Alumni Recruiting and Outreach: Most alumni support of the admissions process is led by the district enrollment directors and local clubs. Admissions officers made an effort to meet with alumni during their fall travel to conduct workshops on admissions and interviewing. They are also working with Alumni Relations to find other ways to conduct admissions workshops. The interviewer Web site is being updated. 

Committee Action Items: Alumni can best support the Admissions Office by conducting candidate interviews and follow-up communications, including delivering T-shirts to accepted candidates and hosting receptions. For 2009, the committee intends to:

  • Work with Admissions to develop new alumni interviewer training tools
  • Work with classes to recruit and train interviewers
  • Work with affiliated groups to recruit and train interviewers
  • Design a program for clubs to promote applications and visits to Hanover by economically disadvantaged candidates

Admissions officers traveled extensively this fall to meet guidance counselors and prospective applicants. Efforts were made to focus on underrepresented groups, including bringing talented students to Hanover to visit the College. The financial aid initiatives of 2007 are having a positive impact on recruiting economically disadvantaged candidates. The population of African American students at Dartmouth compares favorably to our peers. While Dartmouth has lagged in Asian American applicants, dramatic progress has been made over the past decade. There was a significant rise in the number of female applicants for early decision, and they comprise the majority of the pool. College budget cuts in light of the current economy, however, will challenge the Admission Office’s resources to continue these efforts.