Dartmouth ACT and SAT Requirements Admissions Guide

So you want to go to Dartmouth? Then, you had better score well on the ACT or SAT. As you’re likely aware, Dartmouth boasts a proud membership in the coveted fraternity of colleges known as the Ivy League. As such, it’s one of the most sought-after universities for ambitious students. Dartmouth has its pick of litter when admitting incoming first-year students. You’ll need a competitive ACT or SAT score to stand out above the ocean of applicants. And you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll cover the specific ACT and SAT requirements for Dartmouth College. If you’re seeking specific information about Dartmouth’s testing requirements, use the Table of Contents below to navigate directly to the topics most relevant to you. Learn more about what it’s like to attend Dartmouth.

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What are Dartmouth’s SAT Requirements?

Dartmouth doesn’t technically have a strict SAT requirement. On Dartmouth’s student-facing admissions site, we read the following:

Is there a minimum test score on the SAT or ACT required for admission to Dartmouth? No. We review each application carefully, regardless of standardized testing results. We strongly advise students to focus on the many holistic elements of the application that showcase academic excellence and their personal narrative.^[1]

In the post-pandemic days of higher education, most schools have eliminated an exact test score requirement. Instead, we must examine the data top-tier universities like Dartmouth release on the test scores of their admitted first-year student. On the other hand, some competitive universities and Ivy League colleges are test-optional, enabling students to apply without submitting test scores entirely. So, that begs the question: Is Dartmouth Test Optional?

Is Dartmouth Test Optional?

Dartmouth and other Ivy League Universities were test optional through the Pandemic. However, those days are over. If you’re a US student trying to attend Dartmouth, plan on submitting test scores. When Dartmouth College did away with their test-optional admissions policy, CBS News Coverage Producer Neil Reily wrote the following:

Dartmouth is the first Ivy League school to announce it is moving away from “test-optional” admissions. The new policy will start with prospective students for the Class of 2029.^[2]

Hence, Dartmouth’s Testing Guidelines state these requirements:

​​Students who attend(ed) high school within the United States must submit results of either the SAT or ACT.^[3]

So, is Dartmouth Test Optional? No, Dartmouth is not test-optional. Students must submit standardized test scores to apply. If you’re not a US student, however, you have five ways you can submit test scores:

1. Results of either the SAT or ACT
2. Results of three Advanced Placement (AP) examinations
3. Predicted or final exam results from the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP)
4. Predicted or final exam results from British A-Levels
5. Final results from an equivalent standardized national exam^[4]

Why Did Dartmouth Reinstate Test Requirements?

Dartmouth conducted an internal investigation of its admissions data. Unlike many colleges, it released the findings in a white paper. The data from that document show the following evidence. Dartmouth reinstated their ACT/SAT requirements due to the significant role standardized test scores play in identifying applicants likely to succeed academically and in their future careers, particularly for less-advantaged students. Here’s a summary of their reasoning with direct quotes and supporting data from the paper:

***Note that anything in italics is a direct quote from the white paper.***

Standardized Test Scores Are Strong Predictors of Academic Success

Dartmouth concluded that SAT and ACT scores are “highly predictive of academic performance at Dartmouth” and offer a stronger indication of first-year GPA than high school GPA or other application components. This conclusion is supported by robust statistical analysis:

SAT (and ACT) scores are highly predictive of academic achievement at Dartmouth.

• SAT scores alone explained 22% of the variation in first-year GPA, compared to just 9% for high school GPA. Combined, these factors were 25% of the variation, meaning the marginal contribution of high school GPA was only 3%.
• For example, students with higher SAT scores consistently earned higher first-year GPAs, with a linear relationship between SAT scores and cumulative first-year GPA.

These findings align with prior research^[5][6][7] that shows standardized test scores are a more reliable predictor of college success than high school grades, which can be subject to grade inflation^[8] and inconsistencies in grading policies.

