dartmouth university supplemental essay

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How to Respond to the 2023-2024 Dartmouth Supplemental Essay Prompts

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Dartmouth is an Ivy League institution found along the scenic Connecticut River in Hanover, New Hampshire. Just like other Ivy League institutions, Dartmouth is difficult to be admitted to as their acceptance rate is 6% .  So, how do you become a part of the 9%? Writing stellar supplemental essays for your Dartmouth application is one way!

To stand out on your application, you need to have stunning responses to the Dartmouth supplemental prompts. The Dartmouth supplemental essays offer the perfect opportunity to display pieces of your personality. This is your chance to prove that you are a better candidate than others by sharing the unique characteristics and interests you possess. 

So what are you waiting for? Read our guide below on how to make your Dartmouth supplemental essay responses flawless! 

The Dartmouth College supplemental essay prompts

Responding to the Dartmouth supplemental essay prompts allows applicants to share their unique characteristics and interests. After all, Dartmouth wants to admit students who are a good fit for their campus and community. Dartmouth requires three supplemental essays, with the third prompt offering five interesting options to choose from. Read our guide below on how to make your Dartmouth supplemental essay responses flawless! 

Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2028, what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? In short, Why Dartmouth? (100 words or fewer) 

Although there are a lot of words included in this question, it is essentially just another “Why us?” question! Therefore, do not overthink this one. 

With the 100 word limit, there is not a lot of room to go on about how amazing Dartmouth is (plus, they already know they are pretty amazing!). Therefore, you should brainstorm around two to three things about Dartmouth that you absolutely love. This can include anything about Dartmouth, such as its beautiful campus and location, any important traditions they have, the academic programs offered, any extracurriculars you are excited for, and much more. 

The key to responding to this prompt is to be specific . Show that you have done your research. Remember, you do not have a lot of words to write your response. Therefore, strive to make it short and sweet but also informative. Mention these two to three specific and detailed pieces and why you are interested in them. 

Be sure to spend time researching Dartmouth and what makes them unique compared to other colleges. Remember, you are applying to an extremely selective college, so you want to make sure you are choosing something that other applicants would not think about. It is all about thinking outside of the box and showing the “true you” through your responses. 

“There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today. (250 words or less)

Who are you, and how did you become who you are? That is the question Dartmouth is asking. As a student applying to Dartmouth, you have your own unique story to tell. While the description of the environment you grew up in is important, the ‘how” it impacted you is the true focus. Dartmouth wants to know how you made the most of whatever situation you grew up in. If you had privilege, what did you do with the opportunities presented? If you struggled, how did you triumph?

Take note of the word “impact” in the prompt, and think of the meaning of the word, which is “strong effect.” After you briefly describe the environment you grew up in (remember you only have 250 words!), ask yourself what your most positive qualities are. Then, ask yourself how your upbringing impacted, or had an effect, on one or two of those qualities. Even if your upbringing was less than ideal, perhaps you are all the more understanding and helpful to others who are less fortunate. 

“Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself . (250 words or less)

Dartmouth receives a lot of applications from students from around the world with impressive applications. Therefore, this is your time to prove how unique you are and how your individuality will flourish while at Dartmouth. Be sure to not restate items from your resume or detail your entire life story. Rather, be as concise as possible while revealing your identity. 

This is a very open ended question, which can be tricky to start. To help brainstorm, think of the following questions: 

• How would you introduce yourself to a complete stranger? 
• If you had to make a slideshow about yourself, what would you include? 
• What are your main interests? 
• What could you not live without? 
• How would someone close to you describe you? 

To format this response you can either: 

• Write as if you were introducing yourself to someone
• Create a more narrative and story-telling piece of writing
• Something more creative!

Ultimately, the formatting does not matter as long as you accurately introduce yourself and highlight your uniqueness. Just remember to be authentic and focus on what makes you stand out from everyone else. 

For the third Dartmouth supplemental essay, you’ll choose from a list of five potential prompts. Before making your choice, read through them carefully and determine which prompt most appeals to you. Remember to only select one prompt to answer and keep it under 250 words! 

What excites you? (250 words or less)

Although this question is short and sweet, it is extremely broad! This means that you can answer this question in a lot of different ways. However, just because the question is broad does not mean your answer should be too. Rather, your answer should be extremely specific and detailed. 

Before you start answering this prompt, you should sit down for a few minutes and list what excites you and makes you happy. Once you have a solid list of things that excite you, select whichever thing you are most passionate about. 

Remember, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. In fact, you can write about anything big or small. For example, you can choose to write about how each week a new episode of a TV show makes you excited because you get to watch it with your family. Or you can write about how going for a walk in new trails where you live excites you because you love seeing new nature scenes. You can write about how helping people less fortunate than you makes you excited for your dream job at a nonprofit organization. 

It does not matter what you choose to write about. What matters is how you justify your answer. The “why” is so important. Why does this particular thing excite you? How does it impact your life? Does it connect back to your future goals? 

In addition, do not forget that this essay is for Dartmouth. So, if possible, try to connect what you are excited by back to Dartmouth and its resources. For example, as stated before, maybe going for a walk around your neighborhood makes you happy and excites you because of the new nature scenes you are able to see. You can then connect this back to your excitement to be immersed in the beautiful trees and nature of New Hampshire. You might even want to connect it back to being excited about studying environmental studies at Dartmouth. 

This essay can be a good place to tie in a passion to your intended major to give the Dartmouth admissions officers an idea of how your major connects to your interests. 

Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make- or are you making – an impact?” (250 words or less)

Essentially, this prompt is asking “What do you hope to achieve for the greater good?” or “What do you think your life’s purpose is?” 

This may seem like a daunting question to tackle, but Dartmouth understands that you are young and still figuring life out. Therefore, do not feel like you need to have a concrete answer to this prompt. 

Dolores Huerta is a prominent civil rights activist who dedicated her life to advocating for immigrant rights. Therefore, Dartmouth is looking for someone who is dedicating their time to make a long term positive change in their world and community. 

Try to think of passions you have and what you have done to act on these passions. Have you ever volunteered anywhere? Have you created a business that donates money to charity? Have you created a club at your high school to help those who are less fortunate than you? 

Once you have identified your passions and purpose in life, detail what you want to continue to do to make an impact on this community. 

Dr. Suess, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” What do you wonder and think about? ” (250 words or less)

This prompt is the perfect opportunity for applicants who find themselves constantly asking questions and wanting to learn more about anything and everything. Try to think of the last time you went down an internet rabbit hole researching or bombarding someone with a million questions about a particular subject. What was it and why did this topic interest you? 

The great thing about this particular prompt is that there are no restrictions! You can talk about literally anything that you think and wonder about. Ultimately, you want to discuss something that truly fascinates you and makes you “nerd” out! 

Some examples of topics you could discuss are: 

• Time travel
• A bucket list trip
• Going to space
• How Bluetooth works

The possibilities are endless! Do not feel like you need to make up a dramatic narrative in order to impress Dartmouth. Rather, just be true to yourself and write from your heart. This will show Dartmouth how you spend time wondering and what truly interests you. 

“Celebrate your nerdy side.” (250 words or less)

Ultimately, this prompt is asking you to explain what brings out your inner nerd! “Nerd” is being used as a very positive description, so be honest!  

First, you should ask yourself the following:

• What does being a nerd mean to you? 
• Who do you do things that you consider “nerdier” with?

Next, describe in detail what you do when feeling your utmost nerd urge! Choose one specific thing, and make it sound like it is not to miss! Do you enjoy putting jigsaw puzzles together, playing role-playing games, or vintage board games? Share how your nerdy side helped shape you into who you are today and how celebrating your nerdy side continues to help you grow (hopefully at Dartmouth!).

“It’s not easy being green…” was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook?” (250 words or less)

Do not worry if you feel that you don’t have so much to write about with this prompt. If you do not think that that sounds like you – do not choose this prompt! 

This question has two parts that you should address in your response. The first piece asks you to share what it is about you or your life that is “different.”  Essentially, what is the difference, and why is it seen as different by the world around you?

The second part of this question straightforwardly asks how embracing your “differentness” helped shape you and your view of life. Perhaps you are more empathetic to others and go out of your way to make all people feel more comfortable about being outside the mainstream. 

Once you have written about what your difference is, be sure to connect it back to who you are. For example, let’s say you were an only child raised by elderly grandparents. You should then connect this back to how you are totally comfortable with older people and know how to entertain yourself in the best of ways. Take this prompt as an opportunity to reflect on what may seem “different” helped shape the person (you!) who is applying to Dartmouth! 

“ As noted in the College’s mission statement, “Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…” Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you? “(250 words or less)

This prompt is a good one for students who feel that they are more than their application conveys. Say you are a stellar student (as most Dartmouth applicants are!), but more recently found your groove or a passion that has motivated you like nothing else. Perhaps you know, down to your bones, that your goals will be reached no matter what life throws at you. Tell Dartmouth how they are the place to help you reach those goals! This is the time to be as honest and sincere as you can. Doing so will shine through, and maybe the person reading your essay will realize that you are right!

Final thoughts on responding to the Dartmouth supplemental essays

After reading our guide for responding to the Dartmouth supplemental essays, it is time to write your responses! 

Be sure you are outlining and brainstorming prior to writing your responses. Remember, this is Dartmouth you are applying to! You want to ensure that every piece of your essay responses are well-thought out. Do not repeat yourself, and be sure to evenly distribute bits of personality and interests throughout your responses. 

You are more than equipped to answer the Dartmouth supplemental essay questions! Good luck during the writing process! 

Next steps after applying to Dartmouth

When you are finished writing your Dartmouth supplemental essays – it is time to submit your application!

Now, you should have celebrated your accomplishment of submitting your Dartmouth application! Well done!  Be sure to check: 

• Dartmouth portal
• Any Dartmouth social media accounts

For any updates to your application status! Once again best of luck to you! 

Additional resources

Now that you are done with the Dartmouth supplemental essays, double check that your Coalition Application and Common Application essays are perfect! Also, make sure you check out our guide on how many schools to apply to . 

Have you completed the ACT or SAT ? If you are wondering about whether or not to send your SAT/ACT scores to test optional schools, check out our guide!

Most importantly, check out our free scholarship search tool to help you finance your education. Best of luck in the college admissions process, and remember that Scholarships360 is here to help you! 

Additional supplemental essay guides

• Cornell University (Ithaca,NY)
• Amherst College (Amherst, MA)
• University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)

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How to Write the Dartmouth Supplemental Essays 2023–2024

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Dartmouth College asks applicants to answer three supplemental essay prompts, each quirkier than the last. As the smallest and most northern Ivy League school, Dartmouth stands out for its tight-knit community and famously creative alumni, from Dr. Seuss and Mr. Rogers, to Mindy Kaling and Robert Frost. If you’re applying to Dartmouth, you might find their unusual essay prompts intimidating. In this post, we’ll break down how to answer each of the Dartmouth supplemental essays. We’ll also help you choose the right prompts for your unique background and personality so that you can put your best foot forward on your application.

Dartmouth College’s 2023-2024 Prompts

You will need to write three essays for your Dartmouth College application. The first essay is a relatively straightforward “Why Dartmouth?” prompt. For the second and third essays, you’ll be able to select your favorite prompt from a list of prompts. You’ll want to choose wisely!

Supplemental Essay Prompts

Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. as you seek admission to dartmouth’s class of 2028, what aspects of the college’s academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest in short, why dartmouth (100 words).

• There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today.
• “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself.
• What excites you?
• Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you already making—an impact? Why? How?
• Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” As you wonder and think, what’s on your mind?
• Celebrate your nerdy side.
• “It’s not easy being green…” was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook?
• As noted in the College’s mission statement, “Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…” Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you?

Why Dartmouth?

This prompt looks like many other college application prompts: it just boils down to “Why Dartmouth?” That said, there are some differences. Dartmouth admissions officers, when composing this prompt, hint at the location and mission of Dartmouth College. If you find yourself drawn to any specific aspect of Dartmouth’s mission statement and core values , this essay response is a great place for you to break down why those values speak to you and/or draw you to apply to Dartmouth College.

In addition, the reader expects you to have completed some research on Dartmouth’s unique offerings. Name programs, courses, clubs, and/or specific cultural qualities of Dartmouth College that interest you. Then, explain what interests you about them. You could also touch on what makes Dartmouth different. Without putting other schools down, what does Dartmouth provide that you couldn’t have access to anywhere else? The key is that your reader should know you’re writing about Dartmouth whether they’re explicitly told or not. Why? Because your explanation for why Dartmouth is right for you could not be repurposed for any other school.

Who Are You?

The following two prompts, which you can choose between, both focus on who you are. Option A asks about your background; option B asks you to introduce yourself. Unlike many other essay prompts, these prompts don’t focus on who you will be and what you will do, but rather on who you are now. 

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the prompt that’s right for you:

• If you would prefer to focus on how your community, hometown, family, school, or other factors outside of your control have shaped the person you are today, option A is probably the best option for you.
• If you would prefer to write about how you have developed as a unique individual, not necessarily as a result of your background (which may feel less compelling to you to write about), then option B is probably your best bet.

Option A: There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today. (200-250 words)

This prompt asks you to reflect on your past and bring it to the page in a brief essay response. It’s a tall order: you’ll need to describe not only your background, but also how it has impacted you, and who you are today. These elements can be provided in any order. For instance, your essay could have one of the following outlines:

• Describe my unique way of seeing the world
• Describe my family and how they see the world
• Describe how my family influenced the way I see the world
• Open with an anecdote about my school
• Describe how I struggled to fit in at my school
• Express how that experience has shaped who I am today

These outlines are just examples, not suggestions or prescriptions. Before writing this essay, consider writing your own outline so that you can be sure you incorporate all of the important elements into your essay.

Option B: “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself. (200-250 words)

This essay prompt asks you who you are, but more than that, it asks you to describe what makes you unique. If “everyone else is taken,” authenticity is all the more important. Honesty and integrity are crucial aspects of the college application process; this essay particularly relies on authenticity and standing out from the crowd by means of your authenticity.

Like your “Why Dartmouth?” essay, you want this response to be applicable only to you . If someone who knows you read this essay without anyone telling them who wrote it, they should be able to identify the author confidently.

Introducing yourself is a notoriously difficult task despite sounding quite simple. Consider the biographical details that make you who you are. Also, consider your response to the classic “Tell me about yourself” interview question. Then, try to identify a thread that links some or most of your identifying characteristics together. To the best of your ability, highlight that thread in your essay response.

What Do You Do?

The following six essay prompts are diverse and creative, but each comes down to the same core: what do you do? This question could apply to your academic life, your extracurricular activities, your community service, your family obligations, what you do for fun, or some combination. It can also apply to what you will do in the future (and how you are currently preparing to do those things in the future). 

Here’s a brief breakdown of why you should pick each prompt:

• Option A is the broadest and should be chosen if you feel like you have a good sense of a cohesive answer already that doesn’t quite fit with the other prompts.
• Option B might be best suited to students who are engaged in civic or community service and wish to continue impacting society, though bear in mind that the prompt can be read expansively.
• Option C is likely best suited for students who have powerful imaginations that drive their academic, personal, or extracurricular explorations.
• Option D might be the prompt for you if you possess a specific, unique nerdy interest that might not otherwise be reflected in your application.
• Option E is a strong choice for students whose identities, experience of diversity, or challenging backgrounds have shaped their life experiences.
• Option F, last but not least, is the stand-out choice for students whose identities and actions in the actions in the present are most heavily influenced by their goals and intentions for the future.

Option A: What excites you? (200-250 words)

This essay prompt gives you a broad canvas to paint upon—which means you especially need to make sure your composition is cohesive! When writing your response to this prompt, you might want to start by focusing on a specific 2-4 activities, topics, ideas, etc. that excite you. If possible, draw a thread between the different items you list.

Note that it’s okay to describe just one topic/idea/activity which excites you. If you choose that route, you’ll want to be sure that you expand upon the nuances of your choice and how it excites you in a multitude of ways. Even if your essay focuses on a limited subject, you can describe the different strengths you employ to do this exciting activity. Alternatively, you could discuss the different parts of your personality which are required to engage with this idea which excites you.

When answering this question, don’t feel restricted to academic or “serious” endeavors. Excitement doesn’t need to have formal or educational origins to be genuine and appropriate for a college essay context. Nevertheless, if possible, provide some diversity to your brief list. You can get creative with your answer! For instance, you might list many (i.e. 10+) topics, but each revolves around 1-2 related central ideas. Stay cohesive and cogent.

Option B: Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you already making—an impact? Why? How? (200-250 words)

This essay prompt requires specificity when it asks “Why? How?” When describing the impact you hope to make or are already making, make sure your description is grounded in concrete details. Consider the following types of details you can name: 

• Community organizations you work with or hope to work with
• Specific communities of individuals you help or would like to help
• Specific initiatives you are spearheading or hope to spearhead
• Specific social issues you are working to solve now or in the future

Even though this prompt implies topics of community or civic service in its response, you can respond expansively. For instance, if you are a painter, you might want to impact the people who view your paintings with a certain kind of emotion. If you’re a student-athlete, maybe you want to inspire the next generation of student-athletes or run marathons for charity. If you’re an aspiring mathematician, maybe you want to impact your specific field of interest with groundbreaking discoveries.

Whatever impact you hope to make or are making, do your best to elucidate what actions you are taking to instigate this change. Additionally, provide some insight regarding what motivates you to make this impact.

Option C: Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” As you wonder and think, what’s on your mind? (200-250 words)

Imagination comes in many flavors, and this essay prompt gives you the opportunity to share your unique flavor of imagination. Before you respond to this prompt, try sitting with your thoughts (with your phone and other devices put away). Let your mind wander. Do this activity for at least 15 minutes before writing down your thoughts. Write them down quickly, so you remember what they are! Feel free to do this exercise several times on different days. Doing so will help you accrue a diverse selection of thoughts.

When drafting the essay, you can use the fruits of your mind-wandering sessions as the basis for your answer. Using your real thoughts to spark your essay response will allow you to generate a genuine, memorable essay. Still, you’ll need to make sure that your essay is comprehensible to someone who doesn’t know you well. When we think, we often skip through logical progressions that make inherent sense to us. Be sure to share this essay response with a few readers who don’t know you well. These readers can point out where they struggle to follow your thought processes.

Option D: Celebrate your nerdy side. (200-250 words)

This joyful essay prompt gives you the opportunity to embrace what makes you a nerd, freely and without judgment. Many students have nerdy interests that don’t naturally fit into a college application. Maybe you have an obsession with a board game, a book series, or an esoteric area of study. If so, this prompt is for you.

If you’re full of nerdy qualities but finding this essay prompt challenging, consider asking a few friends or family members who know you well to describe what they think are aspects of your nerdy side. Oddly enough, “nerd’ is not usually a label we assign to ourselves, but one that others assign to us, sometimes in a critical manner. This essay prompt lets you reclaim this label in a positive light and express what nerdy activities, behaviors, or thought experiments you engage in—and how your nerdy side makes you you .

Option E: “It’s not easy being green…” was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook? (200-250 words)

This essay prompt puts a positive spin on the premise of being different and facing challenges. Try free-writing a response to this prompt before you compose a proper draft. What makes you stand out from the crowd, and how have those character traits, aspects of your identity, activities, or other qualities impacted the way you move through the world?

