<p>So... I was accepted to both Yale and Dartmouth RD and I need to choose. I'm leaning Yale at the moment for the student body, intellectual atmosphere, and I just felt like it was a good fit when I visited. The thing is I also like Dartmouth's focus on undergraduates, setting, and I could also see myself going there. I want to do some combo of poli-sci and econ if possible.</p>
<p>So the question is, should I go to Yale or Dartmouth? Thanks for any feedback.</p>
<p>I’m making the same decision. I’m going to attend Bulldog Days and Dimensions back to back and make my choice based on the two experiences.
I’m leaning towards Yale because it’d be significantly less expensive.</p>
<p>Oh cool I’ll see you at Bulldog Days then! I haven’t decided on going to Dimensions because I’m so strongly favoring Yale at this point. Only going to BD and seeing everyone is a tool (unlikely) would change my mind.</p>
<p>Though Dartmouth is pretty much exclusively focused on undergrads, Yale also is largely focused on undergrads (at least relative to most other schools in the Ivy League). And if you want an intellectual atmosphere, well, look no further than Yale. Said atmosphere certainly exists at Dartmouth… it’s just a little more subdued and pushed aside while the drunken frat boys steal the spotlight ;)</p>
<p>I’ve visited both and decided to not apply to Dartmouth. But I did get into Yale, so I may join you this fall!</p>
<p>You will not feel any, any sense at Yale that it is focused on anything but undergrads. Period.</p>
<p>As to the differences otherwise, you’re talking two big ones, from my perspective:</p>
<ol>
<li>Residential colleges versus dorm or frat.</li>
<li>Small town, really small town that’s a drive from anywhere versus New Haven, which has its good and bad points.</li>
</ol>
<p>I’m in the same boat and have no clue where I’m going to end up.</p>
<p>To add to what Lergnom said, it seems that the general atmosphere of each school is different as well, Yale being more artsy and Dartmouth being a little more sporty/outdoorsy. I’m trying not to pick based on preconceived notions, though, so I’ll probably be basing my decision off of BDD and Dimensions. Btw you should really consider Dimensions. From a few kids I’ve spoken to who go to D, they say that Dimensions was a blast and convinced them to attend. I would advise attending both programs with an open mind and choosing the school that you enjoyed more. Hope this helps, and I’ll see you at BDD!</p>
<p>Unyielding, what specific factors are important to your decision? Have you visited Dartmouth? I have a cousin at D, and I’m headed for Yale, so if you mention some specifics maybe I could share some points :)</p>
<p>@ Thickfreakness: See you there!</p>
<p>OP - what are your academic interests? I’d say it should probably be an easier decision than Yale - Harvard as there are real differences between the two institutions…</p>