Test Scores Help Identify High-Achieving, Less-Advantaged Students

Test-optional policies unintentionally hinder Dartmouth’s ability to identify high-achieving applicants from less advantaged backgrounds.

Under a test-optional policy, many high-achieving less-advantaged applicants choose not to submit scores even when doing so would allow Admissions to identify them as students likely to succeed at Dartmouth and in turn benefit their application.

• For example, 31% of students in test-optional cohorts opted not to submit SAT scores. Most of these non-submitters had scores below 1450, but many were high-achieving, less-advantaged students whose test scores would have benefited their applications.
• Dartmouth uses test scores “in context,” meaning a score of 1400 from a high school with lower average scores is weighted more favorably than the same score from a higher-income school. Without test scores, these students are harder to identify.

The data showed that high-achieving, less-advantaged students who revealed their test scores were significantly more likely to be admitted. For example, applicants from less-advantaged backgrounds with scores between 1450 and 1490 tripled their chances of admission by submitting their scores.

Test-Optional Policies Shift Weight to Less Reliable Metrics

Without test scores, admissions committees must rely more heavily on components that favor wealthier applicants and have weaker predictive value for college success.

By necessity, test-optional policies thus put more weight on components of the application that increase the admissions chances of groups that (a) have historically been better represented at Dartmouth, and (b) do not predict success at Dartmouth or later in life.

• Components like “guidance counselor recommendations” and “non-academic ratings created by Admissions officers” were found to “advantage more-advantaged applicants” while offering little value in predicting academic performance.

The data also revealed that high school GPA explained less variation (9%) in first-year GPA than SAT scores (22%). High school class rank added even less predictive power, with incomplete reporting further limiting its utility in admissions decisions.

Less-Advantaged Students Are Disadvantaged by Test-Optional Policies

Test-optional policies disproportionately disadvantage less advantaged students who might otherwise benefit from submitting their scores.

There are hundreds of less-advantaged applicants with scores in the 1400 range who should be submitting scores to identify themselves to Admissions, but do not under test-optional policies.

• Figure 6 in the report showed that less-advantaged students with scores in the 1400–1490 range tripled their chances of admission by submitting their scores.
• However, roughly 1,000 less-advantaged students in each test-optional applicant pool had scores over 1400 but opted not to submit them, missing an opportunity to strengthen their applications.

Moreover, Dartmouth’s reliance on transcript evaluations is less effective for less-advantaged applicants from high schools who are less familiar with the admissions team. SAT scores provide a standardized metric that helps level the playing field for these students.

Consistent Predictive Value Across Subgroups

Test scores were shown to predict academic success similarly across demographic groups, contradicting arguments that standardized testing is biased against lower-income or first-generation students.

The SAT predicts first-year GPA at Dartmouth similarly for all subgroups we have examined.

• For example, students with less advantage had slightly lower GPAs than their more advantaged peers for the same SAT score, but the relationship between SAT scores and first-year GPA remained linear and consistent across both groups.

If SAT scores were a downward biased predictor of academic performance for lower-income or first-generation students, we might have expected the opposite pattern.”

Is Dartmouth Test Blind?

Usually, when a college isn’t test-optional, there’s almost no chance it is Test Blind. The UC system is a rare exception to that rule, but more on that another day. However, Dartmouth never has nor is test-blind. Therefore, the same declaration on Dartmouth College’s Testing Guidelines applies: ​​

Students who attend(ed) high school within the United States must submit results of either the SAT or ACT.^[9]

Again, for better or worse, if you plan on being a serious applicant, plan on taking the ACT/SAT.

What is the Average SAT Score at Dartmouth?

Students preparing for the SAT to attend Dartmouth need to know this. According to the Dartmouth Graduating Class 2028 Profile,^[10] we learned these insights regarding what kind of SAT scores Dartmouth expects from its applicants. For the High school students who graduated in 2024, the mid-50% range, representing students in the 26th to 74th percentiles, fell between 1440 and 1560.

