<p>I need to make my decision ASAP, or it will be too late.
I have been guaranteed admittance to Dartmouth, but I have been told that I have an extremely strong chance at any ivy league, especially Harvard (likely, not guaranteed).
I really don't know which school I'd be happier at. I like a balanced social, athletic, academic life. I love the outdoors, but I also would enjoy access a medium-to-large surrounding group of students. I think I'd major in economics, with a minor in a science. Could someone please help me out here and weigh some pro's and con's, or give me a similar story or situation they know of. Did anyone choose Dartmouth over HYP? Anything would be so much appreciated! Thanks you!</p>
<p>Did you receive a Likely Letter from Dartmouth? That’s really the only way anyone is guaranteed an acceptance before mid-December (unless one of your parents works for Dartmouth). Given the odds of being admitted to HYP is like playing darts, I would go for the sure bet at Dartmouth.</p>
<p>Dartmouth consistently ranks as one of the top Ivies for commitment to undergraduate teaching.</p>
<p>All the Ivies have prestige, but not all of them provide a great undergrad experience that compares favorably to top liberal arts colleges. Princeton is also frequently mentioned for a good undergraduate environment. Harvard is not.</p>
<p>If you think you would be happy there, I would take that as the factor that tips the scale in their direction.</p>
<p>Possible pro/con to consider: the quarter system, which means fewer classes at once with greater intensity. Whether it’s a pro or con will depend on your own learning temperament, and how you feel about having to spend one summer quarter on campus.</p>
<p>If you have LL offers from both and are trying to decide which to apply ED/EA, that’s one thing - we can weigh the relative merits of the 2 schools.</p>
<p>But if you have the LL offer from Dartmouth and you’ve been told that you have a good shot at Harvard, I think it would be unwise to pass on the guaranteed spot to take your chances at Harvard. Because unless there is more to the story, it’s long odds for almost everyone</p>
<p>Your description of yourself sounds like you would be really happy at Dartmouth. Not that you would be unhappy at Harvard – you would probably be happy there, too, or as happy as anyone is. But “balanced social, athletic, academic life” and “love outdoors” are real strengths of Dartmouth. Also, it’s smaller than Harvard, but not that much smaller at the undergraduate level, and it’s more concentrated, so you probably have as many or more chances to meet different people there than you would at Harvard.</p>
<p>Academically, it’s first rate. It has tons of people interested in the things that interest you. (Both things are true of Harvard, too, of course.)</p>
<p>The difference is the bird-in-the-hand thing. Take the bird in the hand. The ones in the bush are not worth anything near twice as much.</p>
<p>If you choose Dartmouth, a year from now you will be wondering how you could ever have hesitated.</p>
<p>I vote for certain thing over uncertain thing. Furthermore, the certain thing is still under great category. By the way, how did you get the guaranteed admission ?</p>
<p>Just like everyone else I say do Dartmouth.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! Your input was incredibly helpful and appreciated. I’m used to the Dartmouth small setting and rural area, so it felt like home. I decided that Dartmouth is the best fit and at the end of the day that’s what matters.</p>
<p>If you don’t mind me asking, how do you know you’re virtually guaranteed an acceptance at Dartmouth?</p>
<p>Maybe he/she is an athlete? Some athletes are scouted by Ivy schools by the end of October.</p>
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<p>Another bogus poster!</p>
<p>My son '16 chose Dartmouth for the rural setting. He loves the outing club and all the activities it has to offer and joined a fraternity. He had hoped to ski race but didnt quite meet the team’s criteria but is still very happy with his decision. He loves Hanover and finds that NH folks are quite friendly and welcoming. </p>