Admitted Students Visit Dartmouth, Meet President-elect

"I would argue that it would be crazy to go to any other institution for your undergraduate education," President-elect Dr. Jim Yong Kim told prospective members of the Class of 2013 in a casual address on Thursday, April 16. The brief speech, followed by a question-and-answer session, marked the beginning of Dimensions of Dartmouth, the annual visitation weekend for admitted students.
Approximately 450 high school seniors came to campus for what Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Maria Laskaris ’84 describes as "a valuable opportunity to get to know the Dartmouth community in a first-hand, interactive way." 

Cameron Crone Bilger '80, Ross Bilger '13, Brent Bilger '80, President-elect Dr. Jim Yong Kim, and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Maria Laskaris '84 share conversation before Kim's address to admitted students at an April 16 Dimensions event. When asked by a prospective student what he thought about living on Webster Avenue, Kim replied, "I think that it's part of my commitment to live in and among the students, so that I know what their lives are like and so that we can work together to continue to craft this experience." (Photo by Joseph Mehling ’69)

Dimensions attendees were among the 2,184 applicants admitted from a pool of 18,130, the largest in the College’s history, and a 10 percent increase over last year’s record. The overall rate of admission this year was 12 percent, down from 13.5 percent for the Class of 2012.

Over the course of two and a half days, admitted students learn more about the Dartmouth experience. They meet with faculty and students, attend classes, stay in residence halls with undergraduate hosts, watch student performances, and explore the campus.

To kick off the weekend, Kim spoke about why he chose Dartmouth, citing the union of excellent teaching, a strong social network, and a beautiful natural environment as the perfect combination for "the greatest undergraduate experience you can imagine." His enthusiasm for the College was evident as he spoke fondly of his meetings with alumni and exhorted potential ’13s to come to Dartmouth.

"You will be my first class. It will mean a lot to me for you to join me, and I will be very upset if you decide to go somewhere else!" he said, drawing laughter from the crowd. Dr. Kim takes office as Dartmouth’s 17th president July 1, 2009.

Prospective students commented on Kim’s warmth and candor. "He’s more frank than I expected with his answers," said Jennifer Lore of Potomac, Md. "I was surprised by how open he was to us and how excited he was to come to Dartmouth." 

Parents of prospective students were also encouraged by Kim’s words. "I was extremely impressed," said Laurie Garfinkel of Westfield, N.J., whose daughter Amanda is interested in medicine and social justice. "To hear him speaking about [global health issues] was very inspiring."

"This is a very exciting time at the College," says Laskaris. "We hope that admitted students visiting during the Dimensions program will have a greater understanding of the significant opportunities for all facets of their Dartmouth education."

For William Hernandez of Brooklyn, N.Y., attending Dimensions proved worthwhile. Hernandez said, "I’m deciding between here and Georgetown, but I’m leaning more toward Dartmouth. It has a great atmosphere."

By SARAH MAXELL CROSBY ’04