Students in the lowest 25% scored below 1440, while those in the highest 25% scored above 1560. And in case it’s not obvious, these represent some incredibly competitive score ranges.

• Lowest 25%: Below 1440
• 26th–74th Percentile (Mid-50%): 1440–1560
• Highest 25%: Above 1560

Thus, to score in the margin of safety, you’ll want between 1440–1560. Moreover, the lower you are on this range, the more other dimensions of your application need bolstering.

What is the Average SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score at Dartmouth?

The College Board divides the Digital SAT into two portions: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) and Math. For the EBRW, we have this SAT scoring data from Dartmouth’s admitted students.

SAT Critical Reading EBRW

• Mean: 733
• Median: 750
• Mid 50% Range: 710–770^[11]

Dartmouth shows that their admitted students falling in the lowest 25% scored below 1480. Meanwhile, those in the highest 25% scored above 1560. The mid-50% range, representing the middle half of admitted students, spans from 1480 to 1560. These numbers showcase the highly competitive nature of Dartmouth’s applicant pool and the importance of strong SAT scores for admission. Applicants should aim for a score within or above this range to remain competitive.

• Lowest 25%: Below 710
• 26th–74th Percentile (Mid-50%): 710–770
• Highest 25%: Above 770

Consequently, students seeking STEM programs at Dartmouth must score well on the EBRW. They don’t need to be a dramaturge, but they’d do well to remember all the lessons they learned in AP Lang and their advanced literature courses. On the verbal portion of the Digital SAT, you’ll need to all but master the SAT’s favored grammar mechanics and how to extrapolate the main ideas from short fiction and nonfiction passages, all within the 64-time limit.^[12] It’s no small endeavor, nor an easy one. But, then again, getting into an Ivy League is anything but easy.

What is the Average SAT Math Score at Dartmouth?

Students can showcase their quantitative strengths to Dartmouth in the SAT Math Section. Based on Dartmouth’s data, here’s how the Math scores break down:

SAT Math

• Mean: 750
• Median: 770
• Mid 50% Range: 730–790

Comparatively, Dartmouth’s math scores exceed the reading scores by about 20 points. Dartmouth’s scoring data shows that students in the lowest 25% scored below 730, while those in the highest 25% scored above 790. The mid-50% range, which represents the scores of the middle half of admitted students, spans from 730 to 790. These numbers highlight the high level of mathematical aptitude Dartmouth looks for in its students.

• Lowest 25%: Below 730
• 26th–74th Percentile (Mid-50%): 730–790
• Highest 25%: Above 790

For those applying to Dartmouth, particularly for STEM majors, excelling in the SAT Math section is crucial. This portion of the test demands more than just competence in algebra; success often hinges on a mastery of advanced math topics, such as geometry, data analysis, and trigonometry. Additionally, the time constraints challenge students to solve problems quickly while maintaining precision. To remain competitive, applicants should aim for scores in the mid-to-upper range—or higher—to showcase their readiness for Dartmouth’s rigorous academic environment.

What’s a Good SAT Score to Get into Dartmouth?

So, what SAT score do you need to get into Dartmouth? Anything between 1440–1560 should make you a more competitive applicant. Naturally, if you score anything above, that’s just icing on the cake. Remember that Dartmouth has its pick of the litter, so to speak, when it comes to picking its applicants. Basically, every valedictorian in the world is lining up to apply. Your GPA, standardized test scores, extracurriculars, and the academic rigor of your courses all add to the chorus of credibility your application sings to Dartmouth’s admission staff.

Will Dartmouth Superscore My SAT Scores?

Superscoring allows students only to submit their best scores on each section of the SAT. Does Dartmouth do it? According to them, they do! But, it’s more complicated than a simple yes.

