Princeton vs. Dartmouth

<p>So...I got into both, and I'm leaning toward Princeton, but I'm kind of iffy on especially the social life. I know Dartmouth is more of a "party school", but is it more friendly and open than Princeton...? Any other opinions about the two schools are welcome as well!</p>

<p>I was deciding between Dartmouth, Duke, and Princeton. I ultimately chose Princeton over Dartmouth (and Duke just wasn't really a good fit for me) because when I visited I actually thought that Dartmouth was basically just like high school. Thurs-Sat is dominated by huge frat parties, and there seems to be a lot of social climbing behavior. I know that that can go on at any college, but it really seemed like people at Princeton were more friendly. When I was up at Princeton this fall, at all the parties I went to people were SO excited to tell me about Princeton and they all wanted to convince me to come. Random people would just walk up to me and strike up a conversation! At Dartmouth, people hung out in small circles of conversation and totally ignored people they didn't know. </p>

<p>Also, I really think that Princeton offers a better academic experience than Dartmouth. I was really impressed by all the Pton classes I visited, but found the Dmouth classes to be clones of my high school ones. </p>

<p>If you have any more questions about my Dartmouth or Princeton visits, PM me. I actually do still like Dartmouth a lot; some really good friends of mine are going there, and my best friend's parents both went. I love Dartmouth's location (and the fact that it has a ski mountain). But overall, I just love Princeton more!!!!</p>

<p>Princeton offers undergraduates more opportunities than does any other school with which I am familiar.</p>

<p>I think ceebee that you might just have been at the wrong frat party. Dartmouth is incredibly friendly. That said, Princeton is one of the few schools that has a majority of Dartmouth's strengths.</p>

<p>Hmm...I somehow managed to get into the two Ivies that are very similar to each other...at least my admissions decisions were consistent, I guess. I don't know...I thought I would choose Princeton over Dartmouth, but they're both excellent schools...argh, when will college decisions be over?!</p>

<p>XCotter, ceebee63's experience with Dartmouth's friendliness and openess is so opposite of typical that I feel compelled to point it out. If you seriously want to explore your original question, post on the Dartmouth board as well and consider attending Dimensions. But you sound as if you mind is pretty much made up. Both schools offer an excellent undergraduate experience.</p>

<p>Yeah, I mean, that's just my experience...I'm sure it's different for everyone.</p>

<p>it is different for everyone. weigh out the options. the location, the vibe you get at each place, the various departments. i came into this whole application process knowing that Dartmouth and Princeton were my top choices...luckily i got accepted to both and i'll be attending princeton in the fall because of its music department and its finance certificate. the location also did it for me...an hour from NYC versus 3 hours from boston for Dartmouth. </p>

<p>good luck, wherever you pick you'll be happy</p>

<p>Well... I would say Dartmouth and Princeton are definitely the top two undergrad schools. It's completely up to you.</p>

<p>PS- idk where you get this party-too-much idea, Dartmouth likes to have fun, but I assure you that academics are very, very highly valued.</p>

<p>Go to Dimensions, and the Pton admit day.</p>