About 70 percent of junior applicants for coveted senior interviewer positions are still searching for summer employment after the Office of Admissions recently awarded half of the available spots to this term's applicants.
Like most years, the new crop of senior interviewers is notable for its diversity.
"We're excited to get applications from students from all backgrounds," said Beth Onofry '02, the senior assistant director of admissions.
Although some of the 25 students in the highly competitive applicant pool have questioned whether minority students are given preference in the hiring process, Onofry denied that the Admissions Office implements quotas but said they look for students who are able to relate to a variety of people.
"We're looking for students who can teach each other and share new perspectives with each other and the office," Onofry said.
She also pointed out that the office seeks out students who have had unique Dartmouth experiences and can effectively relate them to students and parents alike.
The senior interviewer application process includes an interview and a short-answer question on how a Dartmouth class or academic experience has changed the way the applicant thinks.
"We end up with a wonderfully diverse group," Onofry said.
Russell Lane '06, one of the seven accepted applicants, cited his interest in becoming part of the College's selection process as his motivation for applying.
"The overarching reason people become involved is to interact with and have a role in shaping the entering class," Lane said.
Due to modified applicant regulations, Lane and his recently announced colleagues will not comprise the entire senior interviewing corps. In the past, only students off campus during Spring term were allowed to apply during the winter. This year, in order to accommodate students pursuing multiple summer employment options, all interested students were allowed to apply in the winter.
By moving its application decision date in line with that of other employers, the Admissions Office has made the application process more manageable for students.
This choice, while beneficial to students, has created uncertainty within the Admissions Office.
The seven students accepted from this round of applications will make up about half of the full-time summer employees.
"Positions are still open, so we're keeping in mind the highly qualified students who will apply in the spring," Onofry said.
Senior interviewers will play a significant role in the undergraduate application process for the Class of 2010. The interviews give applicants the opportunity to hear about Dartmouth life from a current student. The senior interviewers' evaluations of applicants carry the same weight as comments from an alumni interview in the admissions process.
Kristen Wong '06 is eagerly anticipating her stint this summer interviewing the next pool of Dartmouth hopefuls. "It's a nice way to serve the school and simultaneously represent the school," Wong said.