When embarking upon a draft of this essay, try to describe the way you, today, are influenced by your difference(s). What actions do you take, what perspectives do you hold, and how do you interact with the world as a result of your difference(s)?

As always, keep your essay response specific and personal to you and your experience. Although this essay response is about what makes you different, there may be many other students who are different in the same way or a similar way as you are. Ideally, if someone who knows you reads this essay, they will instantly know it’s about your experience, not the experience of someone who happens to be similar to you. 

Lastly, note the usage of “embraced” in the essay prompt’s wording. The reader is anticipating an optimistic outlook and/or positive view of your differences. If/when you describe the adversity you’ve faced, make sure that your response emphasizes the way you have embraced your difference(s) despite or even because of the adversity you have faced.

Option F: As noted in the College’s mission statement, “Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…” Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you? (200-250 words)

The wording of this prompt is giving you a heads-up when it says “Promise and potential… can be elusive qualities to capture”: many students respond to this prompt without quite capturing the promise and potential they aim to highlight. Knowing this, it’s your job to capture those qualities in yourself nonetheless.

How can you illustrate your promise and potential to a reader, without sounding arrogant or self-satisfied? One way is to describe the concrete actions you have taken to grow and/or better yourself. Demonstrating growth will imply the continuation of growth. Moreover, if you make that implication explicit by describing how you continue to foster your growth, you will be able to humbly prove your potential. 

In sum, you can provide a brief narrative of how you overcame a challenge or obstacle; how you grew as a person; or how you learned an important life lesson. Focus on an area of your life not otherwise highlighted in your application. Then, describe how you changed as a result of that experience. Finally, conclude by describing the actions you take currently to keep overcoming challenges, learn, and grow.

If you need help polishing up your Dartmouth College supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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Tips for Answering the Dartmouth College Supplemental Essay Prompts [2022 – 2023]

Dartmouth College utilizes the Common Application. It requires the main Common Application essay and additional supplemental Dartmouth-specific essay responses. The additional essays help the admission committee round out the overall picture of you as a prospective student by providing insight into your personality. Don’t approach this as just another essay you have to write. Look at this as an opportunity for you to make a convincing statement about why Dartmouth is the ideal school for you to achieve your goals and how you can enrich the campus community. 

Everyone must answer the first two essay prompts, but you have a choice to make about which question to address with your third response. As you decide which of the latter essay prompts to answer, allow yourself some time to think about Dartmouth’s comprehensive character. Consider its location in Hanover, New Hampshire; if possible visit the campus and imagine yourself there as an undergraduate. Take a virtual campus tour. Research the different ways Dartmouth’s curriculum and approaches to education are a good fit for you . Think about the specific activities, programs, or organizations that attract you to Dartmouth. In short, ask yourself why is Dartmouth the best place for me to achieve my goals?

Dartmouth reflects its commitment to assess your potential as a student on the Dartmouth campus in its request for a peer recommendation. Dartmouth encourages you to include a letter of recommendation from a friend, classmate, family member, or someone else you regard as your peer. Although the peer recommendation is a “suggestion,” it is not an opportunity to overlook. This endorsement provides insight into how you are perceived by others. It also gives some indication about your potential fit with the Dartmouth community.

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Dartmouth prides itself on learning without boundaries. The overall academic structure and approach at the school is intended to allow you freedom. The year-round quarter system offers flexibility for you to design your own calendar. You can enter any major without a need for institutional approval (this includes Engineering). How might this sort of structure contribute to your educational success? Students are encouraged to: “Challenge yourself. Be yourself.” Don’t worry about choosing an uncommon topic. Instead, focus on discussing whichever topic you select from your point of view. Your essay responses should express your individual story and reflect your personality.

The Dartmouth writing supplement

Dartmouth’s writing supplement requires applicants write brief responses to three supplemental essay prompts as follows. The first two are the same for all applicants but the third allows you to select from several prompts.

1. Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Clas of 2027, what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? In short, Why Dartmouth? Please respond in 100 words or fewer .

How is Dartmouth special to you? You have a limited number of words to work with, so be succinct. Remember, they already have your letters of recommendations (counselor, teachers and peer), grades, SAT/ACT/AP/IB scores, curriculum, and list of extracurricular involvement. This question asks you to focus on your personal and/or academic goals and how Dartmouth is a good match for you and vice versa. How will being a part of the close-knit Dartmouth community and engaging with the Dartmouth curriculum prepare you for your future? Consider the factors that make the Dartmouth program, community, and campus environment unique and how those factors will provide the foundation to support your aspirations. Communicate how these elements align with your sense of place and purpose.

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2. “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself in 200-250 words.

What is your personal story? This is a perfect prompt to allow you to showcase specific conditions, situations, and/or circumstances in your background that are significant to your identity. Share something fundamental about yourself, your family, or your intimate community. You can discuss the intricacies of your cultural, familial, and/or social background—tell your story. Sometimes it might be something obvious, other times it might be disguised or hidden in some way. Do you feel pressure based on a set of arbitrary characteristics? Do you feel judged or liberated in some way? What is important to you? How does this relate to your values and sense of individuality? As you discuss your story, you must provide some context—remember to address why it is significant for others to know this about you. Spend a good portion of your essay discussing how this story relates to your sense of identity. What does this reflect about you? How might what you shared influence your goals for the future? How do you reconcile finding a sense of belonging on your own terms? How might attending Dartmouth impact your story?

3. Choose one of the following prompts and respond in 250-300 words:

A. Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you making—an impact?

This prompt is about what motivates or excites you to action and how you make an impact when driven by passion to make something better for others. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for a cause that is meaningful to you. Discuss a specific incident and what was at stake. How did you make a positive impact? Or how did that motivate you to continue working toward that goal? If you acted on something, consider the repercussions of your actions. What was the outcome? What was the cost to you? What did you learn about yourself? How did this experience change you? This is really about why you think striving for change is important. Consider compassion, empathy, and understanding in terms of interpersonal and global impact. How might an education at Dartmouth prepare you for the future? What kinds of skills, ways of thinking, and experiences will help lay the foundation for success? How does a liberal arts education play into your plans? 

B. What excites you?

This prompt has a broad scope but at the core is, what fascinates you? You don’t need to be an expert about the topic—how do you explore and engage your interests? This is an opportunity to discuss your passion for a particular area (academic or otherwise) and how you learn best. Provide an example of something that attracted your interest and then discuss the path you took to embrace your curiosity. What sparked your interest? What made the topic/activity/information/concept/question so meaningful to you? How did you explore the subject more deeply? What did you discover? What did you learn about yourself? Consider your learning style and how you approach new concepts. Also think about the connection you established to the subject—what might that reveal about your personality? How did this process inspire you? Make sure to convey your passion for the subject and your enthusiasm for learning!

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?

This prompt discusses how creativity and innovation are often borne of necessity. How did/do you apply your creativity to problem-solving? The focus is on your motivation for creativity while providing a space for you to discuss your passion, imagination, motivation, and aspirations. In this modern technological world, how do you think outside of the proverbial box? Capture a specific moment or urge that sparked your vision. This may be an opportunity to incorporate discussion about an extracurricular interest/activity that demonstrates your creativity. Think about the ideas or values that inspire you to make some sort of impact and the ways in which you express your imagination. What have you learned about yourself through your exploration? Then discuss how that influences your sense of identity and perspective about the world. What does what you learned in this creative process reveal about the person you are? How might this affect how you embrace the future? How might you apply this energy going forward? How might you express your creativity and embrace your aspirations at Dartmouth?

D. Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” What do you wonder and think about?

This is another board prompt that deals with how you expand or enhance ideas, thoughts, and perspectives about the world to reflect on new possibilities. Examine the on-going cycle of coming up with ideas and how you explore those ideas. At the heart of this prompt is how you process the world around you. Consider how this new knowledge or way of thinking impacted or changed you. The focus of this prompt allows you to discuss the relationship between imagination and intellectual thought. Also consider what you might learn about yourself in the process of trying to understand new ideas. Remember to discuss how these new ideas influenced you—the way you interact with others, how you think about your identity , what you might do differently with this new understanding. Dartmouth prides itself on providing flexibility in learning and an education without boundaries—here’s your chance to tell them why that’s so important to you!

E. “Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced,” wrote James Baldwin. How does this quote apply to your life experiences?

This question asks you to identify a specific problem or issue and explain how you actively engaged with it. How did recognizing the problem/issue help you to deal with it? You can address any problem, large or small. Think about the global community, humanitarian efforts, or any issue you would like to fix but make it personal by sharing the impact on your life experiences. Keep in mind that sometimes situations are beyond your control. You can tie this response to community service activities, thoughts about empathy, discussions about agency, and individual responsibility. Consider how you view yourself in relationship to those around you. Why are you inspired to confront this problem? Why is it significant? This response reveals your approach to problem solving, ability to conceive solutions, and illustrates how you process the world around you. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your values, critical thinking skills and creativity. Consider if and how an education at Dartmouth might help you to bring about positive change and address this dilemma. 

Note: If you have unusual curricular patterns, your counselor can mention this in the Secondary Education Report, or you can discuss your circumstances in the “Additional Information” section of the Common Application. 

Final thoughts on applying to Dartmouth

The context of your academic success is a significant factor in determining your overall competitiveness as an applicant. The top applicants take the most rigorous curriculum available at their high schools. Furthermore, by achieving high grades, they demonstrate their ability to thrive in Dartmouth’s challenging academic environment. Dartmouth embraces a holistic approach to the admission process and is committed to reviewing all aspects of your application. This is even more significant given that this application cycle is again test optional. Although Dartmouth is not reporting testing profiles from the last few application cycles, keep in mind; for the class of 2023, over 95% of accepted students were ranked in the top 10% of their high school graduating class with an average SAT score of 1500, and an average ACT score of 33. For the Class of 2026, it received 28,336 undergraduate applications and had a record low acceptance rate of 6.2%. Your personal narrative essays are your opportunity to pull away from this extremely competitive applicant pool.

Although it is easy to get overwhelmed, remember to stay focused on your goals. Allow yourself enough time to reflect on your experiences in a unique way that expresses your personality. Meet all deadlines and word limits. Your overall application should clearly reflect your interests and motivations while enthusiastically demonstrating why Dartmouth is the best school to help you achieve your objectives!

If you’re applying to Dartmouth College, you already know you’re up against tight competition. Don’t be overwhelmed. Get the guidance of an experienced admissions specialist who will help you stand out from the highly competitive applicant pool so you can apply with confidence, and get accepted! Click here to get started!

Related Resources:

• 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your College Application Essays , a free guide
• How Should I Choose Which Essay Questions to Answer When I Have Choices?
• School-Specific Common App Supplemental Essay Tips

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Kennedy Hamblen

I'm Kennedy, a literature nerd and creative writer from the outskirts of Memphis. I'm also a senior here at Dartmouth. When I'm not working in admissions as a senior fellow, I'm a student employee at the library and a research and teaching assistant in the English department. I love music (I collect vinyl!) and analyzing teen drama TV (think Riverdale and Pretty Little Liars). I'm currently applying to law schools. I've had such a great time at Dartmouth and am excited to share that with you!

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Five Tips for Your Supplemental Essays

Kennedy's d-plan, fall hanover, nh.

Professor McCann is my advisor, but that's not the only reason I took this class. Since it was a senior seminar with only 9 students, we got to dive deep into the fascinating material, including with Victorian-era pulp fiction books, advertisements, and psychological treatises, plus some good old fashioned canonical works like The Picture of Dorian Gray and Dracula. [Fun fact: I've read Dracula three times at Dartmouth... it's an English department favorite!]

Winter Hanover, NH

This was an off term for me, but I love Hanover so much I hung around anyways! I worked for admissions and Baker-Berry Library, read a ton of J.G. Ballard, and stared out the window at the snow for an embarrassingly long amount of time. I also visited my parents in Tennessee during Christmas.

Spring Hanover, NH

Professor Nachlis went out of his way to act as an unofficial pre-law advisor for all of us in this class, not only by introducing us to some of the most pressing issues in American government, but also by dedicating the final two weeks of class to a module called "Should you go to law school?" A question I was asking myself!

Summer Hanover, NH

Another off term again, and this time I'm working full-time for admissions as a senior fellow! I'm also doing a lot of preliminary reading for my honors thesis. Anyone heard of Friedrich Kittler's Discourse Networks? Well, I'll have read it twice by the time this term is over.

I love writing. I love toiling over a sentence. I love sitting down to an empty Word document. However, people who love writing are like people who love running marathons—they look crazy to everyone else.

So, if you're a high schooler and you're struggling to write your Common App essay, your supplemental essays, or anything else for your college applications, you're not alone. Far from it. And writing is even harder under pressure—for many of you, college application season will have more pressure than my InstantPot cooking rice! (Ok, technically I own a Ninja Foodie, but it's a pressure cooker , that's the joke).

Your essays have to present you to the admissions committee. They have to explain what drives you. They have to show your writing skills. And they have to be interesting. That's a lot of demand for essays with word counts of under one thousand. If you're applying to Dartmouth (and I really hope you are!), you're tasked with writing some extremely short supplemental essays. Like, really short.

I struggled a lot with the Dartmouth supplemental essays because of their word limit. Brevity is not a strength of mine, if you can't tell. But you would be shocked what some good editing and a bit of preparation does for you. It is , in fact, possible to say everything you want to in 250 words, or even 100. I'm going to give you some tips for your college essays that will help you make the best of your limited words.

1) Start early, and start by writing everything down.

When you write your first draft—that is, the first version of your essay—don't think about word limit. Don't even go back and delete sentences yet. Just write. Get out everything you want to say in that essay. If it's the Why Dartmouth essay, go ahead and pontificate for hundreds (or thousands?!) of words. Then save the document somewhere you can easily find it later, and close it. Seriously. CLOSE IT. And go do something else. Ideally, this step will happen at least a month before your application is due, but even if you've just begun and it's a week until the deadline, this strategy can still work.

2) Remove the obvious stuff.

Reread your work after a good night's sleep—ideally, you'll reread it after a week or even more of not looking at it. Having fresh eyes helps you spot what you know you don't want in there. Maybe you're starting all your sentences with "I love" and that needs to change. Maybe you've got some cringey or unhelpful nonsense in there. Maybe you misspelled Hanover. Now's the time to change that stuff. Make sure, however, that no important content gets removed. If you have a poorly written sentence, but it contains an important idea (for example: about what draws you to Dartmouth), move it to another document and try to rewrite it. You don't want to lose any of those ideas; they can always be reformulated into better sentences.

3) Trim out repetition, "nothing words," and fluff.

Trimming repetition is essential for essays with a hard word limit. Repetition is anything that gets said twice—any idea, any phrase. If you've said it once, the admissions committee will notice it and take it seriously, so don't worry about saying it again.

"Nothing words" can mean words that don't pack a punch, or words that aren't strictly necessary. We all write (and talk) with them, including myself in this very post! But I don't have a word limit, and you do, so you should remove them. Good examples are adverbs and adjectives that don't change the meaning of what they modify (above I used "very," for example, which can usually be removed... so can "usually"); long phrases that don't mean much ("so on and so forth" is something I say a lot, but I would edit it out of any essay); and phrases that can be replaced with something shorter (turning prepositional phrases like "suburbs of Memphis" into adjective-modified nouns, like "Memphis suburbs"). This is a good way to eke out one or two words at a time, which can free up more space than you realize.

And finally, remove any detail that does not contribute to the purpose of the essay. Say "my cousin" instead of specifying that he's your mother's sister's son. Or delete that sentence about your dad having trouble with the rental car when you came to visit. This bit is the hardest. You're often understandably emotionally attached to these details; they're part of your life, after all. If you can convey the emotion succinctly with one or two words without telling the whole story, that is a great way to strike a compromise between the emotional impact you're adding with details and the word limit you're honoring by removing them. Instead of mentioning that your dad had issues with the rental car, for instance, you could say "We had an exhausting journey," or that your dad was "travel-worn." You get the idea.

4) If you want, get weird with it!

Not too weird, of course—you're presenting yourself as a young adult ready to face the challenges of living alone and rigorous studies. However, I get a lot of questions about the form of these supplemental essays that can be answered with one sentence: "If we don't say no, you're allowed to." The word limit and prompts are intentionally the only restrictions we place on applicants (and you'll notice our prompts are often quite open-ended—that's intentional). You can write a poem, or just five words, or a stream-of-consciousness essay. But beware: in some ways, the more abstract or artsy you get, the harder it can be to pull off. If you try to do something like the above, make sure you know why you're doing it.

But there's an easier way to get weird with it, and this method also helps you cram in as many ideas as possible despite the word limit. You don't have to be strictly grammatical. Your essay can even be list-like. My Why Dartmouth essay wasn't made of full proper sentences. Instead, it was a list of things I loved about Dartmouth, separated by semi-colons. I love a good semi-colon. This way, I avoided wasted words on "I love" and "Dartmouth has" and got right to the meat of things.

5) Focus on the differentiators.

Many schools are on the quarter system, but no one else has the D-Plan. Many schools have quads or green areas, but no one else has the Dartmouth Outing Club or the Dartmouth community that makes sitting on the Green with someone you've just met so special. Many schools have low student-to-faculty ratios, but few pair high-level research and small classes like we do. Don't mention good things that all the other universities have too; that would be a bit like saying "I want to go to Dartmouth because they give out Bachelor's degrees." Yeah, that's a great motivation—but not for Dartmouth specifically .

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How to Write the Dartmouth College Supplemental Essays 2018-2019

Tucked away in the idyllic greenery of Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth College has long been a sought-after institution of higher education since its founding in 1769. At the center of this community is its small, tight-knit group of 4,400 undergraduates, who enjoy the resources of over 40 departments and 60 majors.

Due to the bucolic nature of its location, approximately 70 percent of undergraduates participate in Greek life, as it serves as the hub of social interaction. Athletics and outdoor activities are also extremely popular – 75 percent of students are involved in a varsity, club, or intramural sport. Besides playing in NCAA Division I in 34 sports, such as basketball, football, and lacrosse, Dartmouth is also home to the largest collegiate excursion club in the U.S.; with roughly 3000 student and non-student members, it serves as the coordinating organization for many outdoor winter activities, notably skiing, mountaineering, ice climbing, canoeing, and kayaking.

Dartmouth College currently sits at #11 in U.S. News and World Report’s National Universities Ranking , its selectivity maintained by its low acceptance rate of 11%. Admitted students typically score 750, and 760 on SAT Reading, and Math, respectively. For those taking the ACT, accepted candidates scored, on average, in the 30-34 range. 1,217 undergraduates enrolled out of 20,035 applicants for the Class of 2021.

It is the alma mater of a host of notable alumni, including Robert Frost, Daniel Webster, and Mindy Kaling. Additionally, Dartmouth is also the 22nd richest college in the U.S., with an endowment of $4.95 billion as of 2017.

To apply to Dartmouth College, candidates may submit either the Common Application, or the Coalition Application. The college does not prefer one or the other. Candidates may apply through the Early Decision process (due November 1st), or the Regular Decision process (due January 2nd). In addition to the required essay in the Common Application or Coalition Application, Dartmouth requires two supplemental essays: applicants are all required to complete the first prompt, but may choose from 6 different options for the second prompt. Read on to find out how to tackle them!

