2 minute read
First Hand
I have been a dean of admissions since the 1990s, but over the past few months at Dartmouth I have been thrilled to coordinate the enactment of some of the most significant admissions and financial aid policies of my career. That’s a big statement, and it’s true.
In January, Dartmouth College expanded its longstanding need-blind admissions policy to include all international citizens. That’s great news for any international applicant for whom affordability is an essential factor. Our adoption of universal need-blind admissions means financial need will never limit access to a Dartmouth education. Dartmouth now becomes the sixth college or university in the United States with universal need-blind admissions and a commitment to meet 100 percent of demonstrated need. It is a dramatic commitment to access and equity for all students, regardless of citizenship.
Our new policy was made possible by a $40 million anonymous gift to expand global access. The historic donation—the single largest scholarship gift in Dartmouth’s 253-year history— capped a $90 million, multi-year fundraising goal to offer needblind admissions to all non-U.S. citizens, beginning immediately with the Class of 2026. The fact is, we are living in the most international moment in human history. It was important to us at Dartmouth that international citizens be recognized as full and equal members of our applicant pool and, ultimately, our student body.
In addition to this change in our admissions policy, we unveiled two financial aid policies that improve access to a Dartmouth education for all students. The first is the removal of a parent contribution for students from families with $65,000 USD or less in total income and who possess typical assets. The second: the guarantee of a full tuition scholarship without loans for all students from families with total income of $125,000 USD or less and who possess typical assets. Both initiatives apply to all accepted candidates regardless of citizenship. As always, all aid at Dartmouth is based on need.
Finally, as the pandemic continues to have an impact on learning environments around the word, we have extended our test-optional policy for a third admissions cycle. For all candidates to the Class of 2027, the submission of an SAT or ACT score is a personal choice. To test or not to test: each application will be fully and equally considered with or without that element. As I’ve said many times, “optional” is not a trick word. Optional means it is your choice.
Students who are applying to and enrolling at Dartmouth today will have lives and careers that stretch to the 2070s and beyond. Our ongoing goal is to create a diverse, inclusive, and globally minded community here in Hanover, one that prepares students for that adventure with a peer group of students drawn from all backgrounds. These new policies make that goal a reality. It has been a career highlight as well as a personal honor to help frame these new initiatives at Dartmouth.
Lee A. Coffin
Vice Provost for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions & Financial Aid
