Vice Provost for Enrollment & Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid
About
Students think of a "Dean" as the signature on a decision letter, someone like the Wizard of Oz: an idea more than a person. Well, here I am, emerging from behind the proverbial curtain! My insights are informed by my background: I was a first generation college student and need-based financial aid opened my door to opportunity. I attended a large high school that sent few to selective colleges. Advice was thin. I was largely on my own. My blog helps me reach those of you in a similar place.
Academic Program
B.A. History, Ed.M. Administration, Planning & Social Policy
Favorite Thing Right Now
Broadway HD, dog walks, creative banana bread and pasta recipes, Schitt's Creek, The Daily, Mobituaries with Mo Rocca, Hacks On Tap, daffodils
Ready or not, the Candidates’ Reply Date has snuck up on us. It’s time to call the question: where will you enroll?
As I chatted with seniors (and their parents) over the last few weeks, most reported “the choice” was narrowed to two or three options. “How do I pick?” was a frequent refrain. It’s a fair question, and I’m guessing those whose enrollment remains “pending” at this late hour are wondering the same thing as the clock winds down to May 1.
In this understandable enrollment tug-o-war between your head and your heart, it’s time to follow your heart. You know what you want if you listen to your instincts. My best advice for the moment you face: don’t overthink it. Trust yourself.
As a college applicant, you’ve spent the last year in analytical mode. You’ve assessed and studied the various colleges and universities on your list. Any detail about a college that could be measured has been measured. (Trust me on this one.) I’d argue that a college shouldn’t be among your final options if it lacks the academic programs, faculty, resources and opportunities you seek.
Similarly, if affordability is your determining factor, the numbers you need to make an informed decision should be known to you. But if these numbers are fuzzy, CALL THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE and ask for their guidance on this matter. Affording your undergraduate experience is a paramount question so this piece of data deserves your full attention over the next 36 hours.
But if the question of affordability has been answered, you have all the data you can collect.
Enter your heart. The emotional element of your college search counts, too, maybe now more than at any other moment in this journey of discovery. The analysis of facts and figures guided you to this penultimate moment of choice; your “pros and cons” list only gets you so far. Your heart whispers: “Can I see myself here?” It’s counseling you to imagine institutional fit, to own the place and the experience it offers. What’s the vibe? Does it feel comfortable to you? Will you thrive in its environment? Can you imagine yourself being happy?
Those are not insignificant questions. Each is deeply personal, and that’s why it feels challenging. Remember, there is not a correct or incorrect decision, just the one you make for yourself. Own your instinct. Be true to what’s important to you.
What’s your inner voice advising you to do? Listen to it as you reach the finish line of your college search. And—wherever it leads you—please share your news with us by 11:59PM on May 1. Good luck!
Looking back on my college search process, I remember really wanting to meet students to try and get a sense of the school's culture. To help you guys out, I decided to interview a couple '24s to help you guys get a sense of Dartmouth!
We so very wish you could step onto Dartmouth's campus yourself to witness the beauty of our winters live, but COVID-19 has made visiting campuses extremely difficult. I would love to share some of my favorite photos from this past snowy week!
International students like me are no strangers to choosing their College without being able to physically visit. Now, I believe everyone is in that situation, and I decided to gather some thoughts on my choice!
If you haven't heard, this year's application deadline has been extended from February 1, 2021, to March 1, 2021. Read on to hear about my application process!
The college search is a daunting process. Where does one even begin? How does one navigate this sea of webinars, virtual tours, and student panels? Read on for some tips!
A school had to meet three criteria for me to consider it a "good fit": academics, location, and community. After researching about Dartmouth and visiting the campus, I realized that this school was not a good fit for me-- it was a perfect fit.
I sat down with Ali Duke, Assistant Director of Admissions, to ask her some questions about the alumni interview process at Dartmouth. Read on to learn more!
In the spirit of being another term closer to finally going back to Dartmouth, I thought I would talk about a few things this term that have still felt distinctively Dartmouth, even though I'm thousands of miles away.
I remember the first time I got really excited about Dartmouth—it was late 2018, right in the midst of college application season, and I had just gotten a fresh edition of 3D, Dartmouth's undergraduate admissions magazine, in the mail.
