Dartmouth College King Scholarship

About the scholarship

The Dartmouth College King Scholarship 2025-2026 is a fully funded, merit-based award for outstanding international and domestic students pursuing undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College, one of the Ivy League’s most prestigious liberal arts institutions in Hanover, New Hampshire. Covering full tuition, room, board, and a stipend for books and personal expenses, the scholarship supports students across all majors, from engineering to humanities, fostering intellectual curiosity and leadership. Dartmouth’s intimate campus, set in the scenic Upper Valley, offers world-class facilities, including the Hood Museum of Art, Baker-Berry Library, and cutting-edge research centers.

The King Scholarship, named for its commitment to global leadership and service, empowers scholars to engage in transformative experiences like undergraduate research, global internships, and community service projects. Scholars benefit from Dartmouth’s close-knit community, personalized advising, and a vibrant student life with over 160 organizations. The program prepares graduates for impactful careers in business, academia, or public policy, reinforcing Dartmouth’s mission to develop leaders who address global challenges with empathy and innovation.

Eligibility

Applicants for the Dartmouth College King Scholarship 2025-2026 must meet the following detailed criteria:

• Nationality: Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students applying as first-year undergraduates.
• Academic Qualifications: Exceptional academic record, typically in the top 5% of high school class, with:
  • Unweighted GPA of 3.8/4.0 or higher.
  • SAT 1450+ or ACT 33+ (if submitted; Dartmouth is test-optional for 2025-2026).
  • Rigorous coursework (e.g., AP, IB, honors classes).
• Program Eligibility: Must apply for a full-time undergraduate program at Dartmouth starting in September 2025, across any major.
• Language Proficiency: For international applicants, TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7.0, or equivalent if English is not the primary language of instruction.
• Application Materials:
  • Common Application or Coalition Application submitted by January 2, 2026 (Regular Decision) or November 1, 2025 (Early Decision).
  • High school transcripts and school report.
  • Two teacher recommendations highlighting academic and personal strengths.
  • One counselor recommendation.
  • Personal essay and Dartmouth-specific supplements showcasing leadership and values.
  • List of extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership roles.
  • Optional: Portfolio for arts or research achievements.
• Leadership and Service: Demonstrated leadership and community impact through significant involvement, such as:
  • Student government, club leadership, or athletic team captaincy.
  • Volunteer work with nonprofits or community initiatives.
  • Innovative projects (e.g., social entrepreneurship, research).
• Selection Process:
  • Automatic consideration for King Scholarship upon applying to Dartmouth; no separate application required.
  • Holistic review based on academic excellence, leadership, and character.
  • Finalists may be invited for interviews (virtual or in-person) in February 2026.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 at Dartmouth to retain the scholarship.
  • Engage in campus leadership or service activities.
  • International students must comply with U.S. visa requirements.
• Deadline: Early Decision: November 1, 2025; Regular Decision: January 2, 2026, via dartmouth.edu.

Applicants should ensure their application reflects Dartmouth’s values of leadership and community engagement.