A Historic Change to Our Admissions Policy

To the Dartmouth community,

It is my profound pleasure to announce today that Dartmouth is expanding its undergraduate need-blind admissions policy to include international students. This means that when Dartmouth's Office of Admissions considers applicants from outside the United States, financial need will no longer be a factor in the decision-making process.

This historic change in our admissions policy makes Dartmouth one of only six U.S. colleges and universities to offer need-blind admissions to all undergraduate applicants and guarantee to meet 100% of all admitted students' demonstrated financial need.

We're able to make this change because hundreds of alumni, parents, and friends fervently believe, as I do, that U.S. and international applicants should be evaluated by the same standard and have committed $90 million in scholarship funds to the cause. This includes an exceptional and inspiring $40 million from an anonymous donor that we are announcing today—the largest single scholarship gift in Dartmouth history.

As I and every faculty and staff colleague can attest, our entire community benefits from a diverse student body. International students share perspectives and life experiences that deeply enrich classroom discussions and elevate teaching and learning across our campus.

For the individual students who come to Hanover from every corner of the globe, the power of financial aid can be life-changing. These are ambitious young adults ready to take on the world. They have the talent. They have the drive. And it is an honor for Dartmouth to be in a position to provide them with the means to realize their full potential.

I encourage you to take a few moments to read the full announcement and to watch today's Community Conversations, where I talk more about this historic change in our admissions policy and discuss its significance with some of the Dartmouth community members who helped make it happen. 

It's a thrill to see Dartmouth strengthening its core values and traditions through the Call to Lead campaign, while bolstering its ability to prepare graduates to lead with empathy, respect, confidence and competence on the world stage. Thank you for playing a role in making that possible.

Sincerely,

Philip J. Hanlon '77
President