If you submit multiple scores from the SAT or ACT, we will accept superscored testing, i.e. your highest section scores in either test, regardless of the test dates or platform.^[13]

On one of their test score webpages (Dartmouth has many), Dartmouth’s Admissions tells students that they can self-report their scores on their application, and they’ll consider those scores until they receive your official scores.^[14] However, I don’t like the wording of this. It seems like Dartmouth will super score your SAT scores until they get your official ones. Ergo, an implicit clause of legalese in that statement allows them to do whatever they want. Thus, I wouldn’t count on an SAT/ACT super score being the advantage that glides your application over the finish line.

What’s Dartmouth’s SAT Code?

When you register for the SAT and want to send your scores to Dartmouth, use 3351.^[15] I wouldn’t recommend preemptively sending them your test scores or before you take the test. Send your scores to Dartmouth when you’re ready to apply. If you find yourself facing a tight deadline and need to get your test scores to Dartmouth faster than your guidance counselor can, Dartmouth advises you submit your scores through the College Board (or the ACT if you’re an ACT taker): 

The fastest and most direct way to submit official scores is to request the testing agency report your scores to Dartmouth.^[16]

Conclusion

Consider yourself duly informed of Dartmouth’s SAT Requirements. Again, while the Ivy League doesn’t advertise a specific SAT score requirement, you want to score at least in the 50% percentile or higher. In a subsequent post, we’ll examine how Dartmouth uses the ACT score in its admissions process. In the meantime, get to studying and happy testing!

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References

^[1] Dartmouth College. “Is There a Minimum Test Score (SAT or ACT) Required for Admission to Dartmouth?” Dartmouth Admissions, Dartmouth College, https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/glossary-question/there-minimum-test-score-sat-or-act-required-admission-dartmouth. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

^[2] Riley, Neal. “Dartmouth College Brings Back Standardized Testing Admissions Requirement.” CBS Boston, 5 Feb. 2024, 12:40 PM EST. https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/harvard-standardized-test-requirements-applicants-sats-acts/. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025

^[3] Dartmouth College. “Testing Policy.” Dartmouth Admissions, Dartmouth College, https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/apply/testing-policy. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

^[4]Ibid

^[5] Comeaux, Eddie, and Héctor Sánchez. Report of the UC Academic Council Standardized Testing Task Force (STTF). University of California Academic Senate, 2020.

^[6] Bettinger, Eric P., Brent J. Evans, and Devin G. Pope. “Improving College Performance and Retention the Easy Way: Unpacking the ACT Exam.” American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, vol. 5, no. 2, 2013, pp. 26–52.

^[7] Saboe, Matt, and Suzanne Terrizzi. “SAT Optional Policies: Do They Influence Graduate Quality, Selectivity, or Diversity?” Economics Letters, vol. 174, 2019, pp. 13–17.

^[8] ACT. “Grade Inflation a Systemic Problem in US High Schools, ACT Report Shows.” ACT Newsroom & Blog, 16 May 2022, https://leadershipblog.act.org/2022/05/grade-inflation-past-decade.html. Accessed 23 January 2025.

^[9] Ibid

^[10] Dartmouth College Admissions. “Class Profile.” Dartmouth Admissions, https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/apply/class-profile-testing. Accessed 24 January 2025.

^[11] Ibid

^[12] The College Board. “How the SAT Is Structured – SAT Suite | College Board.” SAT Suite of Assessments, https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/whats-on-the-test/structure. Accessed 24 January 2025.

^[13] Dartmouth College. “If I Take the SAT or ACT Multiple Times, Which Results Does Dartmouth Consider?” Dartmouth Admissions, Dartmouth College, https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/glossary-question/if-i-take-sat-or-act-multiple-times-which-results-does-dartmouth-consider. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

^[14] Dartmouth College. “Standardized Testing.” Dartmouth Admissions, Dartmouth College, https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/glossary-term/standardized-testing. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

^[15] College Board. “Dartmouth College Admissions.” BigFuture, https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/dartmouth-college/admissions. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

^[16] Ibid