Want to learn what Dartmouth College will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take?  Here’s what every student considering Dartmouth College needs to know.

How to Write the Dartmouth College Admissions Essays

Every essay you write in this college application process, including the Common App, is a component of your candidate profile. To help maximize the admissions committee’s understanding of you, for each school’s essay portfolio, be sure to choose topics that complement each other.

For example, if you wrote about a personal geology project in your Common App, don’t also write about your aspiration to solve a geological crisis in the second prompt, or only concentrate on the geology program in the first prompt.

Dartmouth asks for two supplemental essays – one in 100 words, and the other in 300 words. Since these essays are so short, you need to jam-pack your Common App essay with even more personal information, which will allow room for you to focus more on Dartmouth-specific academic, professional or extracurricular programs in these supplements.

Your response to prompt 1 needs to be tailored to Dartmouth specifically. If in your prompt 1 essay, it is possible to switch out the name “Dartmouth” for another school’s name, with the essay still making sense, then you probably need to dive into greater detail.

Since Dartmouth is a more academically-oriented school than its counterparts, it is critical to explain why you would like to pursue the major you choose in at least one of the supplemental essays.  

Prompt #1:  Please respond in 100 words or less:

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 2023, what aspects of the college’s program, community or campus environment attract your interest.

This is essentially the classic “Why X School?” essay . With only a meager 100 words available, the goal of this is not to mention every program or component of Dartmouth that attracts you, or give an elaborate praise of those programs. Rather, you have to demonstrate why the essence of Dartmouth resonates with you . Here are some dos and don’ts to get you thinking in the right direction:

Pick one aspect of Dartmouth that you feel deeply connected to. For example, if your academic love is environmental science, consider writing this essay on Dartmouth’s prioritization of sustainability through emphasis on programs like beekeeping, ethical fish farming, and proper extraction of maple syrup from sugar maple trees.

That said, keep in mind that ultimately, you need to present a holistic candidate profile to the school. That means showcasing as many aspects of yourself as possible – if you focus on an academic interest in this prompt, make sure to hone in on your favorite aspects of campus life and extracurricular offerings in the next prompt.

Do not, however, dive into a detailed dissertation of why the program you choose to write about is so necessary in our world today. Whichever reason attracts you to Dartmouth, chances are, someone else wants to attend the college for the same reason.

The admissions committee is not interested in reading the 1052nd essay on why the school made the right choice to implement these sustainability initiatives — the admissions officers likely know the school well enough to understand why Dartmouth initiated those programs. Instead, what admissions want to know is why these are deciding factors for you to choose Dartmouth.

For example, perhaps you lived in an area that was affected profoundly by a catastrophic natural disaster, and since then, you have been hyper-aware of the interactions between people and their habitats, and want to devote your energy towards decreasing the likelihood of a natural disaster happening to someone else.

Focus your essay on one core theme. For example, if you choose to write about Dartmouth’s unique outdoor-centric student life, structure the entire essay around this topic. 100 words do not provide you with enough leeway to cover multiple topics well. That said, if there is a tangential factor relevant to your core theme that attracts you to Dartmouth, do add it in to spice up your essay.

Do not write a list of everything you love about Dartmouth. Don’t try to expound on your love of the college’s vibrant Greek life while attempting to describe your passion for sustainability and your appreciation for the school’s flexible curriculum. Doing so would only allow you to mention each element in passing without connecting it to you personally.

Prompt #2:  Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 250-300 words:

Option a: “i have no special talent,” albert einstein once observed. “i am only passionately curious.” celebrate your curiosity., option b: 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., option c: you can’t use up creativity,” maya angelou mused. “the more you use, the more you have.” share a creative moment or impulse—in any form—that inspired creativity in your life., option d: 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, option e: in the bingo palace, author louise erdrich, class of 1976, writes, “…no one gets wise enough to really understand the heart of another, though it is the task of our life to try.” discuss., option f: emmy and grammy winner donald glover is a 21st century renaissance man—an actor, comedian, writer, director, producer, singer, songwriter, rapper, and dj. and yet the versatile storyteller and performer recently told an interviewer, “the thing i imagine myself being in the future doesn’t exist yet.” can you relate.

Here, you select one of the 6 options below to answer the question in 250-300 words. Though precision and conciseness are hallmarks of quality essays, you are not recommended to go below the 250 word benchmark. These are all open-ended questions that could elicit a much longer response – if you find yourself dipping below the minimum by more than 50 words, you probably are not optimizing your opportunity to showcase your personality.

Some tips on prompt selection:

Tip #1: Read through each of the 6 prompts.

Tip #2: Immediately categorize them into 3 segments: “likely,” “possible,” and “unlikely”.

(a) Under “likely” are all of the prompts that you have an immediate answer for upon first read

(b)  Under “possible” are all prompts you find interesting and would be open to

(c) Under “unlikely” are prompts that you find are prone to cheesy answers, or those that you simply cannot relate to at all

Tip #3: Jot down an idea or anecdote for each topic under “likely” and “possible”.

Tip #4: Review them and select the topic with the most unique story, or one that best showcases your wit and intellectual prowess.

Though this may appear like an “analyze the quote” prompt, you do not actually have to make any reference to it. The Albert Einstein quote is only a way for the prompt writers to frame this topic. Focus instead on an anecdote in which your curiosity produced a tangible result.

For instance, you may describe the time when after hearing about a friend’s horrifying experience with a violent teacher, your curiosity urged you to investigate the school’s protocol for managing these type of complaints, only to find that a standard procedure does not exist. After realizing that cases like your friend’s are evaluated on an individual basis that downplayed the seriousness of the issue, you started a widespread petition among the student body and parents’ association to pressure the school into establishing a safe channel for students to express their concerns.

If the example you are thinking of using did not necessarily produce a distinct change in a public setting, that is completely fine. It does not preclude you from this prompt.

For example, you can also write about your curious fascination with electronics – how you tirelessly disassemble every device in your house, sometimes leaving a trail of scattered parts around your room. Though you were not able to fix any of the devices you dismantled, this determination to understand the components of every machine piqued your interest in mechanical engineering, and encouraged you to devote your academic career to understanding, improving, and inventing more machines.

Try to keep the timeframe of your anecdotes to your high school career – though the chocolate volcano you engineered in 5th grade may have been cool, the more recent your example is, the easier it is for the admissions committee to get an accurate picture of who you are now.

This prompt cannot be immediately categorized as one of the “classic” essay questions and requires a bit more creativity for effective execution. It also adds yet another layer of decision-making to essay-writing – choosing the translation to continue with.

A few tips on which interpretation to choose and how to write your essay:

Tip #1: Out of all available translations, the term “story” is the most generic of the five. It is easy to argue that your story encompasses your history, your family’s legends, your genealogy and your culture’s traditions. If you do not have an instinctive response to this prompt, but still prefer this question as a whole, then choose this interpretation. The broad scope of this translation will allow you to take your essay in whichever direction you see fit.

In regards to writing the essay, you can choose to narrate a defining moment of your life that does not easily fit under any of the other four headings: perhaps on a family hike on Chirico Trail during winter break in your sophomore year, you witnessed the majesty and freedom of paragliders and became fascinated by this extreme sport ever since. You can then expand on how the sport has changed your perspective on the feeling of existence, of your resoluteness to live every moment to the fullest, etc.

Tip #2: History here can refer to family history, academic history, employment history, recreational history, etc. Choose this translation if there is a chronology in a certain aspect of your life that you want to highlight, a more or less linear process through which you matured.

Perhaps your illustrious history in competitive chess is especially important to you, and was critical in shaping your attitude towards work. Then use this opportunity to delineate your competitive history, and delve into the intellectual, and emotional impact it has imprinted on you.

Tip #3: Legend is one of the trickier ones, and will likely be a less popular selection. If you are particularly confident in your creativity, and prefer to distinguish yourself from the onset, then this is the one for you.

One way to interpret this is to relate a folktale important to your culture, and use it as a segue to introduce your culture and the role it has played in shaping your values and character. The same thing could be done with a “bedtime story” that you grew up on – you could use the fable as an entry point to describe your upbringing and the continued impact it has on your personality today.

Tip #4: Genealogy is also an interesting one – similar to “legend,” you could leverage the anecdote of your family lineage to depict important family members, or even family heirlooms, and the significance of their role in shaping how you feel about your culture.

Perhaps you share an unique bond with your grandmother, who was your primary caretaker while you were growing up. Her lineage could be traced back to Edinburgh, Scotland, where generations before, her ancestor braved the extreme weather and fed their community as hardy wheat farmers. Though you had previously hated your ginger hair, and purposefully distanced yourself from Scottish culture because you were teased, you feel more grounded and closer to your origins through the family tales passed through generations.

Tip #5: Tradition can be approached in a very similar manner to genealogy, or legend. Choose this translation if the topic you wish to discuss is more a custom than a linearly chronological account of a cultural phenomenon.

Option C: “ You can’t use up creativity,” Maya Angelou mused. “The more you use, the more you have.” Share a creative moment or impulse—in any form—that inspired creativity in your life.

This prompt asks you to impress the admissions committee with a dazzling example of your creativity, but don’t forget the underlying premise – you would really be indulging this prompt’s true purpose if you address how that inspiring moment fostered a greater, more extended flow of ingenuity, and associated examples.

Creativity comes in all forms, shapes, and sizes – you don’t have to have invented the next iPhone to call yourself creative. It could have been an internship project that none of your colleagues could find the solution for, but you viewed the conundrum from a different angle that ultimately allowed you to hone in and resolve the root of the issue instead of trying to address insignificant details.

Sometimes, the ability to shift mindsets and concentrate on the bigger picture is a form of creative thinking too. In time, this experience trained you to metaphorically step away from the present dilemma and approach puzzles with fresh eyes, which translated into your analytical skill in academics as well as your strategic plays in soccer.

This prompt alludes to two routes: one is the classic “why X program of study?” route, the other  invites you to elaborate more on your extracurriculars, especially if they happen to pertain to an advocacy issue of some sort. If you decide on this prompt, the route you proceed with should consider your overall candidate profile – if your first essay on Dartmouth focused more on the college’s alignment of academic offerings with your own interest, choose an anecdote that pertains more to you personally or to your extracurriculars, and vice versa.

Keep in mind, we are trying to depict you in as holistic a manner as possible. Each individual essay needs to dive deep into an aspect of yourself, and should not cover too wide a variety of topics, especially given the brevity of available word count. However, there should be variety between each essay in your profile, to highlight the multiplicity of your passions.

The split between answering the two questions in this prompt should be 30-70, respectively.

Use 30% of the essay to explain why you feel personally connected to the “trouble,” with a brief anecdote if possible. The less generic the problem you choose is, the easier it is to bring out your personality. Try to avoid generic topics like “gender equality,” “global warming,” and “refugee crisis.” There are many people who genuinely care about these issues, but each of these topics are so incredibly broad that it is near impossible to discuss them thoroughly and explain how Dartmouth’s course of study helps you address the problem. Instead, pick a specific sub or sub-sub topic within these sweeping subjects and focus on showing your attachment to it on a personal level.

70% (the majority) of the writing should focus on how specific programs, activities, courses, or even professors at Dartmouth can help you understand the nuances of this problem better. Remember to explain how you would then leverage these resources to galvanize more activists to contribute to a solution.

For example, you may be interested in remedying the antagonizing political climate in which there is a trend of labeling dissenting opinions as untrue and fake. To better understand why this is an increasingly prevalent phenomenon, you are intrigued by Professor Meghan Meyer’s research on the neuroscience behind our self-centered bias, and believe that grasping the scientific explanation behind our selfish tendencies could allow us to consciously combat it, and stop thinking of ourselves as the only righteous ones.

This is another unconventional, open-ended question that lends itself to a very personal piece. Though the prompt dictates, “discuss,” it is not suggested that you treat this as a literary analysis question. Your SAT essay is already an example of the aptitude of your academic writing, so there is no need to do that again here.

One way to respond is to chronicle the progression of your relationship with an important family member, friend, mentor, or even adversary in your life, and how, as you mature and play different roles in other people’s lives, you start to understand more of his/her perspective. Remember to always jump back onto the big picture, and explain how this journey has influenced your continued quest to try and “take a walk” in someone else’s shoes.

As an example, you may choose to detail the turbulent relationship with your mom growing up – you thought the way she was overprotective was absolutely crazy, and you didn’t understand why she would be so easily hurt or upset by your minor actions and words. However, as you grow up and experience hurt through the unintentional words or gestures of your close friends or significant other, you begin to realize how your similar expression could deeply upset your mom.

You could then go on to discuss how through the assumption of different parts in other people’s lives, you emotionally feel and comprehend the mindsets of those you care about much more. Then, bring the focus back to the big picture – how did this particular experience change the way you view human interaction, your relationship with those you initially dislike, and your attitude toward people going forward?

The key to an effective response here is to not get too carried away by the infinite directions you could take this in, and make sure to develop the essay around a key idea. Here are some ideas:

(1) This could be an especially advantageous prompt for you if you are the typical “well-rounded” candidate, without an incredibly clear direction or passion in one specific area. You could use this prompt to laud the virtues of having pursued several different interests – only through exhausting all possible options of what you could love can you be sure that whatever passion you follow is the most optimal option.

(2) Alternatively, you could use this prompt to discuss how you relate to this sentiment because you never want to be limited to a label, a reputation, or other people’s perception of you. As an example, you could write about how liberating it felt when you branched out from your usual STEM focused activities to write poetry instead, and enter in the Scholastic Arts Contest, and how this first breakthrough to a different realm catalyzed your pursuit of the arts.

(3) Or, you could interpret this prompt as meaning that one can pursue multiple passions and play multiple roles and be multiple people at the same time. You could share the multifariousness of your intellectual endeavors, as well as the depth and range of your mental capacity in reconciling different aspects of you and your variety of passions.

All in all, to respond to each of these prompts effectively, you will need to reach deep into your treasure trove of memories and truly reflect on the defining experiences that changed the way you view yourself, your work, and others. Never fear though, these guidelines will get you started thinking in a good direction! Good luck!

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August 2, 2023

2023-2024 Dartmouth College Essay Prompts

Dartmouth College has released its essay prompts for the 2023-2024 college admissions cycle. In addition to The Common Application ’s Personal Statement, applicants to Dartmouth will be required to answer three supplemental essays: one of 100 words or fewer and two of 250 words or fewer. So what are this year’s Dartmouth essay prompts ?

2023-2024 Dartmouth Essay Topics & Questions

1. required of all applicants. please respond in 100 words or fewer:.

Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2028, what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? In short, why Dartmouth?

Make no mistake: it’s a Why College essay . While the prompt may be a bit wordier than the equivalent essay for other universities, Dartmouth is asking applicants to detail specifics on why they wish to attend the College on the Hill.

And if you’re a regular reader of Ivy Coach ’s college admissions blog , you know that name-dropping professors or listing classes do not count as genuine specifics. Why College essays should not be approached like a game of Mad Libs where you find and replace a specific for one institution with another’s. Instead, it’s about capturing enduring specifics about a university that only apply to the school in question.

2. Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer

A. There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today.

This essay should be approached as a chance to share a story about who you are and where you come from. But there’s a trap. When so many students read the word “raised,” they’re inclined to write about themselves as children. Instead, admissions officers would much prefer to read about you as high schoolers. They want to understand who you are, how you think, and how you want to leave a mark on the world now — not as children.  

B. “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself.

This option is even more of a free-write than the first option for Dartmouth’s second essay. Just as The Common Application allows students to write whatever they’d like, Dartmouth provides another opportunity to write what they wish. Students should always write material that complements their other essays rather than tell the same story twice. Essays, in this way, should be thought of as puzzle pieces. They must fit neatly together, and no two essays can be the same shape.

3. Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:

A. What excites you?

This prompt allows a student to showcase how they will change the world. Too often, students write about silly things for such broad questions, and such answers usually don’t showcase intellectual curiosity. Since Dartmouth, and all highly selective universities, seeks to admit singularly talented students — rather than well-rounded students — we at Ivy Coach would always encourage students to creatively shine a spotlight on their hook in such an answer.

B. Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you already making—an impact? Why? How?

This essay prompt allows students to showcase how they’ve contributed — ideally through their singular hook — to their school or larger community. But it should not be misconstrued as an opportunity to brag about one’s achievements since doing so will render an applicant less likable in the very human admissions process.

By simply writing about what a student has done — and leaving out even subtle brags — it’s easy for students to make the leap of what they hope to accomplish. And students should always make sure the goal isn’t too grandiose. For a student’s storytelling and activities in college admissions, saving sea turtles always beats ending climate change.

C. Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” As you wonder and think, what’s on your mind?

Dartmouth’s admissions officers want to know your thoughts and what drives you. They want to understand what you go to sleep thinking about or, in essence, how you hope to change the world in a singular and meaningful way. Like all admissions officers at elite universities, Dartmouth’s readers want to know that you’re introspective and driven to leave your mark on the world.

D. Celebrate your nerdy side.

It’s a broad prompt that allows students to write whatever they wish. But it’s also a booby trap: too many students think that just by spotlighting their nerdiness, they’ll wow Dartmouth admissions officers. If students write about physics, they may write in indecipherable jargon. That’s a mistake. The writing must always be understandable — even to laypeople, as Dartmouth admissions officers aren’t physicists.

E. “It’s not easy being green…” was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook?

Like some of Dartmouth’s other essay prompts for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, this prompt has appeared before in the Dartmouth supplement. And we at Ivy Coach claim credit as one of its authors — along with our Kermit the Frog applicant to Dartmouth from several years ago.

But the prompt has new meaning this year — notably after the outlawing of Affirmative Action. The essay question aims to understand an applicant’s diverse background and appreciation of diversity in all forms. For students, in particular, of diverse backgrounds, we strongly encourage them to write about their culture or race in their answers.

Yet they should approach it as an art form so that it doesn’t come across as though they’re trying to game the system. And even students from non-diverse backgrounds, in their own creative way, can spotlight the diversity they hope to bring and benefit from during their college years.

F. As noted in the College’s mission statement, “Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…” Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you?

It’s another broad option that essentially allows students to write what they wish to Dartmouth’s admissions officers. It’s another opportunity for students to write about how they hope to leave a mark on the world in their own singular and meaningful way. Oftentimes, it’s a small story that will leave the most indelible mark.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Dartmouth College Essays

If you’re interested in submitting powerful essays to Dartmouth to optimize your case for admission, you’ve come to the right place. Ivy Coach is known as The Dartmouth Whisperer because of our track record of helping students earn admission to the Ivy League institution. Over the last 30 years, all of Ivy Coach’s Early Decision applicants to Dartmouth got in 28 times (in all but two Early Decision cycles). Bo knows baseball. Ivy Coach knows Dartmouth .

So if you’d like our help, help offered directly with Ivy Coach’s Ben Schwartz , a former Dartmouth admissions officer, fill out our consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to delineate our college counseling services for seniors.

