Dartmouth vs. JHU/Georgetown/Swarthmore?

<p>So I got into all of the schools above, and while at first I was positive I should go to Dartmouth, now I'm hesitating a bit.. I go to a private high school, and believe me, I am sick of all the preppiness that seems unavoidable here - will I still have to face this at Dartmouth? In addition, I'm not a fan of overwhelming Greek culture. As in, I don't mind if a college has some fraternities or sororities, but I don't want to go to a school where the Greek houses are a major, major part of everyone's life. Is the party scene avoidable, or are there limited options for someone like me?
And most importantly, do you think the added level of prestige Dartmouth has over the other schools I got into is worth liking the student body a bit less?
Thank you for your help!</p>

<p>Do you have a prospective/anticipated major or activities you plan to participate in? I may be able to offer thoughts about D versus G or S. JHU is outside my ken. </p>

<p>Right now I’m planning on pursuing a career in the STEM fields, but I also plan on taking classes in English, classics, Japanese, and art. That being said, my career plans are not concrete, and there’s a good chance I’ll change my mind (hence the range in classes).</p>

<p>There are multiple threads about the social life at Dartmouth. My own take is that the Greek scene is big but avoidable. D dabbled in it, rushed, and joined a sorority [you have to realize that they’re rather large social groups and very few members actually live in the houses], but found most of her social life elsewhere. Some people think the Greek scene is pervasive and controlling; others disagree. Visiting (if you can) would be a good idea. I wouldn’t worry about not liking the student body. There are enough people of different stripes that anyone can find his or her crewe. Now, Dartmouth’s prestige may have taken a bit of a hit recently, but I think it’s still above your other choices. Check your in box for a PM with some specific thoughts. Best, ATS</p>

<p>If avoiding preppiness is you first priority, I think that JHU and Swarthmore would probably be your best bets from this admirable list. WRT Greek life, I think it is a question of what aspect of your idea of Greek life you wish to avoid. The Greek organizations at D vary widely, but in general they tend to be much more open than at virtually all other schools.</p>

<p>What are your other criteria?</p>

<p>I guess the aspect of Greek life I’m trying to avoid is parties - well, not parties specifically, but I’ve never been much of a party person, and I don’t want to go to a school where, if I don’t go to parties, there’s nothing else to do in terms of social life. And I know Dartmouth is in a pretty isolated place, so I worry that there truly won’t be anything else to do.
Other than that, my criteria are good programs in any area of study (specifically the areas I mentioned in my first reply), easy access for students to research opportunities, and a place that’s not too far from a major city (in which I know Dartmouth lacks in comparison to the other schools, but Dartmouth makes up for it with all the skiing nearby).
That’s all I really care about in terms of criteria - other than that, the feeling I get at the visits will also be taken into account.</p>

<p>My son, who too attended a private high school, applied to, and was also accepted by, all of the schools you mentioned above, ch20youk. For what it may be worth, Dartmouth was his clear favorite of these four schools, as well as all other colleges that accepted him a couple of years ago. He is now a member of the Dartmouth Class of 2016…and loves Dartmouth deeply.</p>

<p>As for facing “preppiness” at DC, such may be an issue for him; however, he has never mentioned it volutarily. He has given me the impression that “preppiness” is no big deal at Dartmouth.</p>

<p>As for the Greek life, he is a member of a frat and he enjoys it. It is my understanding that Greek life is important to some but of no interest to others. Like most things at a great college like Dartmouth, you can pursue what you want, and no one really cares that much one way or the other. </p>

<p>Congratulations on your numerous acceptances. You are quite fortunate to have so many wonderful options. There are no bad choices here. Best of luck to you!</p>