How To Write Dartmouth Supplemental Essays

How to Write Knockout Dartmouth Supplemental Essays

Applying to Dartmouth? The supplemental essays are your chance to shine beyond your transcript and test scores. They're your opportunity to show the admissions committee who you really are and why you're a perfect fit for the Dartmouth community. This guide will help you craft compelling essays that showcase your unique personality and potential.

Understanding Dartmouth's Supplemental Essay Prompts

Dartmouth's essay prompts vary from year to year, but they generally aim to understand your:

• Intellectual curiosity: What excites you intellectually? What questions keep you up at night?
• Personal qualities: What are your strengths, weaknesses, and values? How have you overcome challenges?
• Fit with Dartmouth: Why Dartmouth? What specific programs, professors, or resources appeal to you? Why are you a good fit for their community?

Pro-Tip: Carefully read each prompt. Don't just skim – understand the specific nuances and expectations of each question. Address the prompt directly and thoroughly. Avoid generic answers that could apply to any college.

Crafting Compelling Essays: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a breakdown of how to approach each stage of the essay writing process:

1. Brainstorming and Idea Generation

• Reflect on your experiences: Think back on significant moments in your life – academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal challenges, and impactful relationships.
• Identify key themes: What are the recurring themes and patterns in your experiences? What do they reveal about your personality, values, and aspirations?
• Connect to Dartmouth: How do your experiences and aspirations align with Dartmouth's values and offerings? Research specific programs, professors, or research opportunities that resonate with you. This shows genuine interest.

2. Developing Your Narrative

• Choose a compelling story: Select one or two experiences that best illustrate your strengths and fit with Dartmouth. Avoid trying to cram everything into one essay. Less is often more.
• Show, don't tell: Use vivid language and specific details to bring your story to life. Avoid clichés and generalizations. Focus on concrete examples and anecdotes.
• Develop a strong thesis: What's the central message or takeaway from your essay? What do you want the admissions committee to remember about you?

3. Writing and Revising

• Write a strong introduction: Grab the reader's attention immediately. Clearly state your thesis and set the tone for the essay.
• Develop well-structured paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on a single idea and build towards a logical conclusion. Use transitions to connect your ideas smoothly.
• Write a compelling conclusion: Summarize your main points and leave a lasting impression. Reiterate your fit with Dartmouth and your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
• Revise and edit meticulously: Proofread your essay carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ask a trusted teacher, counselor, or friend to review your work for clarity and feedback.

Examples of Strong Essay Approaches (Adapt to the Specific Prompt!)

• The "intellectual curiosity" essay: Describe a specific intellectual pursuit – a research project, a debate, a complex problem you tackled – and explain what you learned and how it shaped your perspectives.
• The "overcoming challenges" essay: Discuss a significant challenge you overcame and how it impacted your growth and resilience. Highlight your perseverance and learning process.
• The "Dartmouth fit" essay: Explain why Dartmouth's specific programs, faculty, or community resonate with you. Be specific! Mention professors, courses, or research opportunities that excite you.

Remember, authenticity is key. Let your personality shine through. Don't try to be someone you're not. The admissions committee wants to get to know the real you. By following these steps and investing the necessary time and effort, you can write Dartmouth supplemental essays that will make you stand out from the crowd.