The Admissions Office recently sent more than 300 letters to "exceptional" applicants advising them that they are likely to be accepted to the College in April -- a standard practice for Dartmouth but one that has consistently been clouded in mystery for many students and a topic for controversy for some others.
According to Dean of Admissions Karl Furstenberg, the letters are sent annually to "students who emerge as very strong candidates" in the admissions process.
"Most of this has to do with academic accomplishments," Furstenberg said. However, he did point out that test scores, recommendations and extracurricular activities are also considered.
"It's really for students who are outstanding for whatever reason. It's based on a full rating of their application," he said, adding that the Admissions Office looks for "excellence in both dimensions."
Although these letters merely suggest that certain applicants are "likely" to be admitted, Furstenberg told The Dartmouth these letters usually ensure acceptance. For the 10 years that the policy has been in practice, only two students have been refused admission after receiving such letters.
"It is only done when there is a dramatic change in that person's performance," Furstenberg said, citing academic achievement and behavioral conduct as two probable indicators of such a change.
One of Furstenberg's reasons for sending the letters is to ease the minds of apprehensive high school seniors.
"People who receive the letters are grateful to know that they already have a great option," he said. "At a human level it's a very nice thing to do."
In addition, Furstenberg said the letters benefit not only the applicants but the College itself.
"These are candidates who will probably get into every college they apply to," Furstenberg said. "Sometimes, because of our location, people do not get a chance to visit."
Furstenberg said giving students more time to look seriously at Dartmouth makes it possible for them to plan trips to Hanover.
"And whenever people visit they almost always leave with a positive impression," he pointed out.
Furstenberg further added that the letters may increase matriculation rates for targeted students.
"My strong sense is that it does help a little bit," he said.
Student opinion is mixed on this issue, however.
Chris Lally '03 said rather than enhancing his feelings toward the College, the letter increased his confidence about his prospects of admission to schools from which he had not yet heard.
"It didn't really make me think better of Dartmouth, it just made me think better of my chances," he said.
Although Agnes Chan '03 was relieved to receive her letter of in February of last year, she thought the policy may promote anxiety among students who do not receive them.
"It's not fair to those people who haven't gotten the letters," she said.
William Young '03 views the policy in a more positive light, but said his own letter did not significantly affect his decision to attend the College. He did, however, appreciate the gesture.
"I think it is a good idea for the college to send out the letters ahead of time so that exceptional students, especially those with Dartmouth as their first choice school, can feel more confident about themselves, gain a bit of relief and go through the rest of senior year with less pressure," he said.
At present, Dartmouth is one of three Ivy League schools, together with Yale and Cornell Universities, who send out letters of likely admission before the common acceptance date on April 1.
"We were definitely the first to do it, but in recent years the other schools have started to do it more," Furstenberg said.
