OK, round two, Amherst and Dartmouth . . . .
Amherst–UP. S24 wasn’t sure about LACs in general, responded very positively. Information sessions led by Associate Dean of Admissions covered why LACs, why Amherst, and admissions process. Why Amherst boils down to open curriculum, Five Colleges (we bought that as a powerful combination), and the fact Amherst is actually well-located generally. Lots of explicit references to competing peers, which is fine with me. Admissions discussion was very frank. Emphasized holistic review but also that transcript is at least slightly more important than other factors, because mostly you need a strong enough transcript to get to full committee. Tour guide was great–like a natural walking conversation. Campus setting was beautiful, mix of traditional and modern architecture worked well for S24. Definitely felt to S24 like a good fit all around.
Dartmouth–DOWN. S24 really wanted to love Dartmouth due to professor connection. But it just didn’t click. Only a tour. Felt isolated and inward looking, except for access to outdoor recreation opportunities which S24 doesn’t much care about. Campus felt least homey and interesting of four colleges on this tour so far–kinda like an old 19th-Century military base. Academics were basically positive, but “Dartmouth Plan” (unusual term approach that is hard to quickly describe) initially seemed interesting, but with thought actually seemed less than ideal as it seemed to disrupt ongoing student relationships. Biggest issue was how important Greek life remains to social activities. Not really S24’s ideal social scene, and while reportedly some people “opt out” of Greek life, it seems like that has more implications at Dartmouth than at the other places so far.
Bottom line–Yale, Brown, Amherst, and Dartmouth all led to a reasonably specific image of what sort of student would really thrive there. Yale and Amherst seemed like best fits so far (easy for S24 to imagine loving it there), Brown a little less so but still attractive, and Dartmouth the least.