How to Get Into Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine 2025: Requirements & Tips

The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth is known for producing leaders in medical education, healthcare delivery, and research. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, innovative programs, and Ivy League prestige, it is one of the most selective medical schools in the United States.

This guide breaks down Dartmouth’s programs, admissions requirements, acceptance rates, and practical tips for building a competitive application.

Programs Offered at the Geisel School of Medicine

Dartmouth offers multiple pathways for students at different stages of their medical career:

• MD Program – Four-year medical degree preparing students for clinical practice.
• MD/PhD – For physician-scientists pursuing both clinical and research careers.
• MD/MBA – Integrates medicine with business leadership.
• MPH/MS – Focused on public health and the science sector.
• Quantitative Biomedical Sciences – Offered as a PhD, master’s, or certificate program.
• PhD Programs – Includes health policy, biochemistry, cancer biology, neuroscience, microbiology, immunology, and molecular and cellular biology.

Students can complete clerkships and electives in the U.S. or abroad, gaining both national and global perspectives on healthcare.

Dartmouth Medical School Acceptance Rate and Admissions Stats

Dartmouth is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of about 1.17%.

• Average GPA: 3.89
• Average MCAT: 515.8
• Applications Received: 8,505

This level of competition means applicants need more than just high grades — they must demonstrate exceptional academic ability, relevant experience, and a strong personal fit for the school’s mission.

GPA and MCAT Requirements

• Minimum MCAT: 503 (competitive applicants score 516+)
• Average GPA: 3.89 (3.9+ considered very strong)

Dartmouth uses GPA as an indicator of academic readiness for rigorous coursework and MCAT scores to assess readiness for the demands of medical school and the medical profession.

Required Prerequisite Courses

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution and complete:

• Biology: 1 year with labs
• Physics: 1 year with labs
• Organic Chemistry: 1 semester with lab
• Biochemistry: 1 semester
• Additional Chemistry: 1 year
• Math: 1 semester of calculus or statistics
• English: Writing-intensive courses recommended

Advanced science courses such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology are strongly encouraged.

Additional Application Components

I. Letters of Evaluation: 

Either a composite letter from a pre-medical committee or 3–5 individual letters (mostly from professors).

II. Activities Section: 

Highlight meaningful extracurriculars, leadership roles, and service work.

III. Personal Statement: 

A clear, authentic essay explaining why you want to pursue medicine.

IV. Supplemental Essays: 

Topics include academic year plans, unique personal details, reasons for choosing Geisel, and reflections on diversity and inclusion.

Core Competencies Dartmouth Looks For

• Observation and perception skills
• Strong communication abilities
• Motor skills for clinical practice
• Cognitive skills including reasoning and judgment
• Professionalism, integrity, and empathy

Key Deadlines

• AMCAS Opens: Early-May 
• Application Submission Starts: End-of-May
• Interviews Begin: August
• AMCAS Deadline: Early-November
• Secondary Deadline: Mid-November 
• Interviews End: Mid-March

Dartmouth Medical School Interviews

Interviews are by invitation only and are held virtually. The process includes:

• Welcome and information sessions
• A group activity assessing teamwork
• Two 30-minute individual interviews with admissions committee members
• Closing remarks from the Associate Dean of Admissions

Tuition and Financial Aid

• Annual Tuition: $72,570
• Estimated Annual Cost of Attendance: Over $100,000 (including housing, fees, and living expenses)

About 85% of students receive financial aid, with 60% awarded need-based scholarships. Merit-based scholarships are not offered, but students can apply for external funding.

Tips to Strengthen Your Dartmouth Application

#1. Gain Clinical Experience 

Exposure to different healthcare systems and cultures is valued. Programs like Go Elective’s medical internships abroad offer real-world clinical experience and cultural competence that can set you apart.

#2. Pursue Research 

Around 98% of admitted students have significant research experience. Aim to contribute to publications or presentations.

#3. Show Dartmouth-Specific Traits 

Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, resilience, integrity, and a commitment to learning.

#4. Get Clinical Exposure 

Shadow physicians, volunteer in healthcare settings, and seek internships that provide patient interaction.

#5. Be Authentic

In essays and interviews, focus on your genuine motivations, experiences, and goals rather than what you think the committee wants to hear.

Final Thoughts

Getting into the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth requires top-tier academics, strong test scores, meaningful experiences, and a personal mission aligned with the school’s values. If you combine excellent preparation with impactful experiences, such as Go Elective’s clinical internship abroad,  you’ll be better positioned to join Dartmouth’s next generation of physician-leaders.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, Med Schools,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 9, 2025