<p>Why Dartmouth over Princeton? The two seem to have many of the same qualities and I would just like to see what others think. Thanks!</p>
<p>why not????</p>
<p>Dartmouth was by far my first choice school (I applied ED and was admitted). I just loved the whole laid-back, non-cliquey, outdoorsy atmosphere. Other Ivies I had considered for regular decision were Yale, Harvard, Brown, and Cornell. The one Ivy I really did NOT like was Princeton. The whole eating club thing creates, in my opinion, a horrible social atmosphere - i mean, on top of the academic stresses, you have to go through this whole application process to get into an eating club - and if you don't get in, well, that's social destruction. i mean, i know some really awesome people who go to Princeton, but on the whole i feel like it has a really elitist, socially competitive atmosphere. </p>
<p>A lot of people like to compare Dartmouth and Princeton, I guess because both student bodies have a reputation for being relatively "preppy" and conservative. but i think the cool, relaxed atmosphere at Dartmouth brings out a much better side of people than the exclusivity of Princeton. everyone i know who goes to Dartmouth just loves it...but i can honestly say i have never heard anyone rave about the social atmosphere at Princeton.</p>