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Dartmouth Supplemental Essays 2023-24 Prompts and Advice

August 11, 2023

Dartmouth receives the fewest number of applications of the eight Ivy League schools. There were 28,841 hopefuls for the Class of 2027, less than half the number at Columbia or Harvard. Yet, that still represented an increase in the number of Dartmouth applications from the two years prior, resulting in the school’s lowest-ever acceptance rate of 6% (down from 6.2% the previous year, and a whopping 8.8% in 2024). When applying to a school that rejects 94% of applicants, you need to find ways to grab an admissions officer’s attention and give them a reason to say, “Yes!” The Dartmouth supplemental essays are one such chance.

Want to learn more about How to Get Into Dartmouth College? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Dartmouth: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.

One of the best opportunities to move the admissions needle is through the three supplemental essays that Dartmouth requires. Dartmouth College’s essay prompts for the 2023-24 admissions cycle are listed below along with accompanying advice about how to tackle each one:

1) Dartmouth Supplemental Essays – Required Essay #1

Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2028, what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? In short, why Dartmouth? (100 words)

This is, in essence, a straightforward “Why this College?” essay. Great things to highlight here include:

• Firstly, specific  student organizations at Dartmouth  that you would like to become involved with.
• Particular courses  offered in your discipline of interest at Dartmouth.
• Dartmouth professors whose work/research/writings you are intrigued by.
• Undergraduate research opportunities  unique to Dartmouth.
• Aspects of Dartmouth’s mission statement that resonate with you.
• Lastly,  study abroad opportunities .

Make sure to really do your research on the school. As a side benefit (and not an unimportant one), you may discover further reasons why Dartmouth truly is the perfect fit for you.

2) Dartmouth Supplemental Essays – Required Essay #2

Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 250 words or fewer:

A) There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today.

This is an opportunity to share something about your background that may not shine through anywhere else on the application. To do so, consider discussing how your role in your family, important aspects of your upbringing, or a particular cultural, religious, or community influence either impacted your core values and beliefs or helped develop a particularly important attribute.

B) “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself.

This is a fun opportunity to share something genuinely unique about yourself. As such, pick one (or several) key aspects of your personality/background that reveal something deep and meaningful about you. As you brainstorm, consider the following avenues:

• What moves your spirit? Discuss any art, movies, music, and books that you find deeply moving and personally important.
• Your role in your family.
• Your role in your social group.
• The funniest things you’ve ever done.
• The strangest things you’ve ever done.
• Commitment, passion, and enthusiasm.
• Core values and beliefs.
• Important aspects of your upbringing.
• Most intriguing and unique attributes.
• Cultural, religious, community influence.

3) Dartmouth Supplemental Essays – Required Essay #3

Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 200-250 words:

A) What excites you?

Out of everything on this Earth, what makes you tick? What keeps you up at night? What subject makes you read books and online content until your eyes bleed? If you could address one problem in the world, large or small, what would it be? What do you love to do? If you are answering at least one of these questions, you are on the right track with this essay.

B) Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you making—an impact? Why? How?

This is your chance to show that you are a global citizen, aware and sensitive to issues faced by this planet and all life that occupies it. If you are passionate about climate change, the fate of democratic institutions, food scarcity, human rights, the impact of disinformation campaigns, privacy issues related to big tech, or any of the millions of other challenges faced by humanity, this is a great choice for you. Note that this year’s prompt includes the guiding questions why and how , so be sure to let them both guide your response.

Dartmouth Supplemental Essays (Continued)

C) Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” As you wonder and think, what’s on your mind?

Last year’s prompt: what do you wonder and think about? This year’s prompt: as you wonder and think, what’s on your mind? It’s clear that Dartmouth is not only interested in what you’re thinking about but also your overall thought process. What questions are you asking? Why are you asking them? What conclusions have your questions led you to, and how do you feel about those conclusions? Is there anything that you  like to know that you don’t have the answer to right now? What motivates, scares, or surprises you about your most pressing questions? The key here will be to take the reader on a little trip inside your brain (Magic School Bus not required).

D) Celebrate your nerdy side.

In just about every nineties movie, the nerds function as insanely smart social rejects with questionable outfit choices and pocket protectors, often banished to the worst lunch table. Luckily, times have changed, and being a nerd—especially at a school like Dartmouth—is downright aspirational. Moreover, the definition of a “nerd” is someone who is incredibly enthusiastic about a certain topic—especially if unique. Accordingly, if you’re interested in answering this question, make a list of any “specialties” that you are particularly dedicated to. Do you love the soundtracks of eighties movies? Science fiction short stories? Strategy games? Rubik’s cubes? Your backyard barometer? Comic book collections? Whatever topic you choose, make sure to truly lean in and celebrate it—what do you love about it, and why? How does it influence you?

E) “It’s not easy being green…” was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook?

Do you feel that your lived experience is different from others in your peer group, family, or community, perhaps in regard to relationships, household income level, mental or physical challenges, neurodiversity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or cultural background, to name a few? If so, answering this prompt could be a good option. While crafting your response, the important thing to keep in mind is that the difference/challenge itself is  less important  than what it reveals about your character and perspective. What steps have you taken to cope with your chosen difference? How has it positively impacted you? How has it influenced your perspective and the way you engage with the world? Is there anything about your difference that you feel especially appreciative of?  Make sure you share what you were feeling and experiencing; this piece should demonstrate openness and vulnerability.

F) As noted in the College’s mission statement, “Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…” Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you?

One of the best ways to communicate promise and potential is to demonstrate a passion for learning and growing. This prompt is not about presenting a laundry list of accomplishments; instead, it’s about showing the admissions committee that you possess qualities that can be cultivated for a lifetime, regardless of major or career, such as dedication, curiosity, innovation, or creativity, to name a few. You can accomplish this goal by describing how you’ve grown in a particular area and/or how you wish to grow, while remembering that flaws and mistakes made along the way often demonstrate tremendous self-awareness.

How important are the Dartmouth Supplemental Essays?

The essays (both the Common App essay and the supplemental ones) are “very important” to the evaluation process. Seven other factors are “very important.” These factors are: rigor of coursework, class rank, GPA, recommendations, test scores, character/personal qualities, and extracurricular activities. Clearly, Dartmouth College places enormous value on the quality of your supplemental essay.

Dartmouth Supplemental Essays – Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

To conclude, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Dartmouth supplemental essays, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

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Dartmouth College 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 3

You Have: 

Dartmouth College 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 100 words, 2 essays of 250 words or fewer.

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Oddball , Community

The Dartmouth writing supplement offers you options! Let’s dig in.

1. Required of all applicants. Please respond in 100 words or fewer:

Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. as you seek admission to dartmouth’s class of 2027, what aspects of the college’s academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest in short, why dartmouth please respond in 100 words or fewer..

If you have the unsettling feeling that you’ve read this prompt somewhere before, worry not. This prompt should ring a bell because it’s just a slightly more verbose version of the most common supplemental essay question out there: why here? Phrased this way, Dartmouth’s prompt is specifically probing for information about what piques your interest about its academics, community, and/or campus environment. Focus on how you would spend your time at Dartmouth and how the environment might enrich your own sense of purpose. What are you hoping to major in and why? What cozy corners of campus would you curl up in to review course materials? Are you eager to get involved in the student newspaper or gospel choir? As with all other “why” prompts, research is the key to writing a memorable essay, so spend a little time on the Dartmouth website and literally map your path from where you are now to where you hope to be in the near or distant future.

2. Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:

A. there is a quaker saying: let your life speak. describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today. .

Admissions wants to know what or who has made you into the person you are today. Where do you come from? What has shaped you as a person, and how has that made your perspective unique? What you focus on here can be reflective of larger cultural constructs or specific to you and only you. Dartmouth is looking to add diverse perspectives to weave into the fabric of their student body. Is there anything you can teach your classmates about your hometown, traditions, culture, cuisine, orientation, identity, race, or ethnicity that they might not already know? Were you raised in a Muslim family in a small southern town? Have you grown up on a farm tending to the animals and land? Were you adopted as a toddler? Consider what has influenced your identity and how your worldview or background will bring something of value to the community at Dartmouth.

B. “ Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself.

This is the kind of prompt that tends to stump students the most. It’s so open-ended that many applicants don’t know where or how to start! Don’t worry, you’ll have a finished draft in no time. Start by answering the question stream-of-consciousness style. How would you introduce yourself to someone in a setting you’re comfortable in? Think about introducing yourself to someone after one of your plays or soccer games, gaming competitions or yoga classes. What would you say? You might talk about what interests you, things that are important to you, ideologies about life that offer you hope or feelings of connection. Maybe you’d address your favorite qualities about yourself or the burning passions that motivate your choices and worldview. We believe your best bet at a unique and memorable response is to leave yourself enough time to freewrite, draft, organize, edit, and polish. Responses to prompts like these shouldn’t be written in one sitting—there’s too much to capture!

3. Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:

A. what excites you.

This prompt is as simple as they come, and yet it can be totally overwhelming to tackle. If nothing comes to mind immediately, read through the other prompts to see if anything makes that magic light bulb appear above your head. If you find yourself coming back to this prompt, try to focus on a subject that stokes your curiosity, a specific concept that has infiltrated your browser history, or an experience that has burned itself into your brain. Which kind of homework assignments are you clamoring to complete first? Which topics want to make you open up a new book, Google the definition of a word you’re not familiar with, or hit play on a podcast? Who challenges you to think of issues in new ways? Whatever excites you, Dartmouth is aiming to bring self-motivated, deep thinkers into their student body. Admissions officers want to know that you’ll be eager to contribute to lively class discussion and maybe conduct research in your latter years on campus. Remember, enthusiasm is infectious, so show them that you’ll be a valuable addition to any classroom setting by getting specific here — and maybe even getting them excited about a new topic!

B. Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you already making—an impact? Why? How?

Community, community, community. Even though it doesn’t say it explicitly, this question is asking, “What do you hope to achieve for the greater good?” Dartmouth wants to know what you consider to be your life’s purpose. (They know you’re young and still figuring things out, so don’t worry about being held to it!) What kind of mark would you like to leave on the world? If you find yourself drawn to this prompt, odds are you already have a few ideas in mind. Whether you’d like to dedicate your life to advocating for the voiceless or tearing down barriers for marginalized groups, tell admissions why this path is the one you’ve chosen (or maybe it has chosen you!). Be sure to mention any progress you’ve already made toward this goal and how it will influence the work you hope to do in the future.

C. Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” As you wonder and think, what’s on your mind?

Dartmouth wants to accept intellectually curious applicants, so take this opportunity to share one of the concepts that lives rent-free in your mind with admissions! When was the last time you went down an internet rabbit hole researching something that piqued your interest? Maybe you spend time wondering about the mind, body, and spirit—where each begins and ends—or perhaps you find yourself daydreaming about the potential of time travel and its related consequences on Earthlings (cue Tony Stark’s lecture that it’s nothing like Back to the Future ). Ultimately, you want to discuss examples of what truly fascinates you while also reflecting on what these examples say about your personality traits, interests, and/or learning style.

D. Celebrate your nerdy side.

Alright, passionate people, this one’s for us! Dartmouth wants to accept intellectually curious applicants, so take this opportunity to demonstrate your passion for pursuing knowledge! When was the last time you lost track of time while researching something that caught your interest? When were you recently motivated to solve a problem or create something new? What was the last fact or skill you learned outside of school? Ultimately, you want to discuss examples of what truly fascinates you while also reflecting on what these examples say about your personality traits, interests, and/or learning style. Whether you could read about the cult of celebrity for hours on end or spend all weekend in the garage refurbishing old cars with your mom, admissions wants to hear about it. And don’t forget: this is still an essay about you, so don’t get lost in a detailed explanation of linear algebra; instead, focus on why it brings you joy, satisfaction, etc. 

E. “It’s not easy being green…” was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook? 

What a fabulous essay prompt—so simple, so concise, yet so ripe for exploration. Admissions is thinking critically about this common Kermit quote that others may overlook, and they want you to do the same. What is your “green,” so to say? Feeling different from others is quite a universal experience, especially for teenagers, so take some time to think about what makes you feel different and how your relationship with that difference has changed over the years. This prompt could be a great opportunity to discuss your relationship with your racial, ethnic, or gender identity, but it doesn’t have to be. Maybe you have celiac disease and pizza parties have been off the table, forcing you to bring food from home! If this prompt calls to you, trust your instincts and leave yourself plenty of time to freewrite and revise. 

F. As noted in the College’s mission statement, “Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…” Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you?

In this prompt, admissions plainly states that promise and potential are elusive qualities to capture, then challenges you to highlight those very aspects of your candidacy in your response. (Cool, cool, cool.) If you feel that your application, as it stands, does not capture your full potential, this is likely the prompt for you. Maybe responsibilities at home have prevented you from exploring more academic and extracurricular interests. Walk admissions through how taking care of your younger siblings or an elderly family member taught you valuable lessons that you’ll be able to apply in higher ed. Perhaps you are incredibly tenacious and firmly believe that when a door shuts, another opens. How have you applied this ideology to your life thus far? Have you taken rejection on the chin and thrown yourself back into the ring time after time? Show admissions that you have what it takes to succeed.

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Dartmouth Essays 2023-24

Dartmouth Essays

Like many schools, Dartmouth College requires supplemental essays as a part of the admissions process. Through the Dartmouth essays , you can showcase elements of your application that may get lost otherwise. The Dartmouth supplemental essays can help admissions officers get to know you better. So, the more time and energy you dedicate to your Dartmouth essays, the more holistic picture you’ll paint for the Dartmouth admissions office. 

In total, students will submit three Dartmouth essays and can choose between several prompts. Selecting which Dartmouth essay to write can be a difficult choice. This guide will break down each of the Dartmouth College supplemental essays so that you can make the best choice for your Dartmouth application.

Dartmouth Supplemental Essays: Quick Facts

Dartmouth supplemental essays quick facts.

• Dartmouth College Acceptance Rate: 6% – U.S. News  
• One 100-word essay
• Two 250-word essays
• Dartmouth College Application : Students must submit their Dartmouth College application through the Common Application. Make sure to have all your Dartmouth College supplemental essays and other application materials ready before applying. 
• Early Decision: November 1 st  
• Regular Decision: January 2 nd  
• Dartmouth Essay Tip: Make sure you choose the right Dartmouth essay prompt for your responses – try writing an essay for each prompt to see which one connects with you the most! 

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website. 

Does Dartmouth have supplemental essays?

Yes, the Dartmouth supplemental essays are a required part of the Dartmouth application. The Dartmouth essays allow students to choose from several different prompts. In total, each applicant will submit three Dartmouth supplemental essays. 

The Dartmouth essay prompts are designed to add to your overall application. So, use them as a chance to demonstrate your interest in Dartmouth. The Dartmouth College supplemental essays are required for all applicants and can be submitted via the Common App. 

Overall, the Dartmouth essays form a key part of the Dartmouth requirements. Moreover, the Dartmouth essay prompts help admissions officers get to know you better. The Dartmouth essays can help the Dartmouth admissions team determine if you are a good fit for their campus, so it’s important to present your best work. This guide will walk you through the Dartmouth essay prompts to help you tackle the Dartmouth supplemental essays. 

How many essays does Dartmouth require?

The Dartmouth requirements include three separate Dartmouth supplemental essays. The first Dartmouth essay prompt is required for all applicants. The second and third Dartmouth essays allow students to choose between several prompts. With three separate Dartmouth essays, students have ample opportunities to shine in the Dartmouth application process. 

Additionallyy, it can help to read Dartmouth essays that worked to inspire your writing process. This can give you a sense of what the Dartmouth admissions team looks for. Overall, your Dartmouth essays should highlight your authentic voice and bolster your application narrative. 

The Dartmouth supplemental writing prompts help students showcase their unique perspectives to the admissions committee. So, make sure to dedicate time and energy to each of the Dartmouth essay prompts.

What are the Dartmouth essay prompts?

There are several different Dartmouth essay prompts. The first Dartmouth essay prompt is required for all applicants and is commonly referred to as the Why Dartmouth essay. 

The second Dartmouth essay has two prompt choices, and the third Dartmouth essay has 6 different prompts to choose from. We’ll go into each Dartmouth essay prompt later in this guide and provide some tips on how best to tackle the Dartmouth essays. 

With so many options, the Dartmouth essays give students the chance to showcase their talents, interests, and goals. The different Dartmouth essay prompts allow students to write essays that will highlight the best parts of their application. Keep reading for a deep dive into the different Dartmouth supplemental essays.

Why Dartmouth Essay

The first Dartmouth essay prompt is required for all applicants. Students must respond in 100 words or fewer: 

Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2028, what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? In short, why Dartmouth?

The Why Dartmouth essays help admissions officers understand your desire to go to Dartmouth. Specifically, the Why Dartmouth essays seek to determine if you would be a good fit at Dartmouth and to gauge your interest in the school. All applicants must complete this Dartmouth supplemental essay, so be prepared to explain why you’re interested in Dartmouth. 

The Why Dartmouth essays can be difficult to tackle—explaining why you want to go to Dartmouth in less than 100 words is a tricky task. So, think through why you’re interested in Dartmouth and pick 1-2 things to focus on. Consider researching a specific class or professor you’re interested in working with, or focus on the unique campus environment Dartmouth offers. You can also focus on the unique quarter system , any specific programs or majors you’re interested in, or a club you’re excited to join. 

Do your research

The Why Dartmouth essays require students to research the unique reasons why they’re interested in Dartmouth. As an Ivy League school, many students apply to Dartmouth each year. Your Dartmouth essays can help your application stand out, so it’s important to highlight the research you’ve done. So, spend some time on Dartmouth’s website . You can read about student life at Dartmouth and student stories – this can help inspire your Dartmouth supplemental essays. You can also read through Dartmouth’s student newspaper, The Dartmouth , for inspiration.  Envisioning your life at Dartmouth can help your Dartmouth essay shine. 

In addition to researching Dartmouth’s campus and programs, it can be helpful to read other Why Dartmouth essays. While your Dartmouth supplemental essays should be unique to you and your goals, reading other Why Dartmouth essays can give you a great place to start. Other Why Dartmouth essays can also help inspire you if you don’t know where to take your Dartmouth supplemental essays. You can read examples of “Why This College” essays here . 

Dartmouth Essays #2: Introduce Yourself

In addition to Why Dartmouth essays, the Dartmouth College supplemental essays have two additional requirements for students to complete. The second Dartmouth essay has two different prompts from students to choose from and should be no more than 250 words.

Here are the prompts: 

Dartmouth Essays #2

A. there is a quaker saying: let your life speak. describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today., b. “be yourself,” oscar wilde advised. “everyone else is taken.” introduce yourself..

Both of these Dartmouth essays ask you to introduce yourself to the admissions team. This essay should be slightly longer than the Why Dartmouth essays, giving you a little more room to write about yourself. This is one of the more challenging Dartmouth supplemental essays, as summarizing yourself in 250 words is difficult. 

Let’s break down each of these Dartmouth essay prompts and give you some tips for each one. 

Prompt A 

Both of these Dartmouth essays aim to introduce students to the admissions committee. However, they each have a slightly different way of doing so. 

Prompt A focuses on your environment and how it’s shaped who you are. You may want to reflect on your hometown, family structure, cultural environment, religion, or anything that you feel has contributed to your upbringing. Did you experience a change in any of these things at any point? How do you think that impacted you? Is there anything unique about the way you grew up or anything you want to reflect on? 

Try to focus on one or two elements—250 words is not a lot of room! You want to give the reader enough context to understand your upbringing. However, you should focus your essay on reflection and how your upbringing impacted you. Striking that balance can be tough and may take several drafts. 

