Each fall, winter and spring, selected Dartmouth students attend UCSD on exchange for a term. The UCSD and Dartmouth calendars correspond closely. The experience offers the alternative of a state university while being located in the attractive suburb of La Jolla. The University comprises four colleges, each with a different educational orientation. Dartmouth students take courses at any of the colleges, although the exchange program is with John Muir College, where Dartmouth students live in dormitories. Students earn a maximum of three course credits.

Applications must be submitted by April 1 for the following fall term, July 1 for winter, and October 1 for the spring term exchange. Selection of students in good standing is done on the strength of the applications submitted.  Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.8.

Students pay a prorated tuition to Dartmouth. Room and board are paid directly to UCSD.

Upon completion of the exchange, the exchange coordinator at the host institution will forward the transcript to the Office of the Registrar, Dartmouth College. Future transcripts of exchange program grades must be obtained by the student from the exchange institution.