Dartmouth College vs Vanderbilt University

Dartmouth College is the more selective of the two at 6%, versus 6% at Vanderbilt 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
6%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1560
Private · New Hampshire
Vanderbilt University
Most selective
6%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1560
Private · Tennessee

Dartmouth College vs Vanderbilt University: the differences that matter

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

Dartmouth College and Vanderbilt University are almost equally selective (6% vs 6%), 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 volunteer work, while Vanderbilt University puts more weight on class rank, extracurricular activities, talent / ability. 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 Vanderbilt University's is around 1560. Their admitted ranges are nearly identical. 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 CollegeVanderbilt University
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Class ranknot consideredimportant
Standardized test scoresvery importantvery important
Application essayvery importantvery important
Recommendationsvery importantvery important
Extracurricular activitiesimportantvery important
Talent / abilityimportantvery important
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Dartmouth College or Vanderbilt University harder to get into?

Dartmouth College is harder to get into, with a 6% acceptance rate versus 6% at Vanderbilt University.

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

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

What are my chances at Dartmouth College and Vanderbilt University?

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