<p>I applied ED to another ivy league university and was deferred. However, since my deferral, and after some research, I found that I like Dartmouth far better, and it is now my first choice. Since Dartmouth doesn't really have a supplement for the student himself to complete (just the Peer Rec), I wanted to ask if it was good idea to send a letter of general interest to the college in order to sort of, stand out, to the admissions committee. Would the committee appreciate the letter or just find it superfluous? Thoughts?</p>
<p>Dartmouth, and most schools accepting so few, does not factor in demonstrated interest.</p>
<p>yep their common data set says that</p>
<p>"Level of interest" "Do not consider"</p>
<p>sorry</p>
<p>I think that for most people that attend, the more you learn about Dartmouth the more you realize it could be the best undergraduate experience/education available. So, they assume you understand this.</p>
<p>one unique point on dartmouth's application is that unlike most other schools, which require you to write the "why" paragraph/essay, it indicates that demonstrated interest is NOT a factor in admissions. dartmouth believes that whoever applies demonstrates genuine interest in the college.
so yes, the letter would be practically a waste of time.</p>
<p>But...wouldn't that be sort of a false assumption? I mean, why would Dartmouth expect that everyone who they accept would attend? Not all applicants are equally interested in the school. I want to show admissions that Dartmouth is exactly the place I want to spend the next four years of my life. Wouldn't a letter demonstrating that count for SOMETHING!? They want to feel wanted, don't they? lol. Tell me if I'm completely wrong here.</p>
<p>Spool, again. Just wanted to add that I'm asking this because I'm sort of borderline--and I want to do something that'd push me over that boundary. I could understand if demonstrated interest didn't play into the decision of someone who was under- or over-qualified.</p>
<p>Have you accomplished anything that you could notify them about? Presidential Scholar nominee or something? Do you have ECs that you couldn't describe adequately in the seven little slots on the Common App and would warrant a resume, if you haven't sent it already? </p>
<p>That would give you an excuse to write a letter.</p>
<p>But seriously--if it is really preying on your mind--then why not just write a letter telling them how much you love D and how much you want to go there. I mean, I cannot imagine any admissions person actually holding this AGAINST you!.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Not all applicants are equally interested in the school. I want to show admissions that Dartmouth is exactly the place I want to spend the next four years of my life.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>There is a process for people who feel the way that you feel about Dartmouth. It is called Early Decision. </p>
<p>Since you did not apply ED, which is what many people who feel that Dartmouth is overall their first choice and will happily attend if admitted do, since you did not, your letter would.....really add no value to your application.</p>
<p>^ ITA.</p>
<p>If you really do have special ECs that stand out, it's better to mention them in more detail in your application itself---perhaps your essays, or an attached resume.</p>