Description
Dartmouth Bound: Summer Program
July 19-22 & August 2-5
Apply to the 2026 Dartmouth Bound Program
As part of its comprehensive outreach efforts, the Dartmouth Bound Program, which takes place in July, is designed to give participants an experience of daily college life at Dartmouth. Participants will learn about Dartmouth's close-knit community and its resources, as well as college admissions and financial aid processes.
The Dartmouth Bound Program application is open to all rising high school seniors currently living and attending a high school in the U.S., regardless of citizenship status. We encourage students from underserved communities—including students who are the first in their families to attend college, students from low-income families, students from rural communities, and students from under-resourced high schools or who otherwise lack access or opportunity to programs or resources that would assist in preparing them for college—to apply. Dartmouth will cover travel expenses, housing, and meals for students who are selected for the program.
Participants will attend workshops on the admissions and financial aid processes and interact with members of our faculty. While staying in Dartmouth residence halls, there will be ample time to enjoy meaningful conversations with current student mentors and other Bound participants. Read about Chelsea M '26's Dartmouth Bound experience in her recent blog post.
Requirements
Program Highlights
Admissions officers will explain our individualized review process and provide tips for completing college applications. Participants will have the chance to review sample applications to the College as part of a mock admissions committee exercise. Admissions officers will be available throughout the program to address individual questions about the college application process.
Faculty will describe how their work contributes to the themes of academics, social engagement, and leadership via a class-setting environment. Additionally, professors will show the relevance of undergraduate classes and research to the great issues facing us in the world today.
Participants will tour the campus led by currently enrolled students, which will provide an opportunity to gain orientation of the College and its physical and natural resources while hearing about student experiences.
Need-based financial aid makes a Dartmouth education affordable. During the program, our financial aid officers will provide an overview of the financial aid application process and will address how a family's special circumstances are taken into consideration. Admissions and financial aid staff will help decipher the vocabulary of "need-based aid," "cost of attendance," "work-study" and other terms that will empower participants to make informed financial decisions when choosing a college.
Throughout Dartmouth Bound Program, participants will connect with current students and in the process gain a personal understanding of the Dartmouth experience.
Please note that participation in this program does not result in admission to Dartmouth College.
Application due date is Monday, May 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.