Should I Apply?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Dartmouth College
1

<p>So, besides the fact of actually being able to get in, do you think I should take the time to apply?</p>

<p>I have the academic stats (SAT = 2290) to have a chance of being admitted, along with being actively involved in the community, but so do all the other applicants and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if I am denied. But here is my question: should I even apply?</p>

<p>Right now, my college list is very 1 dimensional. I am applying to all of the elite LACs as my first choice schools (Williams, Amherst etc). I am from California so I am applying to the UC system as my back up schools.</p>

<p>My parents and counselors say that I should apply to a big University in case I change my mind about wanting to go to a small LAC. I have visited many big UC schools and Stanford, but I didn't like them too well (even Stanford).</p>

<p>While looking at many prestigious universities, I have considered Rice and Duke, but I've decided that Dartmouth is my favorite because in a lot of ways it is very similar to a LAC.</p>

<p>About me: I consider myself to be athletic (I would likely try to walk-on to an NCAA team at Dartmouth). I am outdoorsy. Also, I'm good at school (obviously, or I wouldn't be considering applying).</p>

<p>If I were to apply, am I applying to Dartmouth for the right reasons? If not, is there another prestigious university that you think might suit me? I have really liked the LACs and not so much big universities, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to apply to one or two just to make my college list more diverse.</p>

<p>-I've added Dartmouth to my commonapp account.. no supplement essay? Why not apply?</p>

2

<p>Seems like Dartmouth is a great option for you based on your preferences. I, too, think of Dartmouth College as a large LAC.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the quick reply!</p>

4

<p>Definitely apply. UC schools are a crap shoot, since they do not look at recommendations and they’re trying to cover the budget shortfalls by accepting more out-of-state and foreign students who are willing to pay extra. D was accepted to Dartmouth and Harvard; deferred to spring quarter start at Berkeley. Go figure. Going to Dartmouth was one of the best choices she’s ever made (as much as I would have loved having her just down the hill).</p>

5

<p>@AboutTheSame: Any comments about the drinking culture ?</p>

6

<p>The culture is there, but I remain unconvinced that Dartmouth is really that much different from other schools. D is legal now, but definitely drank (and probably too much on occasion) when she was underage. So did I lo those many years ago at a college that was not known then or now for drinking but I’m not sure there was a heck of lot of difference between it and Dartmouth. Actually, we probably had a lot more drug use. What D has come away with is a pronounced distaste for binge/excessive drinking and those who engage in it and lose control. I’m viewing that as a very valuable life lesson. There’s another thread where people have noted that the maturity of the student is an important factor in how s/he might be affected by the Greek system & the prevalence of alcohol. I think that’s true.</p>