| Full-time undergraduate program |
Dartmouth's admission process is similar to the rest of the Ivy League--
selective, competitive, and your application is one of thousands being
reviewed by overworked admissions officers. Ergo, setting oneself apart
from other candidates is paramount. As with other extremely selective
schools, Dartmouth is looking for candidates who have not only excelled
academically, but who are well rounded and can add to the student body.
Given that most successful applicants have excelled academically, with
excellent test scores and glowing recommendations, applicants should
look to leave a lasting impression during the five minutes the admission
officer is looking at the application. While no one expects an eighteen-
year-old to have summitted Mt. Everest, cured cancer, and balanced the
federal budget-- all before lunch-- the admissions officers are looking
for the individual experiences, hobbies, and interests that set you
apart. Among my matriculating class were scientific researchers,
firefighters, authors, and a hypnotist. And judging from the literature
Dartmouth sent the entering class, the hypnotist certainly stood out!
One other note on Dartmouth's application: the school asks for a peer
recommendation. Applicants should carefully select an appropriate author
for this novel addition to the application. Remember, 17 and 18-year
olds are not always the most skilled linguists, nor do they necessarily
present balanced, accurate opinions. Make sure your peer recommendation
is from someone who will present you in a good light, but whose
recommendation will also not sent up red flags. While the recommendation
might be glowing, if it is poorly written, that will reflect on the
applicant.
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