* Rigor of secondary school curriculum: The difficulty of your courses is heavily weighted.
* Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT): While test-optional, strong scores can still significantly help an application.
* Essays and writing samples: These demonstrate your writing ability and personality.
* Letters of recommendation: These provide external perspectives on your character and abilities.
* Extracurricular activities: Demonstrating leadership, commitment, and passion outside of academics is crucial.
* Talent and skills: Exceptional abilities in areas like arts, athletics, or specific fields can enhance an application.
While there's no magic number for GPA, students admitted to Dartmouth generally have exceptionally high GPAs, typically above a 3.8 or even higher, particularly in highly competitive applicant pools. However, a high GPA alone is not sufficient for admission.