartmouth's first response is about fit with its academic program or community. Applicants then choose among prompts about upbringing or self-introduction, followed by a second choice exploring excitement, impact, reading, or another published theme.
Writing format
Three responses: one up to 100 words and two up to 250 words
What to prepare
- 1In 100 words or fewer, identify a Dartmouth feature you can connect to a specific way you learn or contribute.
- 2Choose one 250-word prompt about the environment that raised you or how you would introduce yourself.
- 3Choose another 250-word prompt from the published set and use it to add a side of yourself the first two answers cannot show.
How to approach the writing
- The three pieces should make a coherent portrait without repeating the same story.
- For the why-Dartmouth answer, one well-explained connection is stronger than a list of clubs and buildings.
Before you submit
Read every choice in Dartmouth's official writing supplement before selecting prompts; the options are broader than the examples summarized here.
Read Dartmouth writing supplement ↗Official source checked 2026-09-25.