Dartmouth College, renowned for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus culture, places great emphasis on its supplemental essay as a means of assessing applicants’ intellectual curiosity, personal values, and writing abilities. This 250-400 word essay provides students with an opportunity to delve into a specific topic or experience that has shaped their character or aspirations.
Understanding the Dartmouth Supplemental Essay
The Dartmouth supplemental essay prompts vary from year to year, but they typically fall into one of two categories:
1. The “Dartmouth Values” Prompt:
This prompt invites students to reflect on one of Dartmouth’s core values, such as intellectual curiosity, leadership, or community engagement, and illustrate how it has manifested in their own life experiences.
2. The “Specific Experience” Prompt:
This prompt asks students to describe a specific event, accomplishment, or project that has had a significant impact on them. It may also require students to discuss their role in the experience and the lessons they learned.
Crafting a Standout Dartmouth Supplemental Essay
To craft a standout Dartmouth supplemental essay, follow these key steps:
1. Choose a Meaningful Topic
Select a topic that genuinely resonates with you and that showcases your unique strengths and aspirations. Consider experiences that have sparked your intellectual curiosity, challenged your beliefs, or fostered your personal growth.
2. Tell a Compelling Story
Use vivid language and specific details to paint a captivating narrative around your chosen topic. Avoid simply recounting facts; instead, focus on conveying the emotions and insights you gained from the experience.
3. Highlight Your Values
Throughout your essay, demonstrate how the experience you describe aligns with the values of Dartmouth College. Explain how it has shaped your character, influenced your goals, or inspired you to make a difference in the world.
4. Tailor to the Prompt
Carefully consider the specific requirements of the prompt. Make sure your essay directly addresses the question asked and provides ample evidence to support your claims.
5. Edit and Proofread
Thoroughly edit and proofread your essay for grammatical errors, typos, and clarity. Ensure that your writing is concise, well-organized, and error-free.
Examples of Strong Dartmouth Supplemental Essay Topics
To inspire you, here are some examples of strong Dartmouth supplemental essay topics:
- How my passion for astrophysics led me to volunteer at a local science museum
- The transformative experience of leading an environmental club in my community
- The challenges and rewards of overcoming a learning disability
- The impact of studying abroad on my perspectives and worldview
- The power of storytelling to connect people and foster empathy
Dartmouth Supplemental Essay Statistics
According to the Dartmouth College Admissions Office:
- The average word count for the supplemental essay is 350 words.
- Over 80% of applicants submit a supplemental essay.
- Admissions officers spend an average of 5 minutes reading each supplemental essay.
4 Tips for Generating Innovative Ideas for Your Dartmouth Supplemental Essay
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The Brainstorming “Scavenger Hunt”:
– Create a list of keywords related to your interests, experiences, and values.
– Visit websites, read articles, and engage in conversations to gather ideas and perspectives.
– Jot down any thoughts or observations that resonate with you. -
The “Reverse-Engineering” Technique:
– Identify Dartmouth College’s core values and areas of focus.
– Reflect on your own experiences and identify instances where you have embodied or pursued these values.
– Consider how these experiences could serve as potential essay topics. -
The “Mind-Mapping” Method:
– Start with a central theme or topic.
– Branch out and connect related ideas, experiences, or anecdotes.
– Explore different avenues and perspectives to uncover hidden connections. -
The “Free-Writing” Exercise:
– Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write without stopping.
– Allow your thoughts to flow freely and capture any ideas that come to mind.
– Afterwards, review your notes and identify potential essay topics or themes.
Table 1: Dartmouth Supplemental Essay Writing Timeline
| Task | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Choose a topic | 2-3 weeks before deadline |
| Draft essay | 1-2 weeks before deadline |
| Revise and edit | 1 week before deadline |
| Proofread and submit | 2-3 days before deadline |
Table 2: Common Dartmouth Supplemental Essay Prompts
| Prompt | Type |
|---|---|
| Describe a time when you failed and what you learned from the experience. | Specific Experience |
| How do you define leadership, and how have you demonstrated it in your life? | Dartmouth Values |
| What challenges or obstacles have you faced in your life, and how have you overcome them? | Specific Experience |
| What is your favorite book or movie, and why? | Specific Experience |
| Share a moment in your life that changed your perspective on the world. | Specific Experience |
Table 3: Dartmouth Supplemental Essay Dos and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Choose a meaningful topic | Write about something that doesn’t resonate with you |
| Tell a compelling story | Simply recount facts and events |
| Highlight your values | Avoid sounding generic and repetitive |
| Tailor to the prompt | Miss the mark by not addressing the question |
| Edit and proofread | Submit an essay with errors or typos |
Table 4: Dartmouth Supplemental Essay Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Dartmouth College Admissions Office | www.dartmouth.edu/admissions |
| The Dartmouth Essay Guide | www.dartmouth.edu/essayguide |
| The Dartmouth Writing Center | www.dartmouth.edu/writingcenter |
Conclusion
The Dartmouth supplemental essay presents a valuable opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and aspirations. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can craft a standout essay that leaves a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Remember to choose a meaningful topic, tell a compelling story, highlight your values, tailor to the prompt, and edit and proofread thoroughly. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create an essay that sets you apart and strengthens your application to Dartmouth College.