Dartmouth or Princeton Undergrad?

Hi everyone,

I'm currently a senior trying to decide whether to apply to Dartmouth or Princeton early decision for undergrad. I really like both schools a lot, virtually equally, so my decision now basically comes down to OCR, internships, academics, and job prospects. I know both schools are very strong for Wall Street placement, and are magnets for Bulge Bracket firms; but I'd like to know how is PE/HF recruiting at Dartmouth (I know these firms only recruit at very few schools for undergrad, and I know Bridgewater comes to Dartmouth, but how does its OCR pan out for other firms)?

When it comes to fit, I feel like I'd be a good fit for both Dartmouth and Princeton, but the outdoorsy vibe of Dartmouth really appeals to me as well.

Also, I know Princeton is the school with more "prestige," but will I be missing out on any opportunities if I go to Dartmouth instead? How do their academics compare, especially for the econ major?

Before anyone suggests Wharton Penn, I am not considering it early because I really don't want to go to college in a city; I prefer the suburban/rural campus feel of Princeton and Dartmouth.

Lastly, could anyone chance me for either school, based on my stats? Which school gives me a better chance of getting in early (I know Dartmouth has the higher acceptance rate, but do my extracurriculars and other factors make a difference, especially for Princeton?)

I have:
-SAT: 1590
-GPA: 4.47/5.33 Weighted
-SAT Math II: 800
-Started two clubs at my HS: Wounded Warrior Project chapter and Young Americans for Freedom chapter
-Developed portfolio optimization algorithm in MATLAB for a stock trading competition for my school's business club
-Published a paper on option pricing with a university professor
-Internationally volunteered to teach robotics in a school in India
-Prolific guitarist in world fusion and metal styles; I've performed in many countries, and am currently working on releasing an album (I have two songs ready for the arts supplement for either school; also Idk if this is worth mentioning anywhere but the drummer on my album is a grammy winner; does this help with apps?)

Thanks!

 

I don't know a lot about Dartmouth, but I do know that their alumni network is ridiculously close. However I've heard the same for Princeton. That being said, grade deflation at Princeton is very real. And so if all else is equal and you're solely looking to choose based on your potential to win offers, your GPA will probably be higher at Dartmouth.

 

princeton stopped their extreme deflation recently. also, dartmouth econ is pretty hard as well and certainly not a cake-walk gpa-wise. I would def not factor projected gpa into this decision. Ivy league kids with 3.5s get good looks wherever.

 
Most Helpful

I've worked with people from Princeton in my job and their network is just absolutely unreal. I don't have experience with Dartmouth but it could be the same thing. Great choice to have.

Be excellent to each other, and party on, dudes.
 

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