My Journey to Dartmouth: An Up-close Look at the Experience of Being Accepted
Being accepted to Dartmouth College is often described as a significant achievement and an exciting moment for students. Here are some aspects commonly associated with the experience, as told through the story of one student's journey.
Celebration and Joy
For many students, receiving an acceptance letter from Dartmouth is typically met with celebration. It is the culmination of hard work, dedication, and effort throughout high school. Being accepted brings a sense of pride and validation, knowing that they have been chosen from a competitive pool to join one of the Ivy League schools.
Prestige and Recognition
Dartmouth is known for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life. This recognition brings a sense of prestige to those who are accepted. The academic challenges, unique traditions, and rich community make it a place where students can thrive both academically and personally.
Anticipation and Excitement
After receiving an acceptance letter, students often feel a mix of excitement and anxiety about the transition to college life. They start thinking about the courses they want to take, the friendships they hope to form, and how they will adapt to this new environment. The anticipation of new opportunities is both thrilling and nerve-wracking.
Community and Fit
Dartmouth emphasizes a close-knit community and unique traditions such as the Dartmouth Outing Club. Accepted students often reflect on whether they will feel they will fit into this environment. The tight-knit community and shared experiences contribute to a sense of belonging and support.
Financial Considerations
For many students, the financial aid package received alongside the acceptance letter plays a crucial role in their decision-making process. Dartmouth has a commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need, making it accessible to a diverse range of students.
Next Steps and Reflection
Accepted students typically engage with the admissions office, attend admitted student events, and connect with current students and alumni to gain insights into the campus culture and academics. The next step is often a reflection on the journey, from applying to early decision to making important decisions about the future.
Personal Story: April 15, 1969
Thinking back to my own experience, I remember receiving the acceptance letter on April 15, 1969. The Cubs were contending in the NL East, and I was preparing for AP tests. The envelope was critical—a thin one, no enclosures, which was a clear indication of acceptance.
Mom's hands were trembling as she opened the letter. She had mentioned that the acceptance letters used to come in thick envelopes with matriculation data; now, it was just a thin envelope for rejection. This made the moment even more significant. I was at school when the letter arrived, and Dartmouth had been my first choice. I had applied Early Decision but been deferred. This deferral had perhaps given me some time to think, but the only other acceptance came in from Cornell, so I had to accept.
Feeling relieved, I also knew it would offer a draft deferral for four years, which meant no Marine Corps enlistment. Dartmouth had a program to take top high-school students and give them officer's training.
Being accepted to Dartmouth was a moment filled with excitement, pride, and the anticipation of new opportunities. The sense of being inducted into a special brotherhood, symbolized by 'Keggy the Keg,' is something no one can forget. Days like this leave an indelible mark on your life.