Prompt B 

The second of these Dartmouth essays is a lot more general—it asks you to simply introduce yourself. With such a general prompt, many students may not know where to begin. It can be helpful to brainstorm what you want to focus on with a mentor or a teacher—what do you think are the top 3 facts about yourself that you would want Dartmouth to know? Focus on your passions and goals—and remember that the Why Dartmouth essay may have already captured your academic goals. So, is there something that you feel is not currently reflected in your application that you want the admissions committee to know? Moreover, what aspects of your identity feel the most central to who you are? 

While the Why Dartmouth essays can capture your academic goals, this prompt gives you a great chance to focus on your identity more holistically. Who are you outside of school? What are your core values? What extracurriculars are you involved with and why?

This Dartmouth supplemental writing prompt can be challenging, so spend some time brainstorming your topic. Additionally, try to write multiple drafts of this Dartmouth essay and share them with family and friends. They might help you decide which one represents you the best. 

Dartmouth Supplemental Essay #3: Choose one

The final Dartmouth essay has 6 different prompts to choose from. Students are required to pick one of the following prompts and compose a 250-word response: 

Dartmouth Supplemental Essay #3

A. what excites you, b. labor leader and civil rights activist dolores huerta recommended a life of purpose. “we must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “that is what we are put on the earth for.” in what ways do you hope to make—or are you already making—an impact why how, c. dr. seuss, aka theodor geisel of dartmouth’s class of 1925, wrote, “think and wonder. wonder and think.” as you wonder and think, what’s on your mind, d. celebrate your nerdy side., e. “it’s not easy being green…” was the frequent refrain of kermit the frog. how has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook, f. as noted in the college’s mission statement, “dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…” promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you.

Each of these Dartmouth supplemental prompts lets you paint a more holistic picture of who you are. It can be difficult to select which Dartmouth essay to pick, so we’ve broken down each prompt to help you.

Breaking down Dartmouth’s ‘Choose One’ Essay

Prompt A: What excites you? 

Prompt A asks what excites you. So, this Dartmouth essay can be a great place to discuss one of your passions that you haven’t highlighted elsewhere. Make sure to pick something that hasn’t come up in your other Dartmouth supplemental essays. The Why Dartmouth essays capture academic goals, so this may be a good place to elaborate on your passions outside of school. This is also a great Dartmouth essay to pick if you have a unique hobby or interest. 

Prompt B: Understanding your impact

Prompt B asks you to reflect on what impact you hope to make. Then, it asks you to elaborate on why and how you’ll make that impact. This Dartmouth essay is a great choice for students with a clear career goal in mind. Be sure to not repeat your Why Dartmouth essay, however. This essay should focus on what you hope to achieve on a larger scale. Moreover, it should explain why and how you hope to reach your goals. If you participated in a community service-oriented club in high school, this may be a great essay for you. 

Prompt C: Thinking and wondering

Prompt C focuses on wonder and asks you to reflect on what comes to mind when you’re wondering and thinking. This can be a great essay to reflect on possibilities for your future. However, you can also get really creative with this prompt. With such an open-ended question, this Dartmouth essay can really center around anything. You can take this essay as a chance to invite admissions officers into your thoughts and showcase your creativity. 

Prompt D: Your nerdy side

Prompt D asks you to celebrate your nerdy side. So, like many of the other Dartmouth supplemental essays, this is a great place to highlight your passions and interests. Be sure to focus on something that hasn’t come up in your other Dartmouth essays. Instead, take this as an opportunity to share something that hasn’t come up elsewhere in your application. What topic do you feel the nerdiest about? Try to pick something outside of school  – this will help admissions officers get to know you much better! 

Prompt E: What difference means to you

Prompt E asks you to reflect on difference and how it has impacted your identity and outlook. This can be a great Dartmouth essay to pick if you want to share something personal with the admissions office. In it, you can reflect on how difference has shown up in your life and how it’s shaped who you are. Additionally, out of all the Dartmouth essays, this prompt can be the most personal for students to pick. So, try to focus on the reflection part of the prompt. Then, think through how being different has made you who you are. 

Prompt F: Potential and promise

The final Dartmouth essay prompt asks you to reflect on your potential and promise. This can be a good essay for students with focused career goals or students with a clear sense of what they wish to accomplish at Dartmouth. While it can be similar to the Why Dartmouth essays, this prompt is a little more focused on what you may accomplish beyond Dartmouth. Be sure to include ways in which Dartmouth will help you meet your potential, but it’s important to paint a holistic picture. 

Overall, you should choose the Dartmouth College supplemental essays that speak to your accomplishments and highlight what you want your readers to know. 

The next section of our guide will focus on how to write the Dartmouth essays, so if you’re still feeling stuck, read on! 

How to write Dartmouth supplemental essays

The Dartmouth essays form a major part of the Dartmouth requirements for admission. So, if you’re wondering how to get into Dartmouth, make sure your Dartmouth supplemental essays reflect your personality and goals. The Dartmouth College supplemental essays offer the perfect chance to show the admissions team who you are and why they should admit you. 

The first step to writing your Dartmouth supplemental essays is to select your Dartmouth essay prompts. It can be helpful to write a draft for more than one prompt and see which essay fits the best. Try to pick Dartmouth supplemental essays that highlight your accomplishments the most. You should also select prompts that help explain aspects of your application you want to expand on. Additionally, you can change your mind on which Dartmouth essays to complete – just give yourself enough time to finish your drafts before the application deadline . 

Drafting the Dartmouth essays

Once you’ve chosen your prompts for the Dartmouth essays, it’s time to write your first draft. Try to outline each essay with the general topics you wish to cover. Research different programs, classes, and clubs at Dartmouth that you want to incorporate. Try to organize your Dartmouth supplemental essays around a central idea – this can help anchor your essays and make them feel cohesive. 

Your Dartmouth supplemental essays should represent an honest reflection of your interests, goals, and passions. For a first draft, it can help to just write the first things that come to your head. Then, edit your writing to suit the prompt and the word count. Additionally, make sure to share your Dartmouth College supplemental essays with a teacher or mentor for feedback—the more people who can read them, the better. You should plan to edit your Dartmouth supplemental essays at least 2-3 times before you submit them. This will help ensure your Dartmouth essays are the most polished they can be.

Dartmouth essays that worked

When starting your Dartmouth supplemental essays, it can help to read through essay examples. When you read Dartmouth essays that worked, you can learn what the admissions team typically looks for. You can find examples of Dartmouth essays in our guide to Dartmouth University essays that worked guide here . These Dartmouth supplemental essays are organized by prompt, so you can refer to the specific Dartmouth essays you plan to write.

For students researching how to get into Dartmouth, reading other Dartmouth supplemental essays can be key. With such a competitive admissions process and many highly-ranked programs, Dartmouth is one of the hardest schools to get into. So, reading successful Dartmouth supplemental essays can help you learn what kind of Dartmouth essays impress admissions officers. If you’re feeling stuck, read through different Dartmouth College supplemental essays—it may help spark some inspiration!  

Reading other Dartmouth College supplemental essays can also give you a sense of the grammar standards and general flow of a strong essay. However, while reading other Dartmouth supplemental essays can be helpful, be sure that your Dartmouth essays speak to your authentic passions and goals. 

Dartmouth Supplemental Essays: Final Takeaways

For students interested in how to get into Dartmouth, perfecting the Dartmouth College supplemental essays is key. So, here are some final takeaways as you prepare to write your Dartmouth supplemental essays: 

1. Pick the right prompt 

The Dartmouth essay prompts are designed to help admissions officers get to know the “real” you. So, choose the prompts that best highlight your skills, passions, and goals. 

2. Start early 

The Dartmouth essays can take some time to perfect, so start the writing process as soon as you can. The Dartmouth essay prompts are typically released in late summer, so plan to start your first draft once they’re available. 

3. Write multiple drafts 

In addition to writing multiple drafts for the prompts you select, try to write some drafts for other prompts—just to see which one works the best. Then, ask others to read your Dartmouth essays and incorporate their feedback through the editing process. 

4. Be ready to edit 

The editing process is a crucial step in writing strong Dartmouth College supplemental essays. So, take the time to carefully reread and edit your work. This will help you write the best Dartmouth essay possible. 

5. Be yourself

Remember, this is an opportunity for the admissions officers to get to know you on a deeper level. So, make sure your Dartmouth essays reflect you and your personality! 

Looking for more support as you approach the Dartmouth supplemental essays? Click here to schedule a meeting with our team and learn how one-on-one college admissions support can help you succeed.

This essay guide was written by senior advisor, Jess Klein . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Go back to all articles

How To Answer Dartmouth's Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023/24

What's New in 2022/23

What Are Dartmouth's Essay Prompts

Why Dartmouth Question

Dartmouth's Deep Dive Questions

Dartmouth's "Exploratory" Questions

Dartmouth is an Ivy League research university in Hanover, New Hampshire. It has an acceptance rate of around 6%, making it one of the most prestigious and selective schools in the United States. The Supplemental Essays offer you a unique opportunity to showcase your motivations for being a Dartmouth student. These essays are also a great opportunity to provide insights into your journey of self-awareness, your values, and aspirations. This blog serves as a comprehensive guide to each of the prompts in the Dartmouth Writing Supplement for 2023/24. Use the tips and insights below to craft strong responses that will help you stand out from other applicants.

How Julian Got Into Dartmouth

Dartmouth College's 2023/24 Supplemental Essay Updates: What's Changed?

Gaining admission into Dartmouth College, an Ivy League institution with an illustrious history, is no small feat. Among the diverse components of the college application, the supplemental essays play a pivotal role in presenting your unique story and illustrating how you resonate with Dartmouth's values.

Elite universities like Dartmouth continually adapt their application requirements each year, seeking a holistic grasp of their potential students' backgrounds, aspirations, and values.

This year, similar to last year, Dartmouth applicants have three required “writing supplements” to complete. For the 2023/24 admissions cycle Dartmouth has made some limited but notable modifications to essay prompts.

1. Modification of Existing Prompts

The foundational prompt about Dartmouth's distinctive sense of place and purpose remains largely unchanged, with minor tweaks in phrasing for clarity.

2. Introduction of New Topics

Dartmouth's second required essay now offers a choice between introducing oneself, in line with Oscar Wilde's famous quotation, or describing the environment in which one was raised, inspired by a Quaker saying. This presents applicants with the opportunity to either present a personal introduction or delve deeper into their upbringing and its influence.

3. Expanded Choices for the Third Prompt

Previously, Dartmouth gave applicants five options to choose from for their third essay. This has been expanded to six, including a chance for applicants to "celebrate their nerdy side", discuss embracing differences, or share about their promise and potential in line with Dartmouth's mission statement. These additions seek richer insights into applicants' personalities, values, and potential contributions to the Dartmouth community.

4. Rephrased Prompts for Clarity and Depth

Several of the essay options have been reworded to invite deeper reflection. For instance, the Dolores Huerta inspired prompt now adds "Why? How?" to drive applicants to think more about their motivations and methods.

5. Inclusion of Diverse Themes

The newly introduced prompts encompass diverse themes like embracing differences and individual promise, showcasing Dartmouth's commitment to nurturing a varied and dynamic student body.

These alterations underline Dartmouth's ever-evolving admissions perspective, spotlighting a more profound comprehension of applicants' diverse experiences, aspirations, and the intrinsic values they might bring to its vibrant academic community.

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What Are Dartmouth's Supplemental Essay Prompts for 2023/24?

For the 2023/24 application cycle, Dartmouth College has thoughtfully designed supplemental essay prompts that delve deeply into the perspectives, backgrounds, and aspirations of its applicants. These prompts aim to illuminate your personal growth, understanding of Dartmouth's ethos, individuality, and potential contributions to the Dartmouth community.

1. Dartmouth's initial prompt is the “Why Dartmouth” prompt.

This prompt revolves around the institution's essence and its impact on your educational pursuits. Note, this first supplementary essay is only 100 words or fewer, making it shorter than the remaining two essays.

Dartmouth's Unique Ethos : Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth's Class of 2028, what aspects of the College's academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? In short, why Dartmouth? (100 words or fewer)

For the remaining two essays (each 250 words or fewer), Dartmouth offers several creative prompts. Choose ONE from each list.

2. Deep Dive Questions

Pick one prompt from two offered. These essay options are crafted to provide a window into your character, upbringing, and thought processes.

• Personal Background and Upbringing : There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today.” (250 words or fewer)
• Introducing You : "Be yourself," Oscar Wilde advised. "Everyone else is taken." Introduce yourself. (250 words or fewer)

3. Exploratory Prompts

Pick one prompt from the six offered. These prompts are diverse, encouraging you to showcase various facets of your personality, aspirations, and beliefs:

• Passions and Interests : What excites you? (250 words or fewer)
• Purposeful Living : Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. "We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things," she said. "That is what we are put on the earth for." In what ways do you hope to make — or are you already making — an impact? Why? How? (250 words or fewer)
• Inner Thoughts: Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth's Class of 1925, wrote, "Think and wonder. Wonder and think." As you wonder and think, what's on your mind? (250 words or fewer)
• Embrace Your Quirks: Celebrate your nerdy side. (250 words or fewer)
• Celebrating Otherness: "It's not easy being green..." was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has the difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook? (250 words or fewer)
• Unearthing Potential: As noted in the College's mission statement, "Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…" Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you? (250 words or fewer)

Requirements

Ensure your response to the initial question does not exceed 100 words. For the deep dive and exploratory questions, maintain a word count of 250 words or fewer.

Dartmouth's admissions process is exceptionally competitive, but these essay prompts offer candidates a golden chance to shed light on their unique experiences, aspirations, and the richness they'd contribute to the Dartmouth mosaic.

How to Answer Dartmouth's Supplemental Essay Questions?

How to answer the “why dartmouth” question, dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. as you seek admission to dartmouth's class of 2028, what aspects of the college's academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest in short, why dartmouth, - 100 words or fewer.

This prompt seeks to understand your motivations behind choosing Dartmouth. It's an invitation to dive deep into your reasons and showcase how Dartmouth aligns with your academic and personal aspirations.

Reflect on Dartmouth's Essence

Think about the distinct attributes of Dartmouth that appeal to you.

• Is it a specific academic program?
• The close-knit community feel?
• The rich traditions and serene campus environment?

What combination of features like these, and others, make Dartmouth appealing to you and why?

Be Specific

Avoid vague statements. Instead of saying you're attracted to Dartmouth's "strong academic reputation," mention a particular program, research opportunity, or professor that aligns with your interests.

Personalize Your Answer

What personal experiences or goals make Dartmouth the right fit for you? Maybe you're drawn to Dartmouth's unique D-Plan or its emphasis on undergraduate teaching. Relate these aspects back to your own journey and aspirations with authentic and genuine insights into your unique interests, aspirations, and values and how they fit with specific campus attributes.

Stay Concise

With only 100 words, every sentence must be purposeful. Ensure each word contributes meaningfully to your response, and avoid redundancy.

• Drawn to Dartmouth's renowned Engineering program, I'm excited about its interdisciplinary approach, blending liberal arts and technology. Additionally, the Dartmouth Outing Club aligns with my passion for outdoor leadership.
• The intimacy of Dartmouth's community and its emphasis on undergraduate research in the sciences resonate deeply with my aspirations. Coupled with the picturesque Hanover setting, Dartmouth embodies my ideal learning environment.

Dartmouth's first essay prompt provides a canvas to illustrate your unique connection with the college. By being specific, personal, and concise, you can effectively convey why Dartmouth's academic program, community, and environment align seamlessly with your aspirations.

How to Answer Dartmouth's "Deep Dive" Questions?

There is a quaker saying: 'let your life speak.' describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today., - 250 words or fewer.

Dartmouth, like many elite institutions, values a diverse student body, recognizing that every individual's background shapes their perspectives, values, and contributions. This prompt is an avenue to shed light on the influences that have shaped your character, beliefs, and aspirations.

Exploring Your Roots  

Begin by painting a vivid picture of your upbringing:

• Physical setting: Were you raised in a bustling city, a rural village, a suburban neighborhood, or a tight-knit community?
• Cultural influences: What traditions, customs, or rituals were integral to your family or community?
• Key figures: Who played pivotal roles in your formative years? How did they influence you?

Reflecting on the Impact

Moving beyond mere description, analyze how these elements of your background molded your beliefs, values, and aspirations:

• Challenges and Triumphs: Did certain experiences, perhaps dealing with adversity or celebrating triumphs, particularly influence your growth?
• Evolution: How have the cultural and familial lessons from your upbringing influenced your worldview, values, and future aspirations?

Crafting a Cohesive Narrative

While 250 words might seem restrictive, focus on weaving a concise yet impactful story that encapsulates your upbringing and its influence on you.

Dartmouth's first "Deep Dive" prompt seeks to understand the fabric of your background and how it has sculpted your character and aspirations. Dive deep, be introspective, and craft a narrative that offers a genuine glimpse into your world.

'Be yourself,' Oscar Wilde advised. 'Everyone else is taken.' Introduce yourself.

Dartmouth's prompt resonates with the essence of individuality. Every student brings their unique narrative, beliefs, experiences, and quirks. Through this prompt, Dartmouth seeks to understand *you*, beyond academic achievements and extracurriculars.

Embracing Your Uniqueness

While it's tempting to present an idealized version of oneself, Dartmouth is looking for authenticity. Reflect on:

• Personality: Are you introspective, outgoing, witty, or analytical? What qualities define you?
• Passions and Hobbies: What do you love doing in your free time? How do these activities reflect your character or aspirations?
• Personal Stories: Share an anecdote or experience that captures your essence.

Moving Beyond the Resume

Avoid reiterating what's already in your application. This is a chance to share aspects of your life and personality that don't fit neatly into traditional application boxes.

Be Genuine and Introspective

While keeping your introduction relevant and the tone appropriately formal, consider how you can also incorporate some touches of intimacy and vulnerability with some deeper introspection and with some authentic and genuine sharing about who you are.

Using Your Voice

Sometimes an introduction is formal. But for this essay, also consider using elements of your authentic personal voice to help convey unique features of your personality. Be it a streak of humility or a sense of humor, use an authentic voice to reveal meaningful insights into your individuality.

Crafting a Personal Statement

Given the brevity of the prompt, every word should contribute to your narrative. Be concise yet compelling, ensuring the introduction offers a genuine reflection of who you are.

Dartmouth's second "Deep Dive" prompt is a canvas for you to paint a portrait of yourself. This isn't about showcasing achievements but about presenting an authentic, holistic image of who you are. Dive deep into introspection, embrace your uniqueness, and introduce yourself in a way that remains memorable and genuine.

How to Answer Dartmouth’s “Exploratory" Questions?

Navigating Dartmouth's exploratory essay prompts requires a blend of introspection and a clear understanding of what the college values. While each question is a chance to spotlight a distinct facet of your character, they collectively serve to convey your fit for Dartmouth's vibrant community.

What excites you?

Genuine enthusiasm.

Share what genuinely excites you, not what you think Dartmouth wants to hear.

Make it Compelling

Don't only skim the surface or introduce sources of excitement that are superficial in nature. Connect what excites you with deeper passions and aspirations.

