<p>I am a current senior that is interested in attending Dartmouth College. However, I have one major concern. I was born with severe cleft lip/palate and while both have long since been repaired, I still have a significant scar on my lip and my voice is somewhat nasal (i.e. lots of people think I am from New Jersey LOL). Would Dartmouth be a good school for me?</p>
<p>While as a parent I obviously don’t have any direct personal experience, I can tell you that I have a friend whose son graduated from Dartmouth in '08. He has a significant level of Asperger’s and certainly comes across as “different” though in a completely different way than you might. Anyway, he was very happy at Dartmouth and seemed to have a nice group of friends. My son has remarked that at Dartmouth, versus other campuses he has visited with friends, “everyone is so friendly and nice.” While this isn’t uniformly true, Dartmouth does have a very accepting, friendly vibe from what I’ve seen.</p>
<p>On another note, there are lots of kids from Jersey so maybe you would fit in better than you think! Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>Hey undecided100! From my personal experience, Dartmouth is one of the friendliest and most accepting college campuses I know. Even before I was a student [during college tours my junior year] I found the strangers at Dartmouth much more friendly, open, and eager to talk with me than at other colleges. Since getting here, I agree with mbsmom - there’s something really fun and accepting about the people here. It’s a very diverse student body, and the closeness of the community [only about 4000 undergrads total, I think] makes everyone feel welcome. Hope this helps :).</p>
<p>Top schools are full of NJ kids so a Jersey sounding accent may not even be detrimental.</p>
<p>Thanks Jersey13, but thats not really my concern. Im more concerned about how my facial deformity will be viewed by fellow students. Will I be able to make friends at Dartmouth?</p>
<p>bump 10char</p>
<p>Seriously, chill out. I go to Dartmouth (I’m a '13) and let me assure you, nobody’s going to bat an eye. One of the best things about Dartmouth that I’ve noticed is that people are embracing of differences–the community’s really strong.</p>