Peer Evaluation
Frequently Asked Questions about the Peer Evaluation
Answers
Why does Dartmouth ask for a Peer Evaluation with the application? Whom can I ask to write my Peer Evaluation?
The Peer Evaluation is a great way for those who read your application to better understand who you are and what other people appreciate about you. Your Peer Evaluation may be submitted by anyone whom you consider to be a "peer" (this should not be a letter from someone who is "an adult presence" in your life).
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Who should write my Peer Reference?
The author of your peer reference should be, literally, a peer. Beyond that, there are no rules. It might be a friend from school, a team on which you play, a club to which you belong, from your neighborhood, from camp, from your community of faith, from a summer program you attended or an internship or job you have or had; it could even be a cousin or sibling. The specific nature of your connection to the author isn't as important as his/her ability to provide insight into your interests and your character.
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Is it okay if a relative writes my Peer Reference?
Yes. For example, I recently read an application that contained a peer reference from a close sibling. Remember, it is a peer reference; if you're thinking about a relative make sure it is someone close to you who knows you well.
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My peer recommender does not speak English as her first language. Will you judge my application based on her writing?
No. We'll evaluate your candidacy based on many factors, including what we learn from your references.
Choosing a peer who does not speak English as a first language or who may not be a highly accomplished writer won't reflect poorly on your candidacy. However, you do want to be sure that the person who writes your peer evaluation can write at a level that will allow her to clearly express the strengths and qualities that you have to share with others. If she can do that, then having her write the peer recommendation will be fine.
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I want my best friend to write my Peer Recommendation, but she is also applying to Dartmouth. Is it okay for her to write it?
The "Dartmouth Peer Recommendation" is a letter written from someone who knows you well. Peer recommendations can be written by siblings, best friends, boyfriends, co-workers, teammates, pen-pals, etc. If your friend is applying to Dartmouth and he/she is the person who can write the best peer recommendation, then you should let him/her write the letter. In a similar way, some current Dartmouth students will write recommendations for students from their hometown or siblings who are applying.
The bottom line is that we don't care who writes the recommendation, as long as this person is able to provide us with context about who you are, and what you could bring to a college community.
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