<p>I am intending to apply to Dartmouth next fall, but I incidentally heard a rumor from my cousin's high school -- people saying Dartmouth kids are overly concerned with grades and the competition there is a bit over the top.</p>
<p>I really some advice from Dartmouth students or alumni -- what are your views about this rumor?</p>
<p>I’m wondering whether or not you’re ■■■■■■■■ right now because that’s totally not true. If you visit the campus, you’ll see that Dartmouth is probably the most laid back and collaborative of the Ivies, perhaps second only to Brown.</p>
<p>I don’t see how a campus visit can indicate if the college’s students are competitive, but yes, I have heard from current students at Dartmouth that students tend to help one another. However, it’s relatively the same at all colleges. You’re going to find students who tend to keep to themselves and are primarily concerned about their grades and others that are likely to lend a hand.</p>
<p>Yeah its not competitive in that way at all, people are out to help one another. Cheating is almost non-existent. Possibly the most friendly, laid back, Ivy in this respect.</p>
<p>The social ethos at Dartmouth is to be friendly, helpful, and non-competitive. By stereotype, the least competitive of the Ivy schools. Almost a taboo to be competitive on the academics. There are many socially unacceptable things you could do that would go down better than to be competitive- except in sports or at pong.</p>
<p>i feel like it’s very awkward to mention your GPA or grade in a class, unless it’s to a very close friend. almost everybody works hard in their classes to get a good grade, but it is very very rare for people to sabotage each other. and although some people do cheat in classes, i feel like the honor system at dartmouth is very good overall. it’s made me MUCH more honest with my work.</p>