Early Decision-Dartmouth

<p>Hi, My daughter applied ED, and I was originally against this decision (looking for merit-aid at other colleges) but now I'm really hoping that she gets in. I have 2 questions: We've heard that Catholic high schools are not favored, can anyone comment on this? 2) D's guidance counselor has told her to hold all her apps until she hears. Is this the common practice? It seems like we are waiting until the last minute. Thanks in advance for any advice.</p>

<p>Dartmouth's admissions does not look favorably on Parochial or Independent
School applicants. Are you prepared to pay the full tuition? Don't wait too long on getting out those other apps.</p>

<p>I am an '09 at Dartmouth. I went to a Catholic high school and was accepted regular decision, with a likely letter in mid-February. My roommate is also from a Catholic high school, accepted early decision.</p>

<p>Thanks so much for replying! After the last post, my daughter and I were really discouraged about her chances of acceptance. My daughter's guidance councelor told her that she knows from past experiences that Dartmouth is tough on Catholic schools, but that my daughter's credentials are outstanding. Not sure what's going to happen, but we visited about 10 colleges, and Dartmouth seemed like the perfect match. We're hoping that her two 800's on Math and Writing will help her chances and overcome the Catholic thing, but you can never be sure with the Ivies. My daughter is also ranked 2 or 3 out of about 175, and many others tell us that they will really only take the Valedictorians! Hanover looked beautiful, and my daughter was looking for a nice quiet town. Thanks again, and if you have any other information, we would love to hear from you.</p>

<p>I don't know where you heard the rumor that Catholic schools are looked down upon, but I'm sure most of my fellow students at Dartmouth will back me up on this one: there is nothing to the rumor, there is no 'Catholic thing to overcome'. And I believe the number for the class of 2009 was 42% are val or salutatorian, so that rumor also isn't true....</p>

<p>I agree with Saila that you have been given some misinformation. As you said, nothing is guaranteed with the most competitive schools. But don't be discouraged: if your daughter has the grades and test scores, she will get fair consideration from admissions. In addition to me, 2 other girls from my Catholic high school were accepted regular decision last year, with likely letters in mid-February. (Two of us attend Dartmouth, the other is at Princeton.) Several older girls from my high school also attend Dartmouth. A girl in my calculus study group is from an all-girls Catholic high school in a nearby town. So relax, your daughter has made a great choice. I am so happy at Dartmouth. My classmates are diverse and super friendly, and my professors are excellent teachers who care about their students.</p>

<p>Thanks for your post. If my daughter does get in, it's nice to know that she'll be in some great company!</p>

<p>
[quote]
I am an '09 at Dartmouth. I went to a Catholic high school and was accepted regular decision, with a likely letter in mid-February.

[/quote]

Ditto for my son. Also, several girls he knows also attended Catholic high schools, and the top students at his Catholic HS typically get into the top 10 schools every year.</p>

<p>haha this 'catholic school's not looked favorably upon' would be a ridiculous idea at any school.
i'm from catholic school, and last year, 2 applied, and both of them got in. and 2 years ago, 3 people got in last year.</p>

<p>Jennsmom - my DD is an 09 who went to an independent religious school, and it did not seem to affect her ED admission. Also, she was not val or sal, although she was definitely in the top 5%. Last year, among CC posters, Dartmouth ED admissions seemed to be very stats driven - whether that is a trend remains to be seen. I suspect, but have no special knowledge, that they admit a high percentage of the high stat kids that "want them", that is apply ED - these are kids who want to go to Dartmouth, no competing with Harvard and Yale.
What do I mean by high stat? Last year the admit rate for people with 1500+ SATs in the ED round was dramatically different than for 1450+.
The situation may or may not be different this year. Good luck to your daughter!</p>

<p>I'm cangel's daughter. An extremely awesome girl on my floor (I just waltzed down the hall with her ten minutes ago. Ah college...) went to a Catholic School.</p>

<p>my daughter attended an all girls catholic/private school and she was accepted to dartmouth as a regular decision applicant. she also received a very fair financial aid package from dartmouth. we are from westchester county in new york. if you need any other info on dartmouth please feel free to send me a personal message. i remember what a stressful experience dealing with college applications and responses was.</p>