• Look for more profound topics. For example, going to a baseball game may be exciting for you, but does it connect to deeper experiences, reflections, or aspirations? That said, maybe going to a baseball game with a specific family member was exciting because of the relationship and the opportunity these baseball outings presented to deepen it.
• Emphasize sources of excitement that truly reflect or shape your personality and which connect with things you care deeply about.

Personal Anecdote

• Illustrate your passion through a personal story, giving a genuine glimpse into what drives you.
• Highlight anecdotes that will help the reader appreciate the contexts that make your insights compelling for you.
• Craft vivid narratives that cast light on people, events, or circumstances that shaped your feelings of excitement and to make your response more memorable.

Connect with Dartmouth

Maybe there's a Dartmouth program or club that aligns with your passion or with what excites you. Showing that connection can demonstrate both your genuine interest and how you'd immerse yourself on campus. Reveal how what excites you will shape your contributions to campus life and specific goals or aspirations you have for college and beyond.

• Discovering the world of computational biology during a summer program transformed my view of computer science, from merely app development to solving biological mysteries. Dartmouth's interdisciplinary courses promise further exploration into this thrilling intersection.
• Art, for me, isn't just a hobby; it's a lens through which I see the world. Every brush stroke or sketch is a reflection of my interpretations. At Dartmouth, I'm excited about the potential of integrating art with academic studies, enriching my perspectives further.

The first "Exploratory" prompt is very open ended. Try to home in on a source of excitement that offers insights into your more profound passions, motivations, and perspectives on life. Be genuine and be sure to connect what excites you with larger aspirations.

Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. ‘We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,' she said. 'That is what we are put on the earth for.' In what ways do you hope to make — or are you already making — an impact? Why? How?

This prompt calls for a profound understanding of your own commitment to betterment and change. Dartmouth values students who are not just achievers in the academic sense but also those who aspire to make a meaningful impact on society through commitment, conviction, and courage.

Genuine Motivations

Deeply reflect upon the driving forces behind your actions. What inspires you to create change? Whether it's a personal experience, someone you look up to, or a broader vision for society, share the root of your motivations.

Link to Dartmouth's Values

Show that your vision aligns with Dartmouth's ethos. Perhaps there's a Dartmouth initiative, club, or program that corresponds with your efforts to create positive change.

Narrative Engagement

Use storytelling to bring your experiences to life. Instead of simply stating facts, walk the reader through your journey, the challenges you faced, and the lessons learned.

Vision for the Future

Expand on how Dartmouth can be the platform for furthering your initiatives or supporting your drive for societal improvement.

• Driven by witnessing educational inequalities in my community, I initiated a tutoring program for underprivileged students. Dartmouth's Tucker Center, with its extensive community service programs, inspires me to scale my initiative to broader horizons.
• Ever since participating in a local environmental cleanup, I've been motivated to promote sustainable living. At Dartmouth, I see an opportunity to engage deeply with the Dartmouth Organic Farm, expanding my understanding and driving larger community initiatives.

Dartmouth's second "Exploratory" prompt offers an avenue to express your genuine commitment to pursuing a purpose-driven life and enacting positive change. Through a combination of personal storytelling and a forward-looking mindset, this is your chance to showcase how your life's purpose aligns with Dartmouth's values. Share how you can contribute positively to campus life and reflect on how Dartmouth can help you further your impact on the world.

Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth's Class of 1925, wrote, 'Think and wonder. Wonder and think.' As you wonder and think, what's on your mind?

This unique prompt from Dartmouth encourages you to introspect and share your musings, highlighting how deep reflection forms an integral part of your character. It offers a window into your mindset, showcasing how you engage with the world around you.

Venture Beyond the Superficial

While it might be tempting to discuss a recent event or popular topic, delve deeper. Reflect on those bigger questions or thoughts that linger in your mind. It could be something philosophical, societal, or even a personal revelation.

Relate to Dartmouth’s Legacy

Given the mention of Theodor Geisel, an illustrious Dartmouth alumnus, consider ways in which your reflections might connect to Dartmouth’s storied history, its emphasis on liberal arts, or its commitment to fostering critical thinkers.

Just as with the previous prompt, storytelling can be a powerful tool here. Walk the reader through your thought process, the genesis of your musings, and the conclusions or further questions they led to.

Consider Dartmouth’s Environment

Dartmouth's unique setting, amidst the serene landscapes of Hanover, provides the perfect backdrop for reflection. Consider weaving in how such an environment can further fuel your introspection and quest for answers.

• Contemplating the ever-evolving nature of language, I often wonder about the next phase of human communication. Dartmouth’s rich linguistic courses and its diverse community provide the ideal setting for such explorations.
• In today's digital age, I ponder the balance between connectivity and genuine human interactions. Dartmouth’s tight-knit community offers a compelling environment to explore this, bridging the traditional with the contemporary.

Dartmouth’s third “Exploratory” prompt is an opportunity to provide insights into your deeper reflections and how you process the world around you. By delving into genuine thoughts and connecting them with Dartmouth's ethos and environment, you can craft a compelling narrative that underscores your fit for the institution.

Celebrate your nerdy side.

Dartmouth recognizes that it's often our quirks, those distinctive characteristics and passions, that make us uniquely interesting. This prompt invites you to showcase a side of yourself that might not be immediately evident but is an intrinsic part of who you are.

True Colors

It's vital to ensure your response is genuine. Highlighting an authentic quirk or passion can create a more memorable and personal essay. Whether it's a hobby, a talent, or a particular mindset, delve into something you truly identify with.

Narrative Storytelling

Consider using anecdotes or personal stories to illustrate your point. A short narrative about a time when your "nerdy side" played a significant role can effectively showcase your personality and make your essay more engaging.

Relate to Dartmouth

While discussing your quirks, find a way to connect it to Dartmouth's environment or ethos. Perhaps there's a club, organization, or course at Dartmouth that aligns with your quirky side. Demonstrating how your unique traits would fit into and benefit the Dartmouth community can add depth to your essay.

Deep Reflection

Go beyond just describing your quirks. Reflect on why they matter to you, how they've shaped your perspectives, and the role they've played in your life.

• Ever since I started collecting antique calculators, I've been dubbed the "math historian" among my friends. At Dartmouth, I hope to merge this love for history and math by delving into the evolution of mathematical theories.
• I've always been fascinated by the intricacies of board games, often creating my own. Through Dartmouth's Game Design Club, I hope to bring my unique designs to life, encouraging strategic and creative thinking.

Dartmouth's fourth "Exploratory" prompt offers a chance for applicants with a passion for, or obsession with, a particular intellectual or academic interest, or other kind of interest that captivates them, to embrace it and share it in an essay that is compelling and memorable. By focusing on genuine characteristics and weaving a narrative that connects to Dartmouth's values and offerings, you can create a standout essay. Highlight an important area of personal fascination while helping Dartmouth understand how this might shape your aspirations and participation in college life.

'It's not easy being green…' was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook?

Dartmouth acknowledges and celebrates the diverse backgrounds and experiences of its students. This prompt provides an avenue to discuss how you've encountered, processed, and embraced differences in your life, be it in terms of race, culture, beliefs, or personal experiences. It’s an opportunity to highlight your unique journey — and perhaps exceptional resilience or insights shaped by this journey — while foreshadowing the positive ways you’ll impact the college community.

Personal and Genuine Experiences

Begin by introspecting on moments in your life when you felt different or stood out. Was it due to cultural, racial, personal beliefs, or perhaps a unique experience? Share these genuine stories to give a deeper insight into your journey.

Navigating Challenges and Growth

Being different often comes with challenges. Discuss how you navigated them, the insights gained, and how these experiences contributed to personal growth. Show how these challenges strengthened your character and shaped your worldview.

• Did they help you develop personal resilience? If so, how is this reflected in real events or relationships in your life, or in challenges you’ve faced?
• Does your experience with difference shape your worldview, personality, or your perspectives?
• Do these factors impact other facets of your life experiences, such as interpersonal relationships, school or community life, or your views on society?

Connect to Dartmouth

Highlight how you see Dartmouth's diverse community as an extension or complement to your experiences. Maybe there are student groups, initiatives, or programs at Dartmouth that align with your journey. This connection can underscore your fit within the Dartmouth community.

Celebrate the Differences

Rather than merely discussing the challenges, celebrate the advantages and strengths that come from embracing diversity. How has it made you a more empathetic, open-minded, or resilient individual?

• Growing up in a multicultural neighborhood, I've always been the bridge between various cultures, facilitating understanding. Dartmouth's Global Village program, emphasizing cultural exchange, resonates with my experiences.
• Being the only left-hander in my family always made me feel unique. This simple difference taught me early on that there's no one-size-fits-all approach. At Dartmouth, I'm eager to be part of communities that appreciate and celebrate such nuances.

Dartmouth's fifth "Exploratory" prompt offers an opportunity to reflect on your personal journey and how it's shaped by the differences you've encountered or embraced. By intertwining personal narratives with Dartmouth's ethos and values, you can create an impactful essay that showcases your understanding and appreciation of diversity in its many forms.

As noted in the College's mission statement, ‘Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…’ Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you?

Dartmouth is seeking students who not only excel academically but also exhibit promise in their endeavors and potential to impact the world. This prompt is your opportunity to showcase your capabilities, determination, and the promise you hold for the future.

Highlight Authentic Moments

Recall instances where your potential was evident, be it through academic accomplishments, extracurricular leadership, or personal growth moments. Choose stories that capture your drive, ambition, and the qualities that set you apart.

Relate to Dartmouth's Values

Dartmouth's mission emphasizes both lifelong learning and responsible leadership. Ensure your essay reflects these aspects. Discuss how Dartmouth's programs, values, or opportunities align with your potential and how they can further amplify it.

Evolution and Growth

Rather than just stating your achievements, reflect on your journey. How did you overcome challenges? What did you learn? Demonstrating growth gives depth to your potential and makes it more tangible.

Envision Your Future

Project into the future. How do you see your potential evolving at Dartmouth? In what ways do you hope to contribute to the community and eventually make an impact in your chosen field or the broader world?

• My initiative in founding a community service club showcased not just leadership, but a potential to drive change. At Dartmouth, I'm excited to further this potential through hands-on service projects and leadership seminars.
• From initiating a school-wide recycling program to representing my school in national debates, my journey has been about discovering and nurturing my potential. Dartmouth's focus on holistic education and fostering leadership resonates deeply with where I see myself evolving.

Dartmouth's sixth "Exploratory" prompt is an open canvas for you to highlight your strengths, journey, and vision for the future. By weaving in authentic experiences with Dartmouth's values and offerings, you can craft a compelling narrative that showcases not just who you are, but who you aspire to be in the Dartmouth community and beyond.

General Guidelines for Answering Dartmouth's Supplemental Essay Questions

1. deep dive into dartmouth.

Dartmouth's prompts allow you to demonstrate your affinity with the college's ethos and community.

• Highlight specific courses, faculty members, research opportunities, or clubs that align with your interests.
• Be detailed in your approach to specific aspects of college life or specific academic offerings or resources that hold a genuine interest for you personally in order to spotlight the depth of your commitment to understanding Dartmouth.

2. Introspective Insight

Dartmouth highly values self-aware learners. When discussing personal experiences or academic interests, always loop back to the personal growth, insights, or lessons you've absorbed over time.

3. Champion Diversity

Dartmouth is proud of its diverse and inclusive student community.

• Highlight the unique perspectives, experiences, or backgrounds you'd bring and how these have influenced your own evolving self-awareness and life journey in profound ways.
• Emphasize how these perspectives and experiences will enhance diversity at Dartmouth and shape unique contributions you’ll make to community life and academic dialogue at Dartmouth.

4. Genuine Narratives

Honesty resonates deeply. Craft responses that echo your true passions, hurdles, and aspirations, rather than what you feel the admissions committee wants to hear.

• Use a personal voice and/or personal anecdotes to convey authentic glimpses into your unique life circumstances and influences.
• Keep it relevant to the college admissions process, but don’t shy away from sharing intimate features of your personality, inner thoughts, “hidden” interests, and remember some glimpses of humility and vulnerability may add authenticity or further help you make your essay more memorable.

5. Focus on Depth

The word limits mean precision is crucial. Opt for depth over breadth, delving into a few points in detail rather than skimming over many.

6. Engaging Storytelling

Craft your essays in a compelling narrative format. An evocative story or reflection often remains etched in the reader's mind longer than mere facts. Use relevant narrative or storytelling techniques and vivid description, with an emphasis on showing, not telling, to help make introspective elements and reflections more natural, convincing, compelling, and memorable.

7. Meticulous Proofreading

Ensure your essays are impeccable. Beyond checking for grammatical errors, ensure your narrative flows smoothly and communicates your main points effectively. Consider getting feedback from peers or mentors for fresh insights.

8. Tie to the Larger Context

Position your answers in the broader context of your potential contributions to Dartmouth.

• Highlight future-facing aspirations, goals, or commitments.
• Describe how the college's offerings and ethos align with your aspirations.
• Reveal what contributions you expect to make as a valuable member of the Dartmouth community.
• Explain how Dartmouth will further your goals and aspirations.

9. Embrace the Process

Remember, these essays offer a unique opportunity to showcase facets of yourself beyond academics. Relish this chance to illustrate why Dartmouth and you could be the ideal fit.

Armed with these guidelines, you're poised to craft compelling responses that not only answer Dartmouth's supplemental questions but also resonate with the spirit of the institution.

What Makes Crimson Different

Final Thoughts

Dartmouth doesn’t shy away from creative supplemental essay prompts. Nor do they want you to shy away from embracing and celebrating what most makes you, you — whether something deep and purposeful, something quirky, something that’s complex and laced with vulnerability, or an exciting passion…

When multiple prompts are offered, choose the prompt that resonates best with you and will allow you to probe qualities of your personality, life journey, and college aspirations that will play a central role shaping your contributions and achievements at Dartmouth.

Dartmouth wants to get to know you better. Be authentic to your personality. If you’re unsure if the essay sounds like you, have someone close to you read it and tell you if it sounds like you. While grammar and spelling are important, showcasing the unique qualities that make you perfect for Dartmouth are equally important.

Need help with your supplemental essays? Crimson Education is the world’s leading university admission consulting company. Our expert admission strategist can help you narrow down your ideas and word choice to help you craft the perfect essay prompt response. Get your essay reviewed today!

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Demystifying Dartmouth College's 2023-2024 Supplemental Essays

Applying to Dartmouth College involves thoughtful reflection and carefully curated writing, elements that can transform a good application into an unforgettable one. This blog post is designed to assist you in navigating Dartmouth's supplemental essays, providing step-by-step guidance and examples from previously successful essays.

Prompt 1: "Please respond in 100 words or less: 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 2028, what aspects of the College’s program, community, or campus environment attract your interest?"

In this prompt, Dartmouth wants to see your genuine attraction towards the college. Here's a compelling response from a successful applicant:

"Dartmouth’s liberal arts focus appeals to me with its promise of a holistic education. I am drawn towards the experiential learning at the Dartmouth Outing Club, which encourages leadership through wilderness adventures. Furthermore, the intimacy of a small college combined with the resources of a large research university presents an ideal learning environment. The prospect of undertaking research through the Presidential Scholars Program also fuels my enthusiasm."

Prompt 2: "In 300 words or less, offer us an idea that you have had and found intellectually engaging."

In this essay, Dartmouth wants to see how you engage with ideas that stimulate your intellectual curiosity. An example essay from a past applicant reads:

"I am captivated by the concept of neuroplasticity: the brain's ability to rewire and adapt itself. The notion challenges the idea that our capacities are static and unchangeable, hinting at limitless potential for learning and development.

I have tried harnessing neuroplasticity in my own life, experimenting with methods like spaced repetition and deliberate practice to enhance language acquisition and musical skills. My fascination with this concept has deepened my appreciation for the brain's complexity and inspired me to consider a major in Neuroscience.

Exploring neuroplasticity has also made me cognizant of the significance of environment and routine in shaping our brain functions, leading me to reflect on the ways our education system could be revolutionized to better leverage our neural capabilities."

Approaching Dartmouth's supplemental essays, remember to focus on showcasing your unique perspectives and experiences. Let your passion for learning and your curiosity shine through in your responses.

In conclusion, Dartmouth’s supplemental essays are a gateway to show the admission committee who you truly are. So, write sincerely and passionately, and you will significantly increase your chances of getting admitted.

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Dartmouth Supplemental Essay Examples

Dartmouth supplemental essay examples will help you in your quest to deliver the very finest essay that you can. Seeking guidance on how to write a college essay can be useful, but equally useful can be reading over existing essays to see what the pros do, and how all the bits fit together.

Your essays are one of the most important aspects of your college application, and they should be as polished as possible. This might mean seeking out an essay workshop for students or reading expert college essay tips , but checking out examples can be helpful as well.

This article will take you through the necessary essays for Dartmouth’s supplemental section and provide you with some general essay writing tips.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 10 min read

Dartmouth supplemental essays.

Dartmouth requires students to write three essays. For the first two essays, students get one prompt that they will all follow. Pay close attention to all three prompts but note that if a school is requiring absolutely everybody to respond to the same prompt, that prompt is universally important, and something Dartmouth cares a lot about.

There are several prompts for the third essay, so you can choose the one you think will show off your unique abilities, talents, and experiences. Remember: essays in applications are about showing why you are the best possible candidate for that particular school.

All Applicants

Essay no. 1.

“Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth ... what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? In short, Why Dartmouth?”

Word limit: 100 words, max.

With the beauty of New England, the academic discipline, and exciting research opportunities, there is nothing about Dartmouth that doesn’t appeal to me. 

My primary reason for wanting to attend Dartmouth is the research potential in energy engineering; I want to make an impact on environmental conservation, starting with energy. Dartmouth’s research on biomass processing technologies is very exciting.

Besides academics, I also have family in Hanover, so my support network would be strong at Dartmouth. Furthermore, the beauty and heritage of the campus is inspiring.

Dartmouth imbues me with a sense of place and purpose that inspires.

“‘Be yourself,’ Oscar Wilde advised. ‘Everyone else is taken.’ Introduce yourself...”

Word limit: 200–250 words

Given the prompt, it seems appropriate to start by saying that I am a big fan of Oscar Wilde. I am normally a shy person, and I may be uncomfortable being talked about, but I know there are worse things…

My sense of humor is my favorite aspect of myself, and I have always had a love of comedy – hence my interest in Oscar. My parents have said I laughed uproariously as a baby and they have taken as much delight in introducing me to Charlie Chaplin, the Marx Brothers, Monty Python, and Mr. Show as I have in laughing with all of them.

I believe that a sense of humor and irony will aid everybody, and we could all use a good laugh at our own expense now and again. So much of politics and business and social anxiety could be better managed with a few well-placed guffaws.

In fact, learning to laugh at myself has been instrumental in conquering my shyness and allowing me to meet people and gain opportunities. Without that, I couldn’t have run for student government at my school – becoming vice president – or attempted stand-up comedy for the first time this summer. For the record, I mostly bombed my set, but I’m re-writing my material and learning how to bounce back from a setback – they won’t stop me!

So, that’s my “me.” Let everybody else be taken, Wilde, I’m perfectly content as I am.

Essay No. 3

Students choose one of the following essays to complete.

