I recently visited both schools and loved both, despite how different they are. I know I want to apply to one of them ED, but I am not sure which one I should pick. I know that ultimately, it comes down to what I want in a school, but I was wondering if people can give their reason for why they chose Brown and Dartmouth.
My daughter applied ED to Brown, and probably would have applied RD to Dartmouth if she had not been accepted. For her, the Open Curriculum at Brown was a big selling point. Brown was very strong in her intended majors (CS and cognitive science). Socially, she preferred a campus that was less fraternity/sorority focused. She liked Brown’s campus on College Hill which doesn’t feel urban yet is walkable to downtown Providence. She liked being able to get to Boston easily by train, as well as New York (though that’s a much longer trip). Having the Amtrak station within walking distance and the Providence airport just 20 minutes away by cab was a big plus.
Here are some differences:
Dartmouth: The quarter system is unusual. The sophomore class bonds over a mandatoy summer quarter. It is a gorgeous rural college where the Appalachian hiking trail cuts right through campus, and the outing club is legendary. Alumni in business have an exceptionally strong network that benefits undergraduates. It is the smallest Ivy, so it has many of the benefits of a LAC- small classes, close relationships with professors, opportunties for undergraduates, sense of community. But, it also is the most Fraternity-sorority-oriented Ivy. More than half of upperclassmen will be involved in a fraternity or sorority.
Brown: The completely open curriculum is unusual (just Amherst, Hamilton, Grinnell, and Smith match Brown in this aspect). Take only those classes that interest you, with no worries about distribution requirements of any sort. If you want to, you can take every class pass-fail. A friend at Brown says it is a super low-stress environment compared to his experience in AP classes at an average public high school in Connecticut. Students can enjoy intellectual exploration for its own sake. Brown is in Providence and has an urban feel to its campus and surroundings, with all the amenities of a midsized city available to students. Brown has an overall progressive tenor to it, with some great student activism.
I attended neither, so maybe some current students can chime in.
I’ve known alum from both over the years and TBH I think they could have all exchanged schools with each other and not been any the worse for wear. My one caveat would be if you are a URM or a SJW, be prepared to have your buttons pushed by the presence of a deeply embedded conservative minority at Dartmouth.
I would only consider Dartmouth if I sought a strong greek presence and preppy vibe. Brown feels much more laid back. Love Brown’s shopping period when students can sit in on classes and try out their fit with the professors. The open curriculum ensures that the students you are in class with are there because they want to be, not to fulfill a distribution requirement. And Brown is very undergrad-focused. I love everything about Brown, but Dartmouth sure is beautiful!