SAT Returns to Ivy League? Dartmouth College Leads the Way

Are you dreaming about an Ivy League university? If yes, you should know that standardized tests are coming back to the admission requirements, and more institutions are requiring test scores, with Dartmouth College leading this way. So, get ready to boost your SAT score and conquer Ivy League Sat requirements.

Why do Ivy League universities return to standardized test scores? Who else besides Dartmouth chooses the same path? How to prepare for the SAT exam and apply to the Ivy League? So many questions! But no worries; we structured all the info in this blog. Join us and find the way to your academic success.

Why Is SAT Coming Back to the Ivy League?

We have some hot news for you! Recently, some Ivy League colleges announced they are returning to standardized testing. Yep, you heard that right: SAT and ACT are required by some top universities again. And Dartmouth College opens this list. But first, let’s remember why the Ivy League canceled these exams for college admissions.

Short Background Story

COVID-19 brought many changes. Optional standardized testing was one of them. At a time, it was hard or even impossible for many students to prepare for and actually write the exam. That’s how we got the optional testing policy, also in the Ivy League schools. 

But the pandemic is long over. Why do we still have this policy in some colleges all over the country? Well, partially because the ACT and SAT exams were criticized by society. And the main reason was the inequality in modern American education.

Recent studies among 2010 graduates indicate that SAT scores directly correlate with a student’s family income. In other words, it’s more common for wealthier students to obtain good SAT scores. Here’s some statistics. Just imagine that one-third of children from the wealthiest families scored 1,300 or higher on the SAT. Meanwhile, less than 5% of middle-class students managed to achieve the same result. In families with even lower incomes, only a few scored that high: one in five did well on the SAT.

Source: The New York Times

By the way, the same results are valid for the ACT. Those numbers were enough to start educational debates about the necessity of standardized testing cancellation. Thus, Ivy League schools, including Harvard, Princeton, Brown, Cornell, Columbia, Dartmouth, Yale, and the University of Pennsylvania, together with 85% top liberal arts schools, stopped requesting to submit test scores along with applications. 

Why Standardized Test Scores Are Still Important?

Another research shows that high school GPA grades are not enough to predict academic excellence. What does that mean? Standardized test scores are more predictive than high school grades. Thus, if a particular school student gets a GPA of 4.0, their academic performance is at the level of 3.6 or even less. Besides, test takers with high SAT scores usually demonstrate greater commitment to learning and academic abilities.  

Source: The New York Times

Consequently, some universities decided to come back to standardized testing, looking for higher educational standards. Such a move should improve the current situation when school grades do not fully represent the actual level of knowledge.     

Which Ivy League Universities Reinstate the SAT Test?

So, does Ivy League require SAT today? Yes, but not all the schools yet. What should you know about the Ivy League schools SAT scores? Read on.   

Dartmouth College Is the First One

Dartmouth is an Ivy League school that leads the Ivy League SAT group. Let’s see why other Ivy League institutions could follow its example. 

As you know, school knowledge alone may not be enough to enter a prestigious university. Thus, students need to attend extra classes, take tests, study with a tutor, read additional materials, and do many other things. Usually, most of these activities require significant costs. Thus, applicants from wealthy families have bigger chances for admission success. 

At the same time, students with lower incomes could also show outstanding academic performance in the future. During the pandemic, when the SAT was optional, many students just ignored it. Some were desperate about their school grades and thought they could not succeed with standardized testing. That’s why they did not even try to take it. 

Source: The New York Times

In Dartmouth, disadvantaged students with SAT scores less than 1,400 points are more likely to be admitted than advantaged ones with the same test scores. Why? This Ivy League university considers the environment in which the applicant was raised and educated. In other words, some talented applicants face more challenges and must put more effort into achieving their goals. So, it would be unfair to leave them no chance. 

So, starting next year, Dartmouth will require standardized test scores again. Still, if you choose this Ivy League school, you should prepare in advance because time passes very quickly. But is Dartmouth alone on its way to keeping ACT and SAT scores? Of course not. Let’s learn about other competitive schools.