A. “Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. ‘We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,’ she said. ‘That is what we are put on the earth for.’ In what ways do you hope to make – or are you making – an impact?”

Six hours in the sun pulling a wagon, knocking on doors, and asking people for used aluminum isn’t a fun way to spend a day, but I knew the importance of helping out with our local recycling programs. In this case, we were looking for aluminum tabs from pop cans to be remade into wheelchairs and provided for low-to-no cost to those in need.

My brother Jack uses a wheelchair, and so this cause appealed to me on two levels: I am also an environmentalist – like my parents, who are environmental scientists. Aiding a recycling program and getting wheelchairs to patients was therefore a win-win.

Let’s start with your format, while looking at how to write a college essay . You will follow the standard essay format as often as possible. This is composed of three major sections: the opener, the body, and the conclusion. You can think of them as “beginning, middle, end,” if that is helpful.

The opening paragraph should start with an attention grabber, or “hook,” that will live up to its name and command the focus of the reader. This is the best approach to how to start a college essay . Make it such a good opening line that even someone who isn’t on the admissions committee would want to keep reading.

Your opener also sets up the rest of the essay, providing the central themes and ideas that you’ll explore – these are all contained within the prompts provided by Dartmouth, but your opener will connect those prompts to you, personally. Specifically, reading college essay introduction examples will show you how to accomplish this.

In the body of the essay, you will explore the prompt, how it relates to you, and, ideally, show how you have grown as a person or student, some accomplishments you have made, or skillsets and abilities that you have – all of which must be desirable for a potential Dartmouth student.

If you can connect specifically to Dartmouth, all the better. Mentioning programs or research that are unique to the school or highlighting that you have the qualities they are seeking in their mission and vision statements will connect you to the school and show off how you would be the ideal candidate.

Your overall goal is to make the committee want to bring you in for an alumni-conducted interview, so if your conclusion would make anybody want to meet you, ask questions, and learn more about you and your experiences, you will have succeeded.

Most of Dartmouth’s essays have a short limit of 250 words. The exception is a 100-word essay: even shorter. What this means for you is that you don’t have a lot of space to develop a variety of complex ideas per essay. Be surgical; get in, tell the necessary details for the prompt, and get out.

Be prepared to truncate and mess with the essay format a bit for the 100-word essay, as that prompt really requires a precision answer, and you might not be able to shape the essay in a standard way.

To build a successful application, give yourself every edge and benefit. A strong supplemental essay will achieve that. You are already taking the right steps by reading up on essay writing and seeking out examples to improve your work. Take your time refining the essays for your dream school.

No, you must answer those two essay questions, as per the requirements. Most schools want answers to the questions “Why this school?” and “Tell us about yourself.” They are two of the most common questions asked of students for a reason: they produce information that the admissions committee needs to know.

The amount of time will vary, but generally speaking, we think you should take 2–3 weeks to work on your essays. You don’t need to put in 40+ hours per week, but give yourself time to brainstorm, write, re-write, edit, and proofread; you’ll likely need and want time to get professional feedback as well.

If you’re stuck on an optional prompt, you could switch to a different prompt proposed by the school and see if it resonates more with you. If your required essay is giving you difficulty, you’ll want to break your writer’s block with a little brainstorming. Take two minutes to free-associate on your topic, writing down anything you think of, and you’ll likely open up your thought processes and start to figure out what you want to say.

If you are successful, you will be invited for an interview, which means that you might want to start thinking about how to prepare for your interview.

The Common Application allows for changes to essays after submission, but with Dartmouth, you will specifically need to upload additional materials via your portal.

Look for a credible college essay review service . Teachers and other mentors might be able to help as well, but keep in mind that they are already busy people, so sticking with a professional service might be the better option.

You might think that all you need to do is hit your academics and emphasize how smart you are, but that strategy might not be all that clever. Your transcripts and high school resume will show off your numbers. Instead, use your essay to introduce the “real you” to the admissions committee. They want to know you, and your uniqueness is your best shot at getting into your school of choice. Put the essential you on display for the best results.

Deadlines change from year to year, so just follow the instructions in the Common App or Coalition App. Start as early as possible to maximize your time between now and the deadline.

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How one man's split-second decision in 1983 saved humanity from nuclear annihilation

The year was 1983, and the Cold War was at its height. Tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union were high, and the threat of nuclear war hung over the world like a dark cloud.

It was in this atmosphere of fear and anxiety that Lieutenant Colonel Stanislav Petrov found himself in a bunker near Moscow, monitoring the Soviet Union's early-warning system for incoming missile attacks.

What happened next was a true test of his character and decision-making abilities, and his actions that day would come to be known as one of the simplest, yet heroic acts in human history. 

Who was Stanislav Petrov?

Stanislav Petrov was a lieutenant colonel in the Soviet Air Defense Forces.

On September 26, 1983, Petrov was on duty in the Serpukhov-15 bunker near Moscow, monitoring the Soviet Union's early-warning system for incoming nuclear missiles.

At the time, tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States were high, and both sides were on high alert for a potential nuclear attack.

Petrov's job was to analyze data from the early-warning system and alert his superiors if he detected an incoming missile attack.

Why tensions were so high in 1983

In 1983, tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War were extremely high, and there was a palpable sense of fear and anxiety on both sides.

One of the main sources of tension was the deployment of Pershing II missiles in Europe by the United States in 1979, just 4 years earlier.

These missiles were seen as a direct threat to the Soviet Union, as they could strike targets deep inside Soviet territory with little warning.

In response, the Soviet Union had deployed its own missiles, including the SS-20, which could target Western Europe.

There were also a number of incidents in 1983 that heightened tensions between the two superpowers.

In March, President Ronald Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative, a program to develop a missile defense system that could render nuclear weapons obsolete.

The Soviet Union saw this as a direct threat to their nuclear deterrent and began to take measures to counter it.

Then, on the 1st of September, almost four weeks before Petrov had to make his decision, a Korean Airlines passenger jet was shot down by Soviet fighter planes, killing all 269 people on board.

The incident was widely condemned by the international community and led to a further deterioration of relations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

Against this backdrop of tension, the incident with Stanislav Petrov occurred, further raising the stakes and the potential for a nuclear war.

The fear of a nuclear conflict was very real, and many people on both sides of the Iron Curtain believed that it was only a matter of time before a full-scale war broke out.

What happened on the 26th of September, 1983

On that fateful day, the early-warning system suddenly showed that the Soviet Union was under attack by multiple U.S. missiles.

Petrov's training and experience told him that the alert might be false, as the system had been known to malfunction in the past.

But the stakes were high, and he had to make a split-second decision.

Instead of following protocol and alerting his superiors, Petrov decided to wait and see if the alert was real.

He reasoned that if the U.S. was launching a first strike, they would have launched more than just a handful of missiles.

He also noted that the system was not showing any corroborating evidence, such as satellite or radar data.

Despite the intense pressure, Petrov's gamble paid off.

It turned out that the system had indeed malfunctioned, and there was no actual missile attack.

If Petrov had followed protocol and alerted his superiors, they may have launched a retaliatory strike, triggering a nuclear war between the two superpowers.

The significance of his critical thinking

Petrov's actions that day are widely credited with preventing a catastrophic nuclear war.

His bravery and quick thinking have made him a hero to many, and he has been honored with numerous awards and accolades, including the Dresden Peace Prize and the World Citizen Award in 2013.

Despite his heroism, Petrov's actions were not immediately recognized by the Soviet government.

In fact, he was reprimanded for not following protocol and keeping his superiors in the loop.

It was only after the fall of the Soviet Union that his story became widely known, and he was hailed as a hero and a symbol of sanity in a time of madness.

Petrov passed away in 2017, but his legacy lives on. He serves as a reminder of the dangers of nuclear weapons and the importance of cool-headed thinking in times of crisis.

His actions on that fateful day in 1983 have undoubtedly saved countless lives and helped to prevent a global catastrophe.

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In the late Middle Ages Serpukhov was the centre of an important appendage principality  of Moscow whose most famous prince was the cousin of Dmitry Donskoy - Prince Vladimir the Brave. Today the city is still home to two important monasteries from this period. In addition the city also draws in tourists due to the nearby Prioksko-Terrasny Nature Reserve which is famed for its zubr (European bison). The city can be visited as a day trip from Moscow .

Top recommendations in Serpukhov

Sobornaya Gora

Go to Sobornaya Gora and see excellent examples of Serpukhov's church architecure dating from various period, as well as what remains of the city's Kremlin.

Vysotsky Monastery

Visit the Vysotsky Monastery, founded in 1374 by Prince Vladimir the Brave of Serpukhov.

Vladychny Convent

Visit the Vladychny Convent, founded in 1360 by St Alexius, Metropolitan of Moscow.

Prioksko-Terrasny Biosphere Nature Reserve

Go to the Prioksko-Terrasny Nature Reserve in nearby Danki and see the Zubr (European Bison) which are bred there.

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RUSSIAN ART of the 19th and early 20th centuries in the Serpukhov Museum of History and Art

Andrei Pilipenko

The 30th exhibition of the “Golden Map of Russia”

The Serpukhov Museum of History and Art is one of the richest provincial Russian museums and the largest visual arts museum in the Moscow region. It is located in a former mansion that was built in the late 19th century by the architect Robert Klein and belonged to the textile manufacturer, the merchant of the third guild Anna Vasilievna Maraeva.

The foundation of its collection, established in 1918, came from the nationalized collection that belonged to Maraeva, a prominent figure in the circles of Old Believers and a patroness of the Serpukhov community of the Fedoseev sect of Old Believers. She owned a unique collection of artefacts of traditional Russian spiritual culture, including icons, hand-written and black-letter books, and embroidery. In 1896 Maraeva bought the collection of Yury Merlin, who was a chamberlain at the court of the Tsar and an officer for special commissions at the office of the Moscow governor. The collection included a number of splendid Western European and Russian paintings, sculptures and drawings.

The major part of the 19th-century Russian art section at the Serpukhov Museum was assembled in the 1920s with acquisitions from private collections. As a consequence, it has quite a few salon paintings and pieces in the style of the later period of academicism: very technical, eye-catching, and designed for the tastes of wealthy audiences. In this field, themes of antiquity were prominent, among them the work of the painter Genrikh Semiradsky (1843—1902), one of the luminaries of Russian art in the late 19 th century.

A general tendency of Russian visual art in the second half of the 19th century was its attention to everyday life. Characteristically, Semiradsky's paintings “Slave Woman's Song” (1884) and “Feast of Bacchus” (1890), instead of accenting the sublime and heroic, are focused on the everyday life of their subjects: the domestic life of rich Romans and the boisterous festivities of Attic wine-growers. From the 1870s onwards, such “antiquity-themed” paintings provided for the artist a sort of respite in the intervals between his work on monumental historical paintings.

The artistic heritage of Alexei Kharlamov (1840—1925) consists of dainty, pleasantly sentimental paintings of the “second rococo”. In 1869 as a “pensioner” (fellowship holder) of the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts, Kharlamov came to Paris, which was to become his second home. There in 1872—1873 he studied in the workshop of Leon Bonnat (1833—1922), a past master of decorative paintings featuring “little facial portraits” (of women and girls) — and later he mostly followed Bonnat’s example in art. Kharlamov scholars prefer not to look for real-life prototypes of his “facial portraits” and systematize these pictures according to the faces' “phenotypes, external manifestations of specific genetic traits.”[1] According to this classification, “Portrait of a Lass” at the Serpukhov Museum falls into the category of pictures described by Ivan Turgenev (an admirer of Kharlamov's talent) in 1875 as the “wonderful pink girl”.[2] And the figure on the left in the 1877 picture “Italian Children” leads in an independent, so called Serpukhovian type, which includes overall 29 pieces from different collections.[3]

The artist Konstantin Makovsky (1839—1915) was a prominent figure in the Russian art world of his period; his father was one of the founders of the School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture in Moscow, and he came from a family with a rich artistic heritage. A participant in the famous “rebellion of 14” at the Academy of Fine Arts, over the years Makovsky became one of the notable figures of academic art in Russia. In 1876 the artist traveled across the Balkans, Egypt, and the Near East. “In a Cairo Coffee-house” is one of the paintings reflecting his impressions from the voyage. In this piece an admiration for the exotic world of the Orient is combined with the artist’s clear-headed attention to the contrasts of the foreign life, just as a vivid, shimmering colour scheme is combined with the artist's fluid, assured manner.

As a historical painter, Makovsky focused on the then very popular subject of “domestic life” of Moscow and its surrounding region of the 16th—17th centuries, introducing viewers to it in his 1890 picture “On the Eve of the Wedding” depicting the grooming of a bride in a boyar family. The bride's braid is being combed as a token of her parting with maidenhood (in old Rus, unmarried girls wore one braid, and married women wore two braids).

The artist historically and faithfully reproduced the atmosphere of the house, although he easily inserted there details of the 19th century: for instance, a girl's drawing room in a boyar house could not have had either a carpet on the floor or curtains on the windows. Prior to the period of Peter I, carpets were used to cover benches, coffers, and the like, but they were not put on the floor (except in prayer rooms, where they were never trodden, but only knelt upon). And there was simply no use for curtains, because a dim, semi-transparent mica was used instead of glass in windows. Representing the boyar's daughter not yet fully groomed, the artist quite consciously adjusted his picture to the habitual perception of the viewer — the average townsman of the late 19th century. The bride sits in front of an open chest, in a white loose-fitting chemise which we can just as easily take for a wedding dress. Makovsky could not have depicted a boyar bride in a white dress — this would have been a gross historical error, even a scandalous one: even in the 19th century in rural areas, let alone in ancient Rus, white was considered the colour of the funeral shroud, while the bride's habitual outfit would be “the red pinafore dress” celebrated in a famous romance. But the artist was also mindful of the level and interests of the mass audience, who, given the picture's title, would want to see most of all, a bride, and a bride in white.

The girl who sits on the floor reclining on the bride's knees could have been painted from a real-life subject: it is believed that Makovsky's sitter was his good friend Alexandra Dmitrievna Bugaeva (1858—1922), mother of the poet Andrei Bely[4]. If this conjecture is correct, Bugaeva could also have been the sitter for Makovsky's “Portrait of a Lass”, another piece from the Serpukhov collection. Nevertheless, the genre of “facial portraits”, which Makovsky chose for the picture, had at its core the special attitude of an artist to his subject: the sitter's real features were to serve only as a “starting point” for creating generalized, idealized images of female beauty.

The Russian tradition of critical realism, the “Peredvizhniki” (Wanderers) style, which we usually view as the antithesis of mainstream academicism, nevertheless originated at the St. Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts, in the 1840-1850s, under the influence of Pavel Fedotov's art. These paintings include, among others, a piece by Nikolai Shilder (1828—1898) “Temptation” — an interesting reproduction by the artist of his own painting, which was bought by Pavel Tretyakov. The author of “Temptation”, developing the theme of Fedotov's sepia drawing “For a Poor Girl Beauty is like the Scythe of Death” (1846, Tretyakov Gallery), interpreted the melodramatic plot fairly close to the traditions of Dutch household-themed art of the 17th century.

“Gypsy Woman” (1886) by Nikolai Yaroshenko (1846—1898) was another step in the evolution of Russian household-themed art. Yaroshenko, an active participant in the “Peredvizhniki” exhibitions, was known as a talented self-taught figure — holding a degree in military engineering, he finished the Academy of Fine Arts through distance learning; he was also known as a past master of bright, expansive semi-genre, semi-portrait paintings. In spite of its superficial closeness to the salon “facial portraits”, his “Gypsy Woman” defies the captivating “characterlessness” of those girls. The lively, assertive woman on the picture engages the viewer instantly, thanks to the complex lighting contrasts, the sharp, emotional brushwork, and the dynamic technique of double framing.

The painting of Vladimir Makovsky (1846—1920) “In a Forester's Cabin” (1886—1887) was created at about the same period. A sibling of the academic painter Konstantin Makovsky, Vladimir Makovsky, in the vein of the democratic household-themed art, was fond of lucid and placid images of “heart-warming everydayness”, domestic routines and the modest joys of common folk. “In a Forester's Cabin” was the artist's tribute to the subject of the hunt, very popular in Russian culture at the time. The episode when two “noblemen” hunters rest in a forester's humble abode became in Vladimir Makovsky's rendition a sort of mirror held up to the Russian life of that period with all its problems. Profoundly insightful and earnest are the characterisations of the cabin's sulky and overbearing owner, as well as those of his unbidden guests — the aged nobleman who is a seasoned hunter, and the smug fop from the city (the author's ironical treatment of this character is enhanced by a cheap popular print of Anika the Warrior hanging by the fop's side on the wall); and those of the tired gamekeeper accompanying the noblemen in the shooting party[5] and, finally, of the forester's cowed, featureless wife. This composition has much in common with Vladimir Makovsky's painting “Admirers of Nightingales” (1872—1873, Tretyakov Gallery) — one of the artist's first successful works, on the strength of which he was granted the title of academician.

Illarion Pryanishnikov (1840—1894), one of the founders of the “Peredvizhniki” movement, was called the “Ostrovsky of the visual arts” due to his lively domestically-themed pictures. His 1891 painting “Waiting for the Best Man” combines the artist's special qualities. The foreground is dominated by the bulky figure of a woman in a crimson dress — she fits in poorly with this plainly appointed, modest room suffused with sunlight, which has been neatly cleaned for the wedding ceremony. Given these compositional arrangements, the viewer's glance is involuntarily drawn to the deep interior of the room; further back the space continues to expand, given the doorway through which curious neighbours walk in. The artist touched upon the subject of “misalliance” then popular in society, crafting his picture's plot with great tact. Almost all of the picture's narrative takes place “behind the scenes”. Only a number of telltale details remind the viewer about it: a badge of the military order of St. George fixed on the frockcoat worn by the bride's father; a group photograph (a graduating class in a gymnasium?) on the wall; an icon with which the father blesses the bride; a lackey from a wealthy home, standing at the door with an expensive fur-coat on his hands. All are witnesses in a narrative about a family whose head managed to rise from the gutter and who now marries his daughter off to a man from the highest rung of the social ladder.

This picture, greatly appreciated by Vasily Polenov[6], can be rightfully placed among other masterpieces of Russian art of the time: Ilya Repin's “They Did Not Expect Him” (1884, Tretyakov Gallery), Valentin Serov's “Girl with Peaches” (1887, Tretyakov Gallery), and Konstantin Korovin's “At a Tea-table” (1888, Polenovo Museum).

In the evolution of Russian art towards a greater profundity of content and plastic richness, the genre of the landscape, with its variants such as the seascape, played an invaluable role — that of an artistic testing ground where the plasticity of natural forms, as well as chromaticity and light-and-shade were examined. The painting “High Tide” was created by Ivan Aivazovsky (1817—1900) in the 1870s — the period when the famed marine artist experienced a transition from the visually flamboyant and accurate manner characteristic of his work in the 1840s-1860s to the less accurate, but more versatile and rich in visual techniques manner of his later period. In “High Tide” Aivazovsky focused on the thrilling instant when the sea seems to be bringing itself closer to the viewer, rising from its depths. The silhouettes — a sailing boat racing across the waves and a modest gig unhurriedly trundling along the seaside — strengthen the sensation of two contrasting co-terminous elements: on one hand terra firma, on the other the swell of the sea...

