<p>I thought that the part of the app. that asks for a recommendation done by a friend was a great idea. I was never really looking at Dartmouth but now I am kind of curious. Do other schools ask for the same thing? I thought it was a great way to break the competition a little and let a friend speak for you even when people are so cut throat.</p>
<p>I really like the peer rec, even though I hear it's not that influential in an admissions decision. I was a bit skeptical about it at first (and I still think they're using it at least in part to weed out the kids who lack social skills :-P), but I've changed my mind. The friend I asked to do mine was really flattered. She spent quite a bit of time on it and I know she had fun with it, was proud of the finished product. After she'd mailed it out she let me read a copy...she did a great job with it, I feel like she really captured who I am. I also think it validates what I said about myself about on the rest of the application. It makes the application a lot more personal. I'm a big fan. I can see a lot of problems arising though - easy to forge, applicants dictating recs to their peers, etc.</p>
<p>As for other schools, I know Williams has one (though it might be optional?), but I've never heard of any other school that wants one.</p>
<p>I heard about the peer rec and I think its awesome. Sure, there are some problems with it, but it is great for showing the human aspect of applicants. LOL I just don't know which one of my friends will write my peer rec next year. I think this will help someone like me b/c I consider myself a good friend, and I'm relatively social compared to many applicants :)</p>
<p>Peer review is definitely different. I'd suggest that you read it before ur friends send them in. I know my friend who did it for me had a lot to say because I love to make people laugh and I also love listening to people so she wrote about stuff like that.</p>