Last week, we posted this blog post about Dartmouth’s test-optional policy for the class of 2025. If you’re a regular reader of your blog, you should know by now that this doesn’t mean that getting into Dartmouth will be easier this year. In fact, we expect their 8.7% acceptance rate to decrease this application cycle because more students will be applying. Keep reading for three tips on how to proceed:

READ THE FINE PRINT:

You can read their announcement here. While the statement says that optional is not a trick word, it also says this:

“At Dartmouth, we will welcome any testing element a student chooses to share—the SAT, the ACT, a subject test, an AP score—or none at all.” This means that if you’ve taken a test and done well, you should absolutely still submit your scores. And if you’re a student athlete, please note that this policy probably doesn’t apply to you.

FOCUS ON YOUR ESSAY:

Now (as in today) is the time to start setting aside time for your common app essay on the daily. Ideally, you’ll be done with it before the supplements are posted in August. Without test scores and second-semester junior year grades, and with a slightly diminished focus on extracurricular activities and summer plans, your common app essay is absolutely crucial. It’s also the only aspect of your application that can take control of right now. This ultimate guide is a great place to start, and you should also search the blog for advice. Now that most of the things students rely on to highlight their strong suits have been stripped away, your essay is your only opportunity to shed light on those characteristics.

If you are only going to read one line of the blog post it should be this: your essay will matter more this year than ever before, so make sure it is perfect.

START RESEARCHING THE SCHOOL:

Having a really clear idea of why you want attend Dartmouth, or any school for that matter, can help set you up for success before you start your supplements in August. Alert: that’s in less than two months. Figure out what academic programs and extracurricular activities you plan to study and pursue at Dartmouth. Why? You can start doubling down on those areas this summer. To use an example, perhaps you want to attend Dartmouth for their Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program. Eventually, and by that we mean in about seven weeks, you’re going to have to tell Dartmouth (in writing) why that program is a perfect match. Read books from future classes you want to take, research the course catalogue, and start pursuing that information on your own. If you dedicate enough time to digging into these topics now, you’ll have more to write about for your supplements.

Ultimately, you have no reason to believe this year is going to be easier because of the Coronavirus. If anything, we think it’ll be more challenging. Start your essays and start your research today, and let us know how we can help.

Need help with your essay? Contact us here.