In the early 1870s the Russian landscape finally became an autonomous genre in its own right, with the painting by Alexei Savrasov (1830—1897) “The Rooks Have Come” (in the Tretyakov Gallery) from 1871 one of its milestones. But another of Savrasov's works from the Serpukhov Museum, “Moonlit Night. A Swamp” (1870), dates back to an even earlier period in the history of the development of the lyrical landscape in Russia. Savrasov resolutely avoided all the stereotypical imagery of past art traditions: exotic locales were replaced with a nook in the remoter regions of Russia chosen as if at random; the moon is hidden behind the clouds and barely illuminates the depicted scene; instead of supporting characters, a herd of cattle roams in the night; the fire that the shepherds are making does not blaze, its smoke trails instead low over the earth... But the artist's love for this abandoned and poor land is strong and appealing for the viewer. Savrasov's landscape from the Serpukhov Museum is almost a pictorial counterpart to Nikolai Gogol's great lines: “Ah, Russia, Russia! ... In you everything is poor and disordered and unhomely ... In you everything is flat and open. And nothing whatsoever enchants or deludes the eye ... Yet what secret, what invincible force draws me to you? ... What is it you seek of me? What is the hidden bond which exists between us? Why do you regard me as you do, and why does everything within you turn upon me eyes full of yearning?”[7]

Landscape started to play a new, more prominent role in genre paintings as well. An example of this is a painting by Viktor Vasnetsov (1848—1926) “Knight at the Crossroads” — the Serpukhov Museum has an earlier version of the picture dating from 1878. Vasnetsov did not simply discover for visual arts the narratives of Russian legends, he expressed with paints the character of the Russian epos. For “Knight at the Crossroads” the painter drew his inspiration from a legend “Travels of Ilya Muromets”, although he interpreted it in a peculiar way. The picture does not show the choice of one of the three roads — instead it depicts a dramatic situation of a man facing a divide in his life. Accordingly, the picture does not show the inscription on the stone at the crossroads present in the legend: “If you go right, you will find a wife, if you go left, you will become rich.”. The stone has only this to say: “If you go right you will not stay alive, neither a foot walker nor a rider nor a flyer will pass.” So, the knight finds himself at the rim of a foreign, unknown and perilous “wild field” — and he has to get over this divide. The tenebrous colours of the landscape create an atmosphere of anxiety, although the figure of a white horse against this background seems to portend the future victory of the hero.

The picture of Vasily Polenov (1844—1927) “A Courtyard in Moscow” (1878, in the Tretyakov Gallery) was another mark of the renewed birth of the Russian school of landscape art. Polenov the painter was not in the least eager to catch the viewers' attention with a showy spectacle or to make a statement on a socially important issue; his was a special gift of simply and lovingly expressing the world that was dear to him personally. The picture from the Serpukhov Museum, “Old Mill” (1880), belongs to a series of Polenov's “intimate, Turgenev-style” (as Ivan Ostroukhov put it) landscapes, a series begun with “A Courtyard in Moscow.”

Late in life, in 1918, Polenov painted “Ice-breaker on the River Oka.” The image of this area in the vicinity of Polenov's beloved country seat Borok (now Polenovo) had a special meaning for the artist. For many years Polenov only spent the periods between May and October in Borok, but in the autumn of 1917 for the first time he wintered there. When the famine-stricken winter full of troubles was over and the ice on the Oka broke, the artist thought that he had never before seen the river, which he had long held dear, in such a state. That spring — the beginning of a new round of change in nature — coincided with a new, yet unfathomed period in his own, and his homeland's life. Polenov conveyed in the picture the sensation of the time — and this change is one of the major differences between Russian art of the early 20th century and that of the previous period.

At the turn of the centuries the Moscow school was developing Savrasov's and Polenov's tradition of “mood landscape”, mostly placing an emphasis on the colour element. Thus, Konstantin Yuon (1875—1958) from the 1900s onwards was fond of views of old Russian towns. In his paintings the solemn architectural imagery is “enhanced” with the brisk goings-on of surrounding scenes of everyday life. In Yuon's painting “Spring Evening. Rostov the Great” (1906) the luscious brushwork and the use of opaque paints mixed with white convey with equal fullness and pictorial realism the texture of thawing snow, and of the old walls, and the glimmer of a sunset sky; all these contrasting motifs are elements of a single pictorial space.

The landscape artist Stanislav Zhukovsky (1875—1944) was fond of the world of ancient country seats. The colour design of his picture “Golden Autumn” (1901) has a deeply hidden but profound lyrical undercurrent.

The work of Alexander Moravov (1878—1951), a “Peredvizhniki” artist of the later period, has the marks of the more modern pictorial culture: a some-what coarse texture and intense colours are combined with traditional themes and motifs as, for instance, in the piece “Inside the House. At a Piano” (1910).

“Gazebo” (1907), by Mikhail Yakovlev (1880—1942), resembles a theatre set given the intensity of its colours, the classic well-roundedness of the composition, and lack of narrative. The big and spare brushstrokes and juxtaposition of the splashes of contrasting rich colours recall the influence of French Impressionism.

The art of the graduate of the St. Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts Konstantin Gorbatov (1876—c.1945) seems relatively restrained and elegant against the luscious colour schemes of the Moscow painters. Gorbatov's pieces such as “Trees in Winter Silver” (1909) and “Winter Evening. Pskov” (1910), which also show the influence of Impressionism, are marked by their equilibrium between texture and colour.

Konstantin Bogaevsky (1872—1943) is linked to his homeland, Eastern Crimea. The creator of the original concept of “fantasy landscape”, Bogaevsky reminds the viewer that the ancient Greeks called this part of the seaside stretching between present-day Sudak and the Kerch Strait, Cimmeria. Homer talked about “Cimmerians who live enshrouded in mist and darkness” in a country at the edge of the populated world, to the north of which a north-polar land of perennial cold and dark lies. And now three thousand years later Bogaevsky dared to look at the land he had known since childhood through the eyes of a stranger, an ancient seafarer who put his foot on this coastal land for the first time. The picture “Cimmerian Land”, from 1910, is dominated by pale, tenebrous colors; the heavy shapes of mountains and clouds with a light gap of the placid, steely grey smooth surface of a lake...

In the 1910s the pace of Russian life quickened, and various avant-garde art movements appeared — one of the tendencies inherent in this process was the belief that art was a free quest for new forms, geometrical and colour combinations. Not unexpectedly, the avant-garde artists felt an attraction to the world of material objects, and the still-life again became an area of conscious creative endeavour. Robert Falk (1886—1958) in his 1910 “Still-life” treats both objects and background as a single animated structure. The pattern on the tablecloth, the shimmering of the background, the curves of the plant are united by a single common rhythm. The rumpled drapes — purple-grey, pink, blue with a scarlet pattern — echo each other with exquisite reflections. Only the jugs and fruits “seem foreign” to this colour space: they are no longer objects, but rather mysterious shapes, sharply delineated, as if hidden in a shell.

Ilya Mashkov (1881—1944), Falk's fellow from the artistic society “Knave of Diamonds” (1910—1917), showed in his still-life “Begonias” (1911) traits different from Falk's restraint and refinement. “Begonias” is the image of a somewhat crude but powerful centrifugal force radiated by the flowers. Their mighty forms and luscious colours seem excessive; the crimson and orange flower heads pulsate vehemently against the amorphous grey background casting around themselves rosy specks.

Another artist from the “Knave of Diamonds” group, Alexandra Exter (1882—1949) in her 1909 still-life was already neglecting the differences between shapes and their surroundings. Her pictures are an indivisible mosaic of nimble dabs of colour. The surface of the stretched canvas appears everywhere through the freely applied paints, and this highlights the ghostly quality and volatility of the existence of the roses, bottles and fruits pictured there. In Exter's artwork the texture and the rich intense colours seem much more real than the pictorial content of her pieces.

The exhibitions of the “Knave of Diamonds” were only an introduction into the world of the avant-garde, one that set out for an audience brought up on classical European art totally different directions and priorities. In “Noon at the River Dnieper”, a 1910 picture of David Burliuk (1882—1967), the title does not have much in common with the shaky, barely decipherable spatial image. It only evokes the inimitable instance of the equilibrium of times such as midday and the text-book poetic references of the stream of the great river. Burliuk's work came from the collection of the artists Mikhail Larionov and Natalya Goncharova.

The Serpukhov Museum has an especially rich collection of the work of Goncharova (1881—1962), Alexander Pushkin's great-grandniece who left an indelible stamp on Russian avant-garde art of painting and theatre design. Starting out as a sculptor, Goncharova first tried oil painting around 1905. At that period she created “Autumn Landscape”, which shows the influence of Post-Impressionism: it combines the classic well-roundedness of composition and an unassuming but harmonious green and blue colour scheme.In her early artistic life, Goncharova created a whole series of bold, provocative pictures such as “Bedroom” (1905, in the Russian Museum) and “Circus” (1906, in the Tretyakov Gallery). “Woman with a Cigar” (1905—1906) from the Serpukhov Museum is a part of the series. That the sitter in the picture resembles Goncharova only strengthens the shock effect of the image.

Goncharova understood perfectly well that only unrelenting effort, including work on sketches, would make her an artist. In 1906 she accomplished a series of oil still-lifes: “Lilac” (Nizhny Novgorod Art Museum), “Autumn Bunch of Flowers” (Tretyakov Gallery), and “Dahlias” (Serpukhov Museum of History and Art). The style of these pictures has neither apparitional colours in the Impressionist vein nor the heavy material element typical of the “Knave of Diamonds” artists. Goncharova's art has both a visual catchiness and substance. At the centre, there is colour element treated as the natural property of flowers, as the expression of their inner essence. One of Goncharova's “bunches of flowers” shown at a 1908 exhibition was praised by so exacting a judge as Valentin Serov.[8]

1907 saw the artist's growing attraction to primitivism. The trademark simplification of imagery and techniques in search of pristine integrity and simplicity is a characteristic of avant-garde art in general. The peculiar trait of Goncharova's primitivist style is her attitude to content, which is highly earnest, nothing like the penny gaffs of the “knaves of diamonds”. The lumbering but sprightly rhythms of Goncharova's 1907 pictures “Peasant Women with Rakes” and “Shearing Sheep” express not only the style but the essential worldview of peasant art.

Goncharova's “Landscape”, created in 1907-1908, with its free-flowing, fluid Impressionist texture is close to her works like “Trees and Hut” (1907, Russian Museum) and “Landscape with She-goats” (1908, Tretyakov Gallery).

By the early 1910s the composition in Goncharova's pictures acquired a static monumentality; the colours became more sombre and dull in comparison to the sunny pieces of 1905-1907. Even pictures with essentially cheerful subjects, such as “Round Dance” (1910), and the spare visuals of the landscape “Autumn” (1909—1910) are marked by their austerity.

Goncharova's graphic works, both sketches and accomplished pieces in different media, are an important part of her legacy. Her graphic pieces in the Serpukhov Museum are mostly focused on biblical themes. Goncharova, who believed that faith was the foundation of true creativity, felt an affinity to Christian art: the artist ought to “know what he depicts and why he depicts and ... his thoughts ought to be always clear and precise, so that his task would be to create the most perfect, most precise form”.[9] The early 1910s sketches “Creation of Eve” and “Crucifixion with Interceding” are chastely expressive. “Young Girl with a Book” (“Mother of God”) from the same period and “Oriental Tsar”, a study for a 1911 painting that is not preserved have a more energetic style. The images of Saints Boris and Gleb are varied in style. “Saint Boris” is marked by an expressive manner typical of Goncharova's graphic pieces and “Saint Gleb” is a quieter, more lyrical image, and more in line with the tradition of Christian Orthodox icon painting. These drawings could have been sketches for cheap popular prints (in 1913 Goncharova accomplished a “Modern Popular Russian Prints” series focused on the lives of Christian saints) or even for church murals (the artist is known to have worked on murals for a church in the Moldovian town of Kugureshty).[10]

As was usual for Russian artists in the 1910s—1920s, Goncharova illustrated small-run books self-published by their writers. Her picture “Spring” — a sketch for Sergei Bobrov's collection of poems “Gardeners Over Vines” (Moscow, 1913) — is an example of such work.

After 1912 Goncharova moved in the direction of non-figurative art trends such as Rayonism and Futurism, and her painting “Letter” (1913), which was long thought lost, reminds us of that tendency. Recently, when a soiled picture on a canvas from the Serpukhov Museum was cleaned, the restorers discovered this picture, once one of the artist's most successful works. At a first glance, “Letter” looks like a conventional symbol: the white rectangular of an envelope with five round seals. We do not see the whole text, but become immersed in the elementary force of the missive. Our eye catches only fragments of the lines: “Trees in blossom... Moscow.. And we have.”; separate letters and different parts thereof. All these syntactic components are differently sized: they overlap with each other, forming a multi-dimensional spatial environment. By the side of the “trees in blossom”, there are red rings — ripe apples; alongside, there are burgundy scrolls — withered leaves.

An important milestone in Goncharova's artistic biography was her work on the set design for Rimsky-Korsakov's operatic ballet “The Golden Cockerel” produced at the Grand Opera in Paris in May 1914. That production brought the artist European renown as a stage designer, and was a true triumph of Russian art where the set designer rightfully played an active and very important role. Today the sketches for the set of the “Tent of the Shemakhan Tsarina” episode and for the costumes of the Boyar, Indian Dancer and Shemakhan Tsarina (1914) are in the Serpukhov Museum.

The works of Goncharova's alter ego and partner in life Mikhail Larionov (1881—1964) in the collection include several pastel pieces from the 1890s—1900s. Their colour design — softly monochrome as in “Evening. At the Table” or contrasting as in “Behind the Scenes” — shows that the artist put much effort into lighting effects. “A Historical Subject” with its refined colour scheme demonstrates that Larionov was influenced by artists from the “World of Art” society.

Examples of the artistic quest towards abstraction among artists in the 1910s-1920s include “City Landscape” (1918) by Alexei Grishchenko (1883— 1977), a friend and “companion in arts” of Mikhail Larionov, Natalya Goncharova, and Alexander Shevchenko.

The beginning of the 20th century was a period of the revival of Russian sculpture, a great contribution to which was made by Sergei Konenkov (1874—1971).

The Serpukhov Museum has a unique collection of the sculptor's draft pieces dating from 1913 to 1919, which offer a glimpse of his creative process with the focus on one of the most prolific periods of his career. In wood sculpture the artist’s characteristic traits as folkloric and mythological worldview come across especially strongly.

In the summer and autumn of 1913 Konenkov carved “Yeruslan Lazarevich” and “The Tsar's Daughter”: these sculptures form a single thematic group. When Konenkov was a child, Yeruslan the knight was the most popular character of fairy tales and popular prints in the Smolensk region where the sculptor came from. The sculpture “Maple Man”, for which Konenkov used as the sitter a fellow Smolensk resident, the beggar Ilya Zhitkov, dates from 1916. Like most of Konenkov's characters, the Maple Man has his roots in the archaic folklore forest where everything is animated, everything is possible, and everything is reversible. “Goliath”, a 1917 sculpture, according to some sources[11] was conceived by Konenkov in 1914 as an allegory of German imperialism. “Stepan Razin” was carved by Konenkov in 1918, probably in the course of his work on a memorial “Stepan Razin and His Rebels” mounted in Moscow on the Lobnoe Mesto, or place of execution on May 1 1919. But the sculptor had been interested in Razin even earlier, back in 1915[12], and the Serpukhov statue looks nothing like the final version of the monument (1919, in the Russian Museum). In the monument, Razin's figure is rigidly erect and static: the chieftain's harsh features have a combatant's “fatalistic smile” slit across it (the face resembles that of Goliath). The sculpture at the Serpukhov History and Art Museum, on the contrary, is perfectly dynamic: it epitomizes the defiance of unwieldy steadiness of the material. Sten'ka's (Stepan's) figure is positioned unstably, with his downcast face expressing an air of detachment and self-forgetfulness. Like the “Goliath” the headpiece “Medusa” (1919) engages the viewer openly and directly. The subject face is neither dead nor alive: it seems to be in a lethargic sleep. The glance has no direction, so it seems all-pervading. Trimmed with the “cowl” of weird timber excrescences and curly snags, the impeccably polished face with regular features looks cold and sinister.

• Sugrobova-Roth, Olga; Lingenauber, Eckart. Alexei Harlamoff. Catalogie raisonne. <Dusseldorf, 2007>. S. 97.
• Turgenev, Ivan. Complete works and letters in 28 volumes. Letters in 13 volumes. 11th volume. Moscow-Leningrad, 1966. P-53; No. 3600 — letter from Ivan Turgenev to Pavel Annenkov of April 1 (13), 1875: “Kharlamov's pictures of course are selected for the exhibition — and he is finishing his amazing pink girl.” Sugrobova-Roth, O.; Lingenauber, E. Op. cit. S. 188.
• Sugrobova-Roth, O.; Lingenauber, E. Op. cit. S. 218—235.
• Bugaeva, a beauty, served as a sitter for Makovsky more than once — for instance, she was the model for the bride in the painting “Boyar Wedding Feast in the 17th Century” (1883, Hillwood Museum, Washington) — see Bely, Andrei. At the border of two centuries. Moscow, 1989, P. 102.
• The gamekeeper was painted from a caretaker of the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture who was a retired soldier often accompanying artists on hunts. In fact, he often served as a sitter for Vladimir Makovsky (a man standing in “Admirers of Nightingales,” 1872—1873, Tretyakov Gallery) and Illarion Pryanishnikov (the bride's father in “Waiting for the Best Man”, 1891, Serpukhov Museum of History and Art) — see Gorina, Tatyana. Illarion Mikhailovich Pryanishnikov. Moscow, 1958. P 146.
• Vasily Dmitrievich Polenov. Yelena Dmitrievna Polenova. Chronicle of the family of the artists. Compiled by Ye.VSakharova. Moscow, 1964. P 461.
• Gogol, Nikolai. Dead Souls / Gogol, Nikolai. Works in 2 volumes. Moscow; 1959. V 2. P. 473.
• Basner, Yelena. The most colour-rich artist // Natalya Goncharova. The Russian years. St. Petersburg, 2002. P. 11.
• Livshits, Benedict. The One and a Half-Eyed Archer. Leningrad, 1989. P. 362.
• Goncharova, Natalya. The Russian years. St. Petersburg, 2002. P. 186.
• Redkin, A.I. Folkloric and fairy-tale motifs in the art of Sergei Konenkov. <1974 n> — a manuscript kept in the archive of the Serpukhov Museum. P. 9. In the 1920s accession records the sculpture was always entered under the name of “Goliath”, sometimes with a subtitle indicating the sculpture's format: “headpiece” (Central State Archive of the Moscow Region, Fund 966, Accession record 4, Document 1058, Sheets 2, 3; Document 972, Accession record 1, Document 242, Sheets 21, 41 reverse). Later a not altogether correct attribution prevailed: the monument was called “Goliath's Head”.
• Konenkov, Sergei. My Century. Moscow, 1971. P 225-226.
• Goncharova |
• Landscape |
• Society for Traveling Art Exhibitions (Peredvizhniki) |
• Sergei Konenkov |
• Konstantin Makovsky |
• Robert Falk

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