Competitive GPA for Dartmouth Admissions?

I have my sights set on Dartmouth and want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to be a strong candidate. What GPA should I be aiming for to increase my chances of getting in?

To be competitive for Dartmouth, you should aim for a GPA that's consistent with the academic profiles of their admitted students. While Dartmouth doesn't officially release data about the GPAs of its accepted students, at such a selective school, you can safely assume most of them have a GPA that's very close to 4.0 unweighted, or well above 4.0 on a weighted scale.

Keep in mind, though, that Dartmouth, like other top colleges, uses a holistic admissions process, which means that they consider more than just your GPA when evaluating your application. Other factors such as standardized test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation all play key roles - at a school as selective as Dartmouth, no single credential will guarantee acceptance on its own.

Additionally, make sure you take a rigorous course load, including AP, IB, or Honors classes if available at your school. Colleges like Dartmouth value students who challenge themselves academically, and excelling in such courses also demonstrates that you're ready for the rigorous coursework you'll encounter at Dartmouth. Sometimes, a slightly lower GPA earned in challenging courses can impress more than a higher one earned in standard level coursework.

Overall, while it's critical to aim for a strong GPA, don't neglect the other aspects of your application. Focus on developing your extracurricular involvement, showcasing leadership, and crafting strong essays that reflect your unique experiences and perspectives. A strong GPA will help you get your foot in the door, but it's these other factors that will set you apart from even other talented applicants.

If you're looking for ways to strengthen the more intangible aspects of your application to Dartmouth, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-dartmouth-college-essays/. The essays are a fantastic opportunity to showcase your broader fit with Dartmouth and its institutional values, beyond just the numbers.

Good luck with your application to Dartmouth!