Dartmouth is the crunchy Ivy, they even have their own forest! And if you’re here, you’ve been waitlisted from Dartmouth and their forest, too. We know that you might be feeling super bummed about this, so we want you to take a few days to feel how you feel and come back ready to go. Because we have some action items for you.
Last cycle, Dartmouth offered 2,352 students a place on the waitlist, and 1,606 accepted their spot. No students were accepted off the waitlist last year – which seems scary, we know. In past years, they’ve accepted dozens of students, and some years, like last year, none. That’s just the deal with Ivy League waitlists. But that doesn’t mean you have no chance of getting off the waitlist! We’ve helped many students navigate the process and secure a spot at Dartmouth. There are just a few key steps you need to take first.
Step One: Accept Your Spot
If you’ve been offered a spot on the Dartmouth waitlist, you must formally accept it to have any chance of being considered. Keep in mind that being waitlisted means Dartmouth really does see potential in you. They would have rejected your application outright if they didn’t think you were a strong candidate! Dartmouth will have you accept your spot through their application portal.
Step Two: Secure Other Plans
Once you’ve accepted your spot on Dartmouth’s waitlist, your next step is to secure a place at another school where you’ve been admitted and would be happy to attend. Make sure to pay the deposit to lock in your spot. If Dartmouth pulls you off the waitlist, you’ll lose that deposit—but hey, that’s part of the deal. We suggest this approach because it’s practical: while we want you to get off the waitlist, and will do anything we can to help, we also want to make sure you’re headed to college no matter what. Dartmouth agrees with us on this approach, btw.
Step Three: Update Dartmouth
Dartmouth states on their website that they want you to upload a brief letter of interest if you’re still interested in attending. If you’ve written a deferral letter before, this process will feel similar, but remember the stakes have changed, and your goal has shifted. This is your last opportunity to connect with admissions, so nailing the tone is critical. Aim to be professional and self-assured with your letter, steering clear of anything that might feel too desperate, overly emotional, or pleading.
Opening
Since this is a formal business letter, start with a proper greeting like “Dear Office of Admission” or “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name].” The general greeting is your best bet for portal uploads. However, if you’ve already been in contact with an admissions officer (emphasis on already, do not email someone you’ve never spoken to), it’s a good idea to email them directly in addition to uploading it. Cover all your bases!
Reinforce Interest
Now it’s time to make it crystal clear to Dartmouth that if you’re admitted, you’re 100% committed to attending. This isn’t just about saying you like Dartmouth (because, let’s be honest, everyone on the waitlist does) – it’s about explaining why Dartmouth is the perfect fit for you. Keep this section concise (just a few sentences) but use the space wisely. You should be prepared for this, because of Dartmouth’s insane 100 word Why essay!
Tie your commitment to a specific reason, like a program, professor, or unique aspect of the Dartmouth experience, to make your case compelling and concrete. Vibes alone won’t cut it here, you need to have evidence.
Update
Next, you’ll give Dartmouth a brief update on what you’ve been up to since submitting your application. If you’ve been slacking off or not doing anything since the fall, your chances of getting off the waitlist might take a hit. Schools like Dartmouth are looking for students who show ambition and drive.
Keep this update short and focused. Stick to 1-3 standout accomplishments, like earning an award, taking on a leadership role, starting a new job or internship, or completing a significant project. Pick the highlights that truly add value to your application and demonstrate your continued growth. Don’t just list meaningless stuff, which includes, but is not limited to, things like “getting an A on a test” or “winning a (sport) championship.”
Closing
Wrap up your letter with a clear and concise conclusion. Reiterate your excitement about Dartmouth and connect it to a specific academic reason – like a standout program, an inspiring professor, a unique research opportunity, or a class that aligns perfectly with your goals. Finish with a professional sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.”
And just like that, your letter is ready! Before you submit it, take the time to carefully edit and have a trusted adult review it to ensure it’s flawless.
Still debating whether to write a LOCI? Here’s the bottom line: we’ve never seen anyone get off the waitlist without one. We’d even say that Dartmouth insinuates this themselves on their website. If the process feels overwhelming or you want expert guidance to make your letter perfect, don’t hesitate to ask us for help. We help students get off the waitlist at top-tier schools every year.
Step Four: Wait
You have about a month from when you accept your spot to when you should send this in. Not a ton of time, but definitely enough to do it well. Make sure your counselor sends in your updated grades, too.
Remember that Dartmouth has, historically, accepted anywhere from a few dozen to zero students off the waitlist. There is no guarantee that you’ll be accepted, but you won’t know if you don’t try.
With that said, patience is key. Avoid contacting the admissions office to check in. It won’t help and could even hurt your chances. You’ll hear back on your final admissions decision sometime in May or June, but according to Dartmouth it could be even later into the summer.
You got this! Best of luck!
If you’re on a waitlist and feeling anxious, we can help! Please reach out to us today if you need help with your waitlist letter.