Hey guys, I recently got a package from Dartmouth encouraging me to apply. They said that they marked me as an “honorary program participant” due to the strength of my STEM Exploration application, but I was not accepted into the program. I received a fee waiver. The package consisted of a cookie, various fliers, a letter hand-signed by an admissions officer, etc. I was wondering how many of you received this package? From the letter that they sent me, I got the impression they were really watching out for my application. Do you know of anyone who received this package from previous years?
My daughter received as well today.
My daughter got it too. We’re scared to eat the cookie; it traveled a long way to get here 
I just got it today myself :D. Anyone know if this is a good indicator of chances of getting in?
I participated in Dartmouth Bound this summer and one of the questions we constantly asked the admission counselors was how the program affected our chances. They repeatedly told us that when looking at applications they see all of the different interactions we have had with the university, so they will see that they have mailed you packages (or in my case that I attended Bound), but it does not make a big impact on your app. I would say that it means you’re a strong applicant, but it does not indicate that you are guaranteed admissions. They are still going to take a holistic look at your application, so I still strongly advise making sure your application is A1. And congrats on the package! Dartmouth is a great institution and the admissions team there is stellar!!=
I also received this package. Thank you @dinolove for the insight about the program.
May I ask if you guys who received this STEM package had any major awards? I am quite surprised by how Dartmouth pay extra attention to STEM students. BTW, I am an international and applied for engineering physics.
@CC142857 it was not just for students who applied with a STEM major (I applied for Biology and Biophysical Chemistry); it was for student who were rejected from the STEM exploration program at Dartmouth in October, but still had strong applications. The program was only for domestic students.
@futureco2020 Cool thanks for explanation.