What About Other Ivy League Universities?

After almost four years, Yale University announced that it requires standardized test scores from the applicants again. Thus, we have one more case from the Ivy League schools list.   

Meanwhile, Cornell and Harvard Universities also change testing requirements. Stanford University informed that ACT or SAT scores are not required for first-year and transfer students applying in 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.

If you want to apply to Brown University, we have the same news for you. Its admissions committee still follows a test-optional policy and has no specific test score requirements. Brown University informs that it will review any application regardless of test scores.  

The University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University did not make any statements about their decision on this issue yet. Thus, as one might guess, most of the Ivy League admission requirements stay unchanged. However, the institutions could change their mind and join Dartmouth and Yale Universities shortly.  

What Should You Know About Admission to Dartmouth College?

Source: Unsplash

If you are looking for Dartmouth, it’s time to investigate this college’s admission requirements. You should know better about what SAT score you should aim for, if your GPA is enough, and whether any extracurricular activities might help.    

What Does Dartmouth Look For in Students?

Let’s start with the fact that Dartmouth seeks out promising students who love learning. This means that it does not matter how big your family income is. If you can demonstrate good academic abilities, they could give you a chance. 

What’s more? Dartmouth also seeks capable, engaged, high-achieving, and kind students. Yes, soft skills are as important as academic excellence. That’s why don’t forget about them during college application.

Overall, Dartmouth’s holistic selection process is based on the concept that the whole is more than the sum of its parts. That means every student brings something unique to the college community: ideas, points of view, and experiences.

So, as you see, Dartmouth admissions officers are looking not only for promising academic performance but also for your personality and attitude. That’s why this is a good place to grow professionally and find supportive, like-minded people.

How Selective Is Dartmouth?

Dartmouth is super selective. Just imagine that for the class of 2027, it received 28,841 applications. Meanwhile, only 1,797 were accepted, hence the acceptance rate of just 6.2%. By the way, everyone could apply to Dartmouth. For example, in the class of 2027, around 14% are foreign citizens. According to the College Board, 98% are out-of-state. Thus, if you are an international student, you also have a chance to become a part of this Ivy League school.

Dartmouth costs $24,078 per year after scholarships and grants. What about the student’s family income? In the same class of 2027, about 57% are financial aid recipients, and around 27% are from low-income households. The total scholarships offered are approximately $38.5 million. So, there are pretty good opportunities for talented students from low-income families.

What’s more? You are wrong if you think you must study in an expensive private school to enter Dartmouth. Around 55% of admitted students were from public schools, and only 34% went to independent ones.

Well, as you see, Ivy League admissions could be pretty challenging. At the same time, top schools like Dartmouth provide many opportunities for every student. Thus, do not worry about the selection process: demonstrate high test scores, and your chances will increase. 

What GPA Is Enough?

Now, it’s time to talk about the score you will need for Dartmouth. Let’s start with GPA.  Admission officers are looking for a grade of 3.7 or above. For several years, Dartmouth was among test optional colleges. Still, the GPA grade was not the primary indicator for the admission committee. As mentioned above, they always value good knowledge and consider personal attitudes. 

What SAT Scores Do You Need?

So, the next question is, “What are the Dartmouth SAT requirements?” The Dartmouth SAT score range is 1,480-1,560 points. The average SAT score for the Math section is 770, and for the Reading and Writing section, it is 750. Still, keep in mind that these are the Ivy League SAT requirements 2024. Soon, this info will be updated and announced.

Does Dartmouth Require an Interview?

Overall, the interview is optional. It is scheduled after you have submitted your application. Interviews for early-decision candidates are usually scheduled in November, and for regular-decision candidates – from early December through mid-February. But remember that not having an interview will not put you at a disadvantage in the admissions process. 

What Extracurricular Activities Will Help You?

Yes, admission officers are looking for additional activities. Significant pluses are participation and availability of prizes in competitions. They can be of a scientific and sporting nature. The college wants to see active students. In addition, it would be great if you have been involved in volunteer organizations or worked part-time. In short, emphasize anything that demonstrates you are a person in addition to your academic success.

What if you do not have any extracurricular activities? First of all, do not worry much about that. You still have some time. But try to be honest with yourself. Do not act like someone else only to enrich your college application because admissions officers could recognize it. 

7  Helpful Tips to Score Better on SAT

Source: Pexels

Now, you know a lot about Dartmouth and its requirements. Let’s see what you can do to boost your chances and join students with the best percentile scores.

Tip #1. Learn the Admission Process in Advance

The first thing is pretty obvious: you need to know everything about the admissions process. The best thing to do is visit the college by yourself. Why is it a good option? First, you can see it with your own eyes, which is motivating. Just imagine walking the corridors of the place where you are going to study. You can also visit the dormitory. It’s a great chance to feel the Ivy League college atmosphere. 

Get more information about the application process by communicating with the admissions committee. You could check future application dates, ask about documents you will need, and learn any other requirements. Finally, if you visit the place on your own, you will have a great chance to talk with current students and get valuable insights or even advice based on their own experiences.

Tip #2. Find More About the SAT Test Procedure

The next step is finding more information about the SAT. Start with the average SAT score range and compare the Ivy League SAT scores required for admission. 

Find the answers to the following questions:

• How long does the test take?
• Which sections does it have?
• How many questions does each section contain?
• What are you allowed to take to the exam?
• Where can you find the results?
• How to register for this exam?
• When is the next test day?
• How much does it cost to take the SAT?

Well, you might be a bit confused about all this. But, no worries. You can find all the info on the College Board website, including guides on the SAT exam procedure. And remember to check Ivy League SAT requirements before preparation. 

Tip #3. Start Practicing Early 

Remember to practice long before the SAT day. You’ll need time to learn the theory. Besides, you should know how to use it in practice. Why do you need practice at all? Actually, practice is everything, especially when it comes to complicated topics. 

For example, if you study math, practice more with formulas. If you have issues with the reading SAT section, practice evidence-based reading to boost your performance. You can do it through numerous online tools.

Tip #4. Test Yourself

You can handle this task on your own. For instance, you may use special test prep books with a practice section with answers. Another way is checking yourself with online testing sources. Finally, if you are visiting any prep courses, you can practice there.

No matter what option you choose, the main thing is to practice consistently. Also, remember to analyze your mistakes. Thus, you’ll improve your chances for success.

Tip #5. Do Not Skip the PSAT

Do not skip the PSAT exam. This is the preliminary test before the final SAT. You can take it once a year starting from the 8 grade. It has a structure and requirements similar to the SAT exam, which makes it an excellent preparation tool.  

Tip #6. Discover Extra Classes

Here, you can start with Advanced Placement or AP classes. What is that? It’s a unique program created by the College Board that allows high school students to prepare for university-level coursework and exams. Why you should attend this program? The main reason is that it prepares you for higher education, especially if you choose to study in one of the Ivy League institutions. 

Do not worry if you can not participate in AP classes. Alternatively, you can study with a tutor. Today, you can do it from home using one of the online platforms. Do not neglect this opportunity because studying with a professional tutor could help you succeed in the SAT.  

Tip #7. Uncover Educational Channels

Another way to boost your SAT score is by practicing with test books. Today, you may find a lot of them. Usually, they consist of theoretical and practical parts; they could be digital or traditional paper ones. How to choose the best one? Check reviews and descriptions to choose the most suitable option.

What else could help? YouTube educational channels are extremely popular. Find your favorite, subscribe, and follow its releases. Many of them use non-regular and fund scripts to present common topics. Thus, it’s easier to learn and remember boring things.

Conclusion

Well, isn’t that great news about some Ivy League colleges returning to the SAT? We are very enthusiastic about this. The requirement for SAT for Ivy League admissions opens more opportunities for talented students. So, everyone has a chance to enter the university of their dream.