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Dartmouth

By Sean Khottavong

For the Class of 2028, Dartmouth College upheld its reputation for selectivity with an overall acceptance rate of 5.4%, admitting 1,710 students from a pool of 31,656 applicants. The Early Decision round offered a more favorable acceptance rate of 17.07%, accounting for 606 of the admitted students or 49% of the incoming class. 

Standardized Testing

Academically, Dartmouth’s admitted students showcased exceptional standardized test scores. The mean SAT scores were 733 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 750 for Math, with median scores reaching 750 and 770, respectively. The middle 50% of SAT scores ranged from 710–770 for Reading and 730–790 for Math. For the ACT, the average composite score was 33, with the middle 50% ranging from 32 to 35. These numbers reflect Dartmouth’s commitment to academic excellence and its continued appeal to high-achieving students.

For the Class of 2028, Dartmouth received a record 31,657 applications, admitting 1,685 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 5.3%, the lowest in the college’s history. Of those admitted, 49% were enrolled through Early Decision. The enrolled class comprises 1,183 students, with 50.8% receiving scholarship aid and an average award of $71,582. Notably, 19.4% of the class are Pell Grant recipients, indicating a commitment to socioeconomic diversity. The class also includes 15% from rural U.S. communities and 14.5% international students. In terms of academic credentials, 93% of students ranked in the top decile of their high school class.

Class of 2028Overall Acceptance RateEarly Decision Acceptance RateTotal Number of Applications ReceivedTotal Number of Applications AcceptedNumber of Students Admitted Early DecisionPercentage of the Class Admitted Early Decision
Dartmouth5.40%17.07%31656171060649%
SAT Critical Reading EBRWSAT Math
Mean733750
Median750770
Mid 50% Range71-770730-790
ACT Composite
Mean33
Mid 50% Range32-35


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