Dartmouth Diversity

Hey y'all! So, I'm considering applying to Dartmouth, and I'm curious about the level of diversity on campus. Can any current or former students speak about their experiences with diversity and inclusion at Dartmouth? Thanks!

Hey! Great question about Dartmouth's diversity. Dartmouth ranks above average in terms of racial, geographic, and socioeconomic diversity among its peers. While the exact numbers can vary from year to year, typically around 50% of students identify as students of color, while 10-15% of students are international. In terms of socioeconomic diversity, approximately 15-20% of the student body is usually comprised of Pell Grant recipients - this data can serve as a proxy for how many students come from low-income backgrounds.

Additionally, the college has several initiatives and resources dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion on campus. The Office of Pluralism and Leadership (OPAL) is a notable resource, which provides support, advocacy, and programming to address various aspects of student experiences related to identity, culture, and social justice. There are also multiple affinity groups and cultural centers that cater to various racial and ethnic backgrounds, such as the Dartmouth Asian Pacific Islander Caucus (DAPIC), the Native American Program (NAP), and the Afro-American Society (AAS). These groups offer support, community, and engagement in issues related to their respective cultural affiliations.

It is important to note that some students have voiced concerns regarding social inclusivity, primarily in reference to Greek life on campus, which is a significant aspect of Dartmouth's social scene. However, the college has been working to promote a more inclusive social environment and address issues related to Greek life, for example by requiring frats to allow anyone with a Dartmouth ID into their parties. There are also numerous student-run organizations dedicated to diversity, like the Dartmouth Coalition for Immigration Reform, Equality and DREAMers (CoFIRED), and gender-inclusive Greek houses (Alpha Theta, Phi Tau, and the Tabard) that aim to break down the traditional prejudices associated with Greek life.

Overall, Dartmouth has been continuously working to enhance diversity and inclusion, and many students have found support and community through college resources and programs. Do keep in mind that when evaluating the diversity at any college, it's essential to read not only about statistics and initiatives but also student experiences shared through blogs, forums, and college visits to get a comprehensive understanding of the campus environment.

If you think Dartmouth could provide the right environment for you to spend your college years and are looking for tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down each of their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-dartmouth-college-essays. After all, Dartmouth is a highly selective school, and at such institutions, the essays are often just the thing that distinguish one talented, qualified applicant from another.

Good luck with your college search!