<p>I was sooo happy I got accepted and I know all the good things about Dartmouth, but lately, people have been telling me some bad stuff about Dartmouth, saying it's overrated, people get to cliquey, and that it's not that well known outside of New England.
Can someone shed some more light on this?</p>
<p>Dartmouth is known well enough in NYC financial circles, among grad school admissions officers, and certainly among educated Americans such as those who frequent College Confidential.</p>
<p>My son is well-adjusted and friendly, but was not Mr. Popularity in high school. He has not complained about cliques at Dartmouth, and was accepted into a fraternity. Although many students do come from money (and prep schools), we're middle middle class and this hasn't been a problem either.</p>
<p>I understand you concern completely. When I was accepted and in the process of picking colleges, there were threads of racism, cliques, etc. at different college. All I can say is that this does not apply to Dartmouth. I do know some schools (not from personal experience, but now that my high school friends are there) that are racist in SOME circles and very cliquey at other times, in terms of race, but I really, really have not seen that here. </p>
<p>If it's any consolation, I'm asian and I have friends from all backgrounds, colors, w/e. (And it's not a disproportionate amt either. Ha)</p>
<p>I'm also afraid of cliques. I come from a lower middle class family who lives in a predominatly black neighborhood in the outskirts of the city (I go to a mixed school across town though) and I am nervous that I won't have anyone to relate to. I get along with people easily and have a diverse group of friends, but Dartmouth is an entirely different extreme from both my neighborhood and my school demographics.</p>
<p>Cliques are truly nonexistent at Dartmouth for the most part.</p>
<p>Dartmouth is actually a lot less cliquey than most schools. You'll find your place.</p>
<p>You should go to Dimensions and find out how you feel when you are there. If Dartmouth is right for you, you will know after being there for a few days.</p>
<p>My son has found Dartmouth to be a very open place. There is a large international population and he has many friends who are from many different backgrounds and he loves this. There has been a concerted effort over the last five years to increase the numbers of diverse students and it has worked. The constant among the kids are the high academic standards and the fact that they gravitate to students with developed interests and passions, that more then what school/state/demo group/country is what brings the kids together. I am sure there are some beer pong games and other activities they don't always report that bring them together too- but on balance he has found it to be a very tolerant place.</p>
<p>Thanks Cllgemom, that's exactly what I've been talking about in terms of the international students.</p>