Dartmouth College vs Northeastern University

Dartmouth College is the more selective of the two at 5%, versus 5% at Northeastern University. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Dartmouth College
Most selective
5%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1560
Private · New Hampshire
Northeastern University
Most selective
5%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1530
Private · Massachusetts

Dartmouth College vs Northeastern University: the differences that matter

How Dartmouth College and Northeastern University stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Dartmouth College and Northeastern University are almost equally selective (5% vs 5%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. Dartmouth College leans more on standardized test scores, application essay, recommendations, while Northeastern University puts more weight on class rank, alumni / legacy relation, work experience. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Dartmouth College's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1560 and Northeastern University's is around 1530. Admitted students at Dartmouth College post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorDartmouth CollegeNortheastern University
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Standardized test scoresvery importantimportant
Application essayvery importantimportant
Recommendationsvery importantimportant
Extracurricular activitiesimportantimportant
Talent / abilityimportantimportant
Character / personal qualitiesvery importantimportant
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Dartmouth College or Northeastern University harder to get into?

Dartmouth College is harder to get into, with a 5% acceptance rate versus 5% at Northeastern University.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Dartmouth College and Northeastern University?

Dartmouth College's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1560, and Northeastern University's is around 1530.

What are my chances at Dartmouth College and Northeastern University?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.