Congratulations on earning your Dartmouth interview. Let's make sure you're ready for it.

Dartmouth undergraduate admission · 2026-27 first-year applicants

Your Dartmouth interview

If Dartmouth offers you an interview, you'll have a conversation with a Dartmouth graduate, either in person or by phone or video call. Applicants describe it as a low-pressure, friendly talk, often called a "vibe check".

Sources (5)

Dartmouth: Alumni Interview · Dartmouth: How do I get an interview? · Reddit: What are interviews like / How do they affect the admissions process? (2026) · Reddit: tips for the interview? (2026) · Reddit: dartmouth alumni intv (2026)

About 18,000interview reports are submitted each year by Dartmouth's 5,500 active alumni ambassadors, according to program director Meg Lysy '99 in Dartmouth Alumni Magazine (2024). Dartmouth Alumni Magazine

Congratulations again: Dartmouth's alumni volunteers write roughly 18,000 interview reports a year, so an invitation is a normal part of the process rather than a sign you've been singled out. Dartmouth's own Common Data Set 2025-2026 rates the interview as 'Considered', which means it counts but is not one of the factors Dartmouth marks as most important. These pages don't say who isn't offered an interview or how that is treated, so check Dartmouth's own interview page if you're unsure.

Sources (2)

Dartmouth Alumni Magazine: Meg Lysy '99 (2024) · Dartmouth: Common Data Set 2025-2026 (2025)

WhoA Dartmouth graduate volunteering as an alumni admissions ambassador; Dartmouth also mentions current students reaching out Dartmouth · Dartmouth

How longDartmouth gives no length; applicants report anywhere from 30 minutes to nearly 2 hours (2024) Reddit · Dartmouth Alumni Association of Fairfield County

WhereIn person or virtually by phone or video. No on-campus interviews Dartmouth · Dartmouth

WhenEarly Decision: around November. Regular Decision: early December to mid-February Dartmouth

4 more: does it count, not offered one, odds, rules

Does it countYes. It is informative and evaluative, and the report is reviewed with your other materials Dartmouth

Not offered oneNo disadvantage. Dartmouth can't interview everyone because of alumni availability and geography Dartmouth · Dartmouth

Odds28,230 applied for the Class of 2029; 1,699 were admitted (6.0%) Dartmouth

RulesNeither you nor the interviewer may record the conversation Dartmouth

How you get an interview

You don't ask for one. Once you submit your application, Dartmouth sends your contact details to volunteer alumni admissions ambassadors. One of them emails you, at the address on your application, to set up a time.

Watch your inbox and junk folder. Dartmouth warns that ambassador emails sometimes land in junk.
It depends on who lives near you. Dartmouth says it can't offer everyone an interview because of alumni availability and geography. Applicants report interviewers are almost always from the same area (2025), and that invitations reflect alumni capacity, not a pre-screen of your file (2023).
Timing can vary. Applicants report interviews don't start until after Early Decision deadlines (2025). One applicant with no local alumni had a phone interview in late February (2019).
Not interested? If you want to decline, reply to the alum as soon as possible so they can offer the slot to someone else.
Questions? Dartmouth's admissions office takes interview questions at aap@dartmouth.edu or (603) 646-6068.

Sources: Dartmouth: Alumni Interview · Dartmouth: How do I get an interview? · Reddit: Dartmouth Interview GONE WRONG?! (2019) · Reddit: Alumni Interviews for ED candidates (2023) · Reddit: Interviews (2025)

What they're looking for

Dartmouth says the interview lets you add your own voice to your file. Its page says interviewers will likely ask about your courses, favorite subjects and projects you're proud of, plus your future plans, intended major, career ideas and activities.

Applicants and alumni interviewers report a few recurring themes:

A real "Why Dartmouth?" This is the question applicants report most. Interviewers want specifics tied to you, not generic lines about snow or an "outdoorsy vibe" (2020, 2026).
Where your interests come from. One alum interviewer contrasted "I want to be pre-law" with explaining what fascinates you (2020).
Kind, caring people. Alumni interviewers say Dartmouth values these traits (2020).
Drive and independence. One interviewer says they picture whether you'd take advantage of Dartmouth or "just show up" (2024).
Depth over titles. Alumni interviewer Malcolm Leverett says he looks for introspection, honesty about weaknesses, and what you learned, more than grades or titles like "state champion".

Sources: Dartmouth: Alumni Interview · Reddit: Dartmouth Alum/Interviewer - AMA! (2020) · Reddit: [AMA] Dartmouth alum and semi-active alumni interviewer here. Ask me anything. (2024) · Reddit: tips for the interview? (2026) · Reddit: Dartmouth Alum/Interviewer - AMA (Round 2) (2020) · YouTube: Malcolm Leverett, a Dartmouth alumni interviewer, on his favorite questions and what he looks for

The day itself

Applicants mostly describe a chill, open-ended conversation that follows their lead. Each alum has their own style and level of formality, and a few applicants report interviewers who felt stiff or intimidating.

Where. In person or by phone or video. One regional alumni club's guide says in-person meetings happen in a public place such as a coffee shop, library or bookstore, never in a home.
How long. Applicants report 30 minutes to nearly 2 hours (2024). That same club guide plans for 30-45 minutes, including time for your questions.
Common questions. Tell me about yourself; your favorite class; something you're proud of; something you struggled with; how people who know you would describe you; why Dartmouth (2020, 2021).
What to wear. Applicants suggest comfortable but neat clothes, a bit more formal if your interviewer is older (2026).
No recording. Dartmouth strictly bans recording by either side.

Sources: Dartmouth: Alumni Interview · Reddit: tips for the interview? (2026) · College Confidential Forums: Dartmouth Alumni Interview tips (2020) · Reddit: Thoughts on interviews? (2024) · Reddit: I Think My Dartmouth Interviewer Low-Key Hated Me (2020) · Reddit: My Dartmouth interview went super well! (2023) · Reddit: Dartmouth Interview Tips (2021) · Reddit: dartmouth alumni intv (2026) · Dartmouth Alumni Association of Fairfield County: Dartmouth Alumni Association of Fairfield County - Alumni Interviews

How much it matters

Dartmouth says the interview is evaluative and the report is read with the rest of your application. It publishes no weight.

Applicants report the weight is fairly small next to grades, scores, recommendations and essays, mostly a check that confirms the written file (2024, 2026). Alumni interviewers describe filling out a report on your academic interests, personal qualities and fit, ending in an overall rating on a scale (2020).

A great report isn't a guarantee. One regular interviewer said they gave their top rating twice in 100 interviews, and neither student was admitted (2025).
A shaky one usually isn't fatal. Applicants report a poor interview is rarely the main reason for a rejection (2020), though a disastrous one can hurt (2024).

Sources: Dartmouth: Alumni Interview · Reddit: Dartmouth Alum/Interviewer - AMA! (2020) · Reddit: What are interviews like / How do they affect the admissions process? (2026) · College Confidential: Dartmouth RD interview request (2024) · Reddit: Thoughts on interviews? (2024) · Reddit: I Think My Dartmouth Interviewer Low-Key Hated Me (2020) · Reddit: Dartmouth Interviewer Ranked Me as Top Interviewee in 20 Years (2025)

How to prepare

Nail "Why Dartmouth". Connect specific programs, centers or professors to your own interests. One applicant spent hours researching their interviewer and could only say "community" when asked (2021).
Have two or three stories ready. Times you learned something, worked in a group, chased an interest or bounced back. Some applicants use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Practise key points, not a script. Leave room for follow-up questions.
Keep answers short. One applicant talked for 5+ minutes per question and felt the interviewer lose interest (2023).
Be honest about growth. Malcolm Leverett says admitting areas you're working on shows maturity.
Bring questions. Dartmouth encourages it. Applicants suggest asking what surprised them about Dartmouth, or what they'd change if they were its president.
Listen to the dean. Dartmouth's Admissions Beat podcast, hosted by its dean of admission, includes a mock interview with a Los Angeles senior and interview tips from Erica Rosales of College Match.

Sources: Dartmouth: Alumni Interview · Reddit: What are interviews like / How do they affect the admissions process? (2026) · Reddit: [AMA] Dartmouth alum and semi-active alumni interviewer here. Ask me anything. (2024) · Reddit: tips for the interview? (2026) · Reddit: Dartmouth Interview and I think I am screwed (2023) · Reddit: My Dartmouth interview went horribly (2021) · Reddit: Dartmouth Interview Tips (2021) · YouTube: Malcolm Leverett, a Dartmouth alumni interviewer, on his favorite questions and what he looks for

After the interview

The interviewer writes a report that is added to your file. Regional deadlines for reports are typically mid-November for Early Decision and mid-February for Regular Decision, according to one alumni club.

Send a short thank-you. A brief email the next day is a chance to mention anything you forgot (2016, 2019).
Don't panic about silence. Several applicants report their interviewer never replied (2020, 2023, 2026); one says interviewers avoid starting long email chains.
Praise isn't a promise. Alumni interviewers are not admissions officers (2026).
Report anything inappropriate. Applicants advise flagging rude or improper interviewers to admissions (2024).

Sources: Dartmouth: Alumni Interview · College Confidential Forums: Dartmouth Alumni Interview (2016) · Reddit: My Dartmouth interviewer said that I was the best applicant he's ever seen. (2026) · Reddit: Thoughts on interviews? (2024) · Reddit: Dartmouth Interview and I think I am screwed (2023) · Reddit: I Think My Dartmouth Interviewer Low-Key Hated Me (2020) · Reddit: dartmouth interview was Bad. (2024) · Reddit: Dartmouth Interview GONE WRONG?! (2019) · Dartmouth Alumni Association of Fairfield County: Dartmouth Alumni Association of Fairfield County - Alumni Interviews

What they shouldn't ask

One regional alumni club's guide tells its interviewers not to ask about your GPA, SAT, class rank or other numbers, whether Dartmouth is your first choice, or where else you're applying. They also shouldn't guess your chances or get overly personal.

One applicant was asked about other schools and why they didn't apply Early Decision, and heard political opinions they didn't ask for (2024). Applicants advise reporting experiences like that to admissions.

Sources: Reddit: dartmouth interview was Bad. (2024) · Dartmouth Alumni Association of Fairfield County: Dartmouth Alumni Association of Fairfield County - Alumni Interviews

Your interviewer

Stuart Hallworth Fictional interviewer

Get a briefing on your own interviewer

Know who's interviewing you? Their LinkedIn profile is the best source.

Use a computer if you can. Open their LinkedIn profile in a web browser, click More (or ⋯) under their name, then Save to PDF.
On a phone: the LinkedIn app can't save a profile. Open linkedin.com in your phone's browser instead, switch to the desktop site, and use More → Save to PDF.
Upload the PDF here, or paste what you know about them (a bio, a profile page).

See the sample briefing

Principal Coastal Engineer in Duluth, MN; Dartmouth '99 (engineering), Thayer B.E. 2000; has interviewed Dartmouth applicants across northern Minnesota and NW Wisconsin since 2010.

Stuart designs breakwaters (offshore walls that calm waves), docks and shoreline protection for Great Lakes harbors. He has done that work for about 25 years and is a licensed Professional Engineer. He is a very experienced interviewer: about 16 years and roughly 15 interviews a year, so likely well over 200 conversations. He has heard every generic answer. He writes that he enjoys these talks 'more than almost anything else I do', so expect someone friendly who wants a real conversation. At Dartmouth he was in the Outing Club and led First-Year Trips. His profile stresses being outside and liking 'when a hard problem turns out to have a simple answer.' He may value clear thinking and plain talk over polish.

Their path

Dartmouth College, A.B. Engineering Sciences, 1999 (Dartmouth Outing Club; First-Year Trip leader)
Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth, B.E., 2000
Great Lakes Shoreline Partners, Milwaukee: Project Engineer, 2001-2008 (erosion control, bluff stabilization on Lake Michigan)
Arrowhead Harbor Engineering, Duluth: Senior Project Engineer, 2008-2014
Dartmouth Alumni Admissions Ambassador, Northern MN & NW WI, 2010-present (~15 interviews/year)
Volunteer Nordic ski coach, Duluth middle-school program, 2012-2019
Arrowhead Harbor Engineering: Principal Coastal Engineer, 2014-present (leads 9 engineers)
Board member, Park Point Community Sailing (youth sailing), 2016-present

What it means for your conversation

He graduated 27 years ago, so he knows Dartmouth well but may not know recent changes. You can mention things you've researched, like the new AI concentration at Thayer or the house system. Frame them as what excites you, not as facts to test him on.
He has done this for about 16 years. Generic 'Why Dartmouth' lines about snow, nature or community will likely not land. Be specific and personal.
He coached middle schoolers and sits on a youth sailing board. He is likely comfortable talking with young people and patient with nerves.
He led First-Year Trips, Dartmouth's outdoor orientation trips for new students. The outdoors is part of his Dartmouth story. Don't say you love hiking unless it's true; he would probably notice.
His work involves port authorities, tribes and small towns. That suggests he values listening, teamwork and practical problem-solving. Stories where you worked with different people to fix a real problem fit well.
He is an engineer, but he interviews everyone, not just future engineers. You don't need a STEM interest. Just explain clearly what fascinates you about your own interests.

Questions they may lean toward

Why Dartmouth, specifically for you It's the most common question, and a veteran interviewer will push past vague answers.
A problem you worked through, and what you learned He says he loves when hard problems turn out to have simple answers. He likely enjoys hearing how you think step by step.
What you do outside class and why it matters to you He has spent years in community volunteering and coaching. He may want to know whether you'd dive into Dartmouth life or 'just show up.'
Where your intended major or interests came from Engineers tend to ask 'how did that start?' Have the origin story, not just a label.
Life in a small, rural, winter place He lives in Duluth and probably interviews many local students. He may ask, casually, whether Hanover's setting suits you. Answer honestly.

Honest common ground

If you live in northern Minnesota or NW Wisconsin, you share a region. Lake Superior, winters and local towns are natural, real small talk.
If you actually Nordic ski, sail or have done the Birkie, mention it briefly. Only do this if it's true.
If you're interested in engineering, environment, climate or infrastructure, you can ask about his path from Thayer. Don't pretend an interest you don't have.
If you've considered or are excited about First-Year Trips, ask him what leading one was like. He did it, so it's a genuine question.

Questions to ask them

You led First-Year Trips. What do you think new students get out of them? It ties to his real Dartmouth experience and tells you something useful about arriving at Dartmouth.
What surprised you most about Dartmouth once you got there? It's open-ended, easy to answer, and often gets a good story.
After interviewing students for so many years, what do you notice the happiest Dartmouth students have in common? It uses his long experience without reciting his resume. It also gives you insight into fit.
How did Dartmouth shape the way you approach problems at work? It's a good link between his career and the college. Ask it only if you're curious.

Avoid

Don't recite his resume ('I saw you've done eleven Birkebeiners and design breakwaters'). Light awareness is fine; listing details feels creepy.
Don't fake interest in coastal engineering, sailing, skiing, woodworking or shipwrecks.
Don't give generic 'snow, outdoors, close-knit community' answers to Why Dartmouth.
Don't ramble. Keep answers to about 1-2 minutes and let him ask follow-ups.
Don't bring up your GPA, test scores or other schools unprompted. Don't ask about your chances.
Don't record the conversation. Dartmouth bans it.
Don't read too much into warmth or silence afterward. Send one short thank-you email the next day.

A sample, to show what the briefing looks like: Stuart Hallworth and their employers are invented.

Based on: The sample interviewer's profile (fictional) · Dartmouth: Alumni Interview · Dartmouth: How do I get an interview? · Reddit: What are interviews like / How do they affect the admissions process? (2026) · Reddit: tips for the interview? (2026) · Reddit: dartmouth alumni intv (2026)

All sources · 38 plus 13 applicant threads

Applicant threads are linked under each question.