How to use your Common App essay for Ivy League supplementals: Dartmouth

Known for its beautiful natural scenery, flexible curriculum, and access to a wide variety of outdoor activities, Dartmouth is a perfect school for the athletic student or any others who would love to integrate a lot of outdoor experiences with their studies.

Dartmouth may only ask for three prompts, but you should use each to cover a different part about yourself. How do you do that? Plan the essays out strategically with the Common App prep that you’ve done.

Dartmouth supplementals (2022-2023)

TOPIC	PROMPT
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.	1, 4, 6
There are other Ivies, and there are other great public and private schools, so why Dartmouth? 100 words isn't a lot, but even if you want to say something as simple as "the great facilities and location" make sure the response has a slice of your personality in it. Also be clear on why this matters to you.
“Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself in 200-250 words.	1
An essay on this topic should go beyond what appears to be a simple message and take into consideration the personal sacrifice Oscar Wilde made to stay true to his beliefs. If you have already chosen Common App #1 as your college essay, you could use #6 for this, but make sure that the reference to Wilde includes an understanding of the context behind his words.
Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 200-250 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?	2, 3, 4, 5, 6
You've most likely already discussed all of your major community outreach activities in your college essay. There are smaller stories that you left out that could be used. If you don't have a strong community outreach activity, you could still use your personal beliefs and write an excellent essay.
B. What excites you?	5, 6
Never be fooled by how direct this prompt is; you could write a compelling essay in which the creativity is all produced by you. Our Common App video 6 has two big outlines to show you how to plan for a topic like this.
C. In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, William Kamkwamba ’14 reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power 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 made?	5, 6
Students in STEM with experience making or designing things will naturally gravitate to this topic. Being predictable isn't a bad thing as long as the experience is the core of the student's argument for admission. However, see if you can write a more unique essay that demonstrates another aspect of your personality. This will help produce a more memorable essay that stands out from all of the others.
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?	1, 3, 5, 6, 7
Dr. Seuss is best known for his impact on children's reading and making the process of learning to read more accessible and fun. You should keep this in mind if you choose this topic. Remember to convey how you feel about the topic that drives 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?	2, 3
James Baldwin brought attention to many discriminated groups through his writing and served as a mentor for many future writers. Selecting this prompt should show an awareness of this and explain how this is relevant to you.