I was wondering about chances in the RD round at Dartmouth. Both of my parents went there, and I love the school, so it’s one of my top choices, but because of the uncertainty of financial aid, I don’t really think ED would be the best option for me.
I know they definitely consider legacy in ED, but will it have any consideration in RD?
Thanks!
The overall admit rate this year for RD was about 6%. They said in both a letter to parents that are alums who had kids apply this year and at Dimensions that they are trying to reconcile legacy admissions with their desire for broad perspectives and “new blood”. I think this year the RD legacy admit rate was slightly (like 1 or 2 percentage points higher) than the general pool. It will get your application a close review, but it’s not going to guarantee anything.
My best advice is to be yourself in your application. Let your passions show and hope for the best. Make a diverse and balanced list of schools to which you are applying as well.
It will have much less consideration in RD. Dartmouth, like most of the top schools, has great financial aid so if you love the school and it is your first choice, you should consider applying ED
You need to fit their overall profile, legacy is only a small boost. I know of a legacy kid whose name is on a Dartmouth building, good grades, etc., applied ED and was deferred and then rejected.
Apply ED if legacy.
Dartmouth has a generous financial aid policy. Run the NPC, which should eliminate the “uncertainty” of aid. If you want the legacy boost, you (almost) have to apply ED. But, if you prefer someone else better, apply early there.
thank you all for the responses!
Also remember, you are only a legacy if your parents got their AB from Dartmouth. Dartmouth does not include children whose parents are graduates of their grad/business or med school as legacies.