Hi, so my dad wants me to write a letter to Dartmouth saying that if I had the chance to apply there ED, I would have–I was bedridden for the beginning of the year so I couldn’t visit–but I don’t think I would definitely go if I got accepted. I keep telling him it’s not a good idea, but he thinks it could only help since a letter is non-binding. What do you guys think?
Agree with you – not a good idea. I would only write a letter – or explain on the app. – if it was needed to explain why your grades went down if they did. Plus, you presumably could have visited before you were bedridden. Do not see how such a letter would be a good idea, especially since it would not be truthful.
Day late, dollar short for that one – even if it would have any impact, which I seriously doubt. If you’re applying RD, just go for it. If you haven’t visited since, such a letter would be extremely weird. If you have visited since, it would only make sense if you fell in love – and it doesn’t sound like that is the case.
Are you recruited/rescruitable for crew? I might change my opinion a tad.
Attached, please find Dartmouth’s Common Data Set
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~oir/pdfs/cds_2016-2017.pdf
Guide your father to Section C7
There he will see that Level of Applicant’s Interest is not considered in the admissions process. In short, it does not matter whether or not you have visited the college.
Sending a letter as to why you have